Active Learning Activities

Two-stage Testing for Second-year Math Students

Students are given four 2-stage tests throughout a semester; 1st stage written individually, 2nd students work in groups.

Put Your Thesis on Trial

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

This Field Day of Mine

This activity takes a look at the environmental impact of mining and the quantification of environmental contaminants.

Sustainability Development Plan (Part 1 and Part 2)

In this activity, students learn to define sustainability and apply this to a single Montreal neighbourhood. 

A Self Introduction to Nomenclature in Chemistry

In this activity, students are presented with the concepts of nomenclature in organic chemistry to encourage self learning.

The Sailing Iguanas: A Mini Case in Speciation

Understanding Agro-Ecosystems by Observing, Writing & Discussing

In this semester-long activity, students visit a farm several times to engage in a critical analysis of that ecosystem.

Mine Ventilation Design

In this semester-long activity, students design and analyze mine ventilation systems as well as problem-solving skills.

Museum Tour

In this version of a gallery walk, students create mind maps, showcase them in the class, and peer-review each other's work.

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise

Do You Know Your Stereochemistry?

Students collaborate and learn from each other on how to interpret molecules in 3D based on molecular drawings.

The Ideal Classroom

Geography Video Test

The aim of this project is to get students thinking about facts and concepts related to rivers in the field (in real life!).

Concept Map: Furniture Design Time Ripple

Engineering Poster Presentations with Peer Assessment

Experimental Design in Neurobiology

Dark Lords IF-AT

What is Torque?

In this activity, students complete a reflective writing on torque, as well as peer review each others work.

Reflective Writing On Waves

Explosives Detective

Cycles of Matter

Students are assigned to groups and presented with a take-home reading assignment on the transformation of matter and energy.

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution

Newton’s Third Law