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.

Find Someone Who… An Icebreaker With Purpose

In this activity, students try to find someone for each list item. Items highlight key issues explored in the course.

Evolution of Sexual Reproduction: Construct a Species

Students construct a fictional animal species by selecting traits related to sexual reproduction.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

PharmaPuzzle Relay Race: Match the Meds and Win!

In this fast-paced relay, teams match categories of information to finish first and win the game

Family Matters : Inclusive Genetics Pedigree

In teams, students will build a pedigree chart and determine inheritance patterns using inclusive pedigree practices.

It’s All in the Delivery: 6 Rounds to Effective Presentation

Groups of students orally present a poem six times, focusing on six key aspect of effective oral presentations

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

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

An Abundance of Bells

Two Stage Quiz

Yeas and Nays: Using Smartphones for Gathering Data

Building Effective Teams

Rock Paper Scissors Lizard

Projects on Junot Diaz: “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao”

Why Health & Safety is Essential to Recreation Leadership

Poetic Literary Jeopardy

National Building Code Jeopardy

Concept Map: Furniture Design Time Ripple

Peer Review Calibration and Constructive Feedback Workshop

Experimental Design in Neurobiology