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.

Sensation and Perception Lab

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

More Than One Way to Cook an Egg: Exploring Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Teams explore Gardner's Theory, present one component, summarize presentation content, and conduct a self-assessment.

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

Can I Use the Internet?

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

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

Kinematics Concept Mapping

Reflective Writing On Waves

What is Torque?

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Explosives Detective

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution

Home Wiring

Problem Sorting Review

Newton’s Third Law