Active Learning Activities

Finding Catharsis in Film and Media

Students analyze a film or piece of media watched in the course using two concepts: climax and catharsis.

Dragon’s Den – Brain Exploration Techniques

Students engage in a gamified activity mimicking the popular tv show the Dragon's Den.

Group Work Project Contracting

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

Two-stage Testing for Second-year Math Students

Students are given four 2-stage tests throughout a semester; 1st stage written individually, 2nd students work in groups.

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.

Decoding Decimal, Binary & Octal: Number System Adventures

In teams, students explore the binary number system and create parameters for an octal number system.

Sensation and Perception Lab

The lab explores the senses of taste, smell, touch, proprioception and vision.

Who Are You? A Multidimensional Examination of Self-Concept

Students investigate their self-concept, compare it to a classmate, assess differences between self- and social perception.

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Preparation for Future Learning: Electric Flux

An Abundance of Bells

Two Stage Quiz

This activity gives the students the opportunity to talk about the concepts seen in class and to discuss with their peers.

Solving World Issues One Smartphone at a Time

Schools of Thought in Psychology

In-Class Think Pieces: Course Pack

Reflective Reading on Islam

Students use homework questions to prompt a deeper engagement with the reading material to generate better class discussion.

Two Stage Calculus Quiz

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

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise

Museum Tour

Engineering Physics IF-AT

Dark Lords IF-AT

Kinematics Concept Mapping