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.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Physics Worksheet Based Activity

The aim of the activity is the application of concepts and math to solve complex problems.

Low Stakes Debate

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Group Problem Solving with Show and Tell

Students learn to build a conceptual model describing a Mechanics-based situation and practice mathematical problem-solving.

Model Building

Students learn to build a conceptual model describing a situation involving an accelerating charged particle.

Gender Socialization throughout the Life Course

Students complete a grid that illustrates different life periods that reinforce gender narratives.

Solving World Issues: One Smartphone at a Time

The purpose of this activity is to familiarize students with the potential of online tools for problem-solving.

Schools of Thought in Psychology

Building Effective Teams

The Matching Game

Students use a matching game to pair chemical compounds and their characteristics using a set of question cards.

The Right Tool for the Right Job

This activity encourages students to consider the nature of a chemistry problem and to identify the tools to solve it.

If You’re Not Part of the Solution You’re Part of the Precipitate

Action-Learning Sets

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

Ctrl + Alt + Del: PTSD and Neuroplasticity

Defining a Definition

In this single-class activity, students practice problem-solving related to definitions.

Bottle Rocket Tracker

Using video and Tracker software, students learn to analyze and fit equations of motion to raw data.

Dart Gun Velocity

In this activity, students will find the muzzle velocity of a foam dart gun and predict its maximum range.

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Elemental Superhero