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.

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.

Cross-Disciplinary Synergy 101: Uniting Expertise for Success

In teams, students interact, share information on their profession, and create cases where each discipline is needed

Rough Draft Workshop: Group Peer Assessment Jigsaw Activity for Case Study or Procedural Writing

Students bring a rough draft of a written group project for peer evaluation and feedback

Communicable Puzzles: Children’s Most Common Infectious Diseases

Using the Jigsaw strategy, students become an “expert” for one communicable disease through self-directed research.

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Can I Use the Internet?

Low Stakes Debate

Interrupted Case Study in Material Engineering

Projet Specific: Webzine

Harvard Implicit Bias Test

Three-Tiered Writing

Cercles de Lecture (Reading Circles)

Rhetorical Strategies

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

Having Students Read and Apply Essay Feedback

Jigsaw Geography Presentation

Ctrl + Alt + Del: PTSD and Neuroplasticity

Organic Food vs GMOs

Protein Separation

Homeostasis: Mapping the Endocrine System