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.

Silent Discussion

Conduct a discussion in your class without students ever speaking a word!

Reimagining the Reading Quiz: Peer Instruction in English

Students do a reading quiz in class and revise their answers after developing and sharing a rationale for their choice.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Preparation for Future Learning: Electric Flux

Low Stakes Debate

Categorizing for Review

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Connotation Exercise: Interview and Presentation

Three-Tiered Writing

Homophones Talent Show

Dictation: Read and Run

Forget the Math! Draw pictures to learn the wave theory of light

Poetic Literary Jeopardy

Ctrl + Alt + Del: PTSD and Neuroplasticity

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Lenz’s Law

Momentum Photoproject

Interacting Objects

Problem Sorting