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.

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.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Can I Use the Internet?

Categorizing for Review

Interrupted Case Study in Material Engineering

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

Problem Set Using Lightboard Video Recordings

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Momentum Photoproject

Home Wiring

Interacting Objects

Problem Sorting

Problem Sorting Review