Active Learning Activities

Group Work Project Contracting

For instructors planning student group work projects over many weeks or months.

Put Your Theory on Trial

Scaffolded debate that explores the nuances of a belief that the teacher has introduced.

Running on Water: Activating Prior Knowledge of Static Equilibrium

Students watch, discuss, then analyze the veracity of a video in which hydrophobic shoes allow people to run on water.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

A first class ice-breaker activity introducing the nature of science.

To Pass or Not to Pass: Acting out Membrane Transport

Aim of the activity is to increase students’ understanding of molecules’ movement through the cell membrane.

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Can I Use the Internet?

Preparation for Future Learning: Electric Flux

Interrupted Case Study in Material Engineering

Forget the Math! Draw Pictures to Learn the Wave Theory of Light

Engineering Poster Presentations with Peer Assessment

Problem Set Using Lightboard Video Recordings

Piece of Paper Question

Kinematics Concept Mapping

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Explosives Detective

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution

Momentum Photoproject

Home Wiring

Problem Sorting

Problem Sorting Review