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.

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?

Categorizing for Review

Connotation Exercise: Interview and Presentation

Three-Tiered Writing

Homophones Talent Show

Cercles de Lecture (Reading Circles)

Rhetorical Strategies

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

Organic Chemistry Flipped Classroom

Stereochemistry Activity

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Limestone Rescue

Explosives Detective

Momentum Photoproject