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.

Sensation and Perception Lab

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

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Low Stakes Debate

Connotation Exercise: Interview and Presentation

Solving World Issues One Smartphone at a Time

Bringing Context to Life: Annotating Research for Reading Novels

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

Ctrl + Alt + Del: PTSD and Neuroplasticity

Concept Map: Furniture Design Time Ripple

The Ideal Classroom

Kinematics Concept Mapping

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Momentum Photoproject

Problem Sorting

Problem Sorting Review