Active Learning Activities

Group Work Project Contracting

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

Electron Odyssey: Journey through the Mitochondria’s Electron Transport Chain

Students play the roles of protein complexes to see how electrons, protons, and energy moves through the ETC to produce ATP.

Put Your Theory on Trial

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

Silent Discussion

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

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Feeling Feverish: Homeostasis of Pyrexia

Can I Use the Internet?

Low Stakes Debate

Projet Specific: Webzine

Three-Tiered Writing

Let’s Role Play the French Revolution!

Reflective Reading on Islam

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

Pratique d’écriture

Cercles de Lecture (Reading Circles)

The Sailing Iguanas: A Mini Case in Speciation

Rhetorical Strategies

Putting the “You” in Education: Using Self-reflections for Learning

Having Students Read and Apply Essay Feedback

Ctrl + Alt + Del: PTSD and Neuroplasticity

Organic Food vs GMOs

Protein Separation

Homeostasis: Mapping the Endocrine System

Reflective Writing On Waves