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Active Learning
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Activities to foster active learning for your students, which can be conducted in and out of the classroom.

Supporting biology faculty in their efforts to make introductory courses more active and student-centered is critical to improving undergraduate biological education. 'Active-learning' can broadly be described as strategies and techniques in which students are engaged in their own learning, and is typically characterized by the utilization of 'higher order' critical thinking skills. The use of these techniques is critical to biological education because of their powerful impact on students' learning and development of scientific professional skills.

Active-learning strategies are highly valued because they have been shown to:

  • Help make content relevant
  • Be particulary adept at addressing common misconceptions
  • Help students to think about their own learning (metacognition)
  • Promote meaningful learning of content by emphasizing application
  • Foster student interest in science

The following types of activities can be used as in-class or out-of-class activities.

  • Guided Collaborative Learning Activities - complete, flexible exercises ready to incorporate into your course. Includes assignable pre- and post activity exercises as well as a robust instructor resource guide. Each Guided Activity contains the following components:
    •Instructor support - outlines the goals for the activity and provides valuable teaching tips.
    •Scenario - the case study or situation that the exercise will be based on.
    •Pre-Activity - assignable worksheet to prepare students for the exercise. (optional)
    •Activity - in-class exercises that will guide student discussions and allow for recording of collaborative answers.
    •Post-Activity - assignable worksheet to follow up on the in-class exercise. (optional)
    •PowerPoint - slides to help the instructor introduce the activity in class.
  • Data and Graphing Interactives – the interactives allow students to manipulate variables and analyze different aspects of data. Implementation guides help instructors incorporate the interactives as in-class activities and assignable questions in Connect further support the use of the interactives.
  • Clicker Questions - created in PowerPoint to import into your classroom response program.
  • Minute Papers - topics to engage students in critical thinking.
  • Concept Mapping - individual or group focused.

Tips for implementing Active Learning:

Connecting the Concepts—bookwide content

ModuleGuided Collaborative ActivitiesData and Graphing InteractivesMinute PapersClicker QuestionsConcept Mapping
Introduction to BiologyExperimentalDesign_MetaboHerb (90.0K)
Hypothesis_Testing (172.0K)
Introduction to Graphing (132.0K)
Graphing Data (86.0K)
Introduction_to_Biology_minute_papers (92.0K) Introduction_to_Biology_Clicker (167.0K) ConceptMap_ScientificTheory (86.0K)
ChemistryFatty_Acids_Nutrition_and_Health (431.0K)
How_Expensive_Are_You (124.0K)
Molecules in Milk (68.0K)
pH and Buffers (78.0K)
Ocean Acidification (98.0K)
Chemistry_Atoms_Water_minute_papers (90.0K)
Chemistry_Macromolecules_minute_papers (91.0K)
Chemistry_Atoms_and_Water_Clicker (173.0K)
Chemistry_Macromolecules_Clicker (141.0K)
ConceptMap_Biomolecules (111.0K)
ConceptMap_Water_Chemistry (82.0K)
Cell Biology (including Membranes)Organelles_and_Illness (90.0K) Membrane Fluidity (62.0K) Cells_minute_papers (91.0K)
Membranes_minute_papers (98.0K)
Cells_Clicker (139.0K)
Membranes_Clicker (147.0K)
ConceptMap_EukaryoticCellComponents (114.0K)
ConceptMap_TransmembraneProteins (86.0K)
Metabolism & Cell RespirationPlaying_with_Cell_Respiration (69.0K) Enzyme Kinetics (64.0K) Cellular_Respiration_minute_papers (90.0K)
Metabolism_minute_papers (99.0K)
Cellular_Respiration_Clicker (137.0K)
Metabolism_I_Clicker (137.0K)
Metabolism_II_Clicker (140.0K)
ConceptMap_CellRespiration (87.0K)
ConceptMap_Reactions_and_Enzymes (90.0K)
PhotosynthesisMapping_Photosynthesis (183.0K) Photosynthetic Pigments (80.0K) Photosynthesis_minute_papers (92.0K) Photosynthesis_Clicker (134.0K) ConceptMap_Photosynthesis (85.0K)
Cell Communication (including Multicellularity)Cell_Communication_minute_papers (95.0K)
Multicellularity_minute_papers (84.0K)
Cell_Communication_Clicker (178.0K)
Multicellularity_Clicker (134.0K)
ConceptMap_CellCommunication (83.0K)
ConceptMap_MulticellularityCell_Junctions (88.0K)
Mitosis & MeiosisMitosis (112.0K) Regulation of the Cell Cycle (121.0K) Meiosis_minute_papers (93.0K)
Mitosis_minute_papers (94.0K)
Meiosis_Clicker (133.0K)
Mitosis_and_Meiosis_Clicker (160.0K)
Mitosis_Clicker (137.0K)
ConceptMap_CellCycle_and_Mitosis (90.0K)
ConceptMap_Meiosis (87.0K)
Inheritance & ChromosomesGenetic Counseling (131.0K) Variations on Mendelian Inheritance (65.0K) Chromosomes_and_Mapping_minute_papers (105.0K)
Inheritance_minute_papers (94.0K)
Chromosomes_and_Mapping_Clicker (139.0K)
Inheritance_I_Clicker (156.0K)
Inheritance_II_Clicker (177.0K)
ConceptMap_ComplexPatternsOfInheritance (86.0K)
ConceptMap_MendelsModelOfHeredity (88.0K)
DNAAlien_DNA (100.0K) Mutations (74.0K) DNA_minute_papers (103.0K) DNA_Mutations_Clicker (131.0K)
DNA_Structure_and_Replication_Clicker (138.0K)
ConceptMap_DNAReplication (90.0K)
Gene ExpressionGene_Expression_minute_papers (98.0K) Gene_Expression_I_Clicker (140.0K)
Gene_Expression_II_Clicker (141.0K)
ConceptMap_GeneExpression (90.0K)
Gene RegulationGene_Regulation_minute_papers (97.0K) Gene_Regulation_I_Clicker (131.0K)
Gene_Regulation_II_Clicker (141.0K)
ConceptMap_LacOperon (83.0K)
Genetic Technologies & GenomicsCloning (168.0K) DNA Fingerprinting (1101.0K)
Microarrays (72.0K)
Genetic_Technology_minute_papers (102.0K)
Genomics_minute_papers (103.0K)
Genetic_Technology_I_Clicker (131.0K)
Genetic_Technology_II_Clicker (156.0K)
Genome_Evolution_Clicker (109.0K)
Genomics_I_Clicker (133.0K)
Genomics_II_Clicker (130.0K)
ConceptMap_GeneCloning (83.0K)
ConceptMap_GenomeEvolution (68.0K)
ConceptMap_Genomes_and_Proteomes (86.0K)
Development--Cellular & MolecularCellular_Mechanisms_of_Development_minute_papers (92.0K)
Developmental_Genetics_minute_papers (84.0K)
Cellular_Mechanisms_of_Development_Clicker (146.0K)
Developmental_Genetics_Clicker (128.0K)
ConceptMap_DevelopmentalGenetics (85.0K)
ConceptMap_EvolutionOfDevelopment (53.0K)
Genetics of Viruses & BacteriaGentics_of_Viruses_and_Bacteria_minute_papers (85.0K) Genetics_of_Viruses_and_Bacteria_Clicker (135.0K) ConceptMap_Lytic_and_Lysogenic_Cycles (87.0K)
EvolutionScientific_Thinking_and_Evolution (162.0K) Evolution_minute_papers (94.0K) Evolution_Clicker (168.0K) ConceptMap_EvolutionEvidence (87.0K)
Population GeneticsTradeoff_in_Selection (60.0K) Genetic Drift (63.0K)
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (67.0K)
Fitness and Selection (1063.0K)
Population_Genetics_minute_papers (86.0K) Population_Genetics_Clicker (177.0K) ConceptMap_EvolutionaryChange (91.0K)
Evolution--Origin of SpeciesOrigin_of_Species_minute_papers (95.0K) Origin_of_Species_Clicker (134.0K) ConceptMap_OriginOfSpecies (90.0K)
Evolution of DevelopmentEvolution_of_Development_Clicker (109.0K)
Taxonomy & SystematicsInventorying_Biodiversity (157.0K) Phylogenetic Tree of Life (133.0K) Taxonomy_and_Systematics_minute_papers (91.0K) Systematics_and_Taxonomy_Clicker (161.0K) ConceptMap_Systematics (87.0K)
Origins of LifeEarth''s Atmosphere and Life Over Time (90.0K) Origin_of_Life_minute_papers (84.0K) Origin_and_History_of_Life_Clicker (164.0K) ConceptMap_Origin_and_HistoryOfLife (89.0K)
ConceptMap_TreeOfLife (87.0K)
Archaea, Bacteria, & VirusesArchaea_and_Bacteria_minute_papers (89.0K)
Viruses_minute_papers (82.0K)
Archaea_and_Bacteria_Clicker (135.0K)
Viruses_Clicker (129.0K)
ConceptMap_Bacteria (90.0K)
ConceptMap_Lytic_and_Lysogenic_Cycles (87.0K)
ProtistsProtists_minute_papers (87.0K) Protists_Clicker (130.0K) ConceptMap_Protists (87.0K)
Plant DiversityPlant_diversity (155.0K) Seed_Plants_minute_papers (91.0K)
Seedless_Plants_minute_papers (91.0K)
Seed_Plants_Clicker (166.0K)
Seedless_Plants_Clicker (127.0K)
ConceptMap_Plants (87.0K)
FungiLichens (138.0K) Fungi_minute_papers (87.0K) Fungi_Clicker (133.0K) ConceptMap_Fungi (88.0K)
Introduction to Animal DiversityAnimal_Diversity (131.0K) Introduction_to_Animal_Diversity_minute_papers (86.0K) Introduction_to_Animal_Diversity_Clicker (127.0K) ConceptMap_AnimalDiversity (90.0K)
InvertebratesInvertebrates_minute_papers (90.0K) Invertebrates_Clicker (176.0K) ConceptMap_Invertebrates (89.0K)
ConceptMap_Protostomes (89.0K)
VertebratesVertebrates_minute_papers (91.0K) Vertebrates_Clickers (163.0K) ConceptMap_Vertebrates (92.0K)
Plant Form & FunctionPlant_Structure_and_Disease (141.0K) Transpiration in Plants (84.0K) Plant_Form_minute_papers (96.0K)
Plant_Transport_minute_papers (91.0K)
Plant_Form_and_Function_Clicker (144.0K)
Plant_Transport_Clicker (173.0K)
ConceptMap_PlantForm (90.0K)
ConceptMap_WaterTransportPlants (87.0K)
Plant Nutrition & SoilPhytoremediation (84.0K) Plant_Nutrition_and_Soils_minute_papers (87.0K) Plant_Nutrition_and_Soil_Clicker (157.0K) ConceptMap_PlantNutrients (88.0K)
Plant Behavior & DefensePhotoperiodism in Plants (122.0K) Plant_Behavior_minute_papers (92.0K)
Plant_Defense_minute_papers (83.0K)
Plant_Defense_Response_Clicker (127.0K)
Plant_Sensory_Systems_Clicker (152.0K)
ConceptMap_PlantTropisms_and_Hormones (89.0K)
ConceptMap_PlantWoundResponse (85.0K)
Plant ReproductionSeeds_and_fruit (138.0K) Photoperiodism in Plants (122.0K) Plant_Reproduction_minute_papers (98.0K) Plant_Reproduction_Clicker (173.0K) ConceptMap_PlantReproduction (90.0K)
ConceptMap_SeedGermination (88.0K)
Animal Body & HomeostasisHomeostasis (122.0K) Animal_Body_and_Homeostasis_minute_papers (95.0K) Animal_Bodies_and_Homeostasis_I_Clicker (141.0K)
Animal Bodies and Homeostasis II_Clicker (133.0K)
ConceptMap_Homeostasis (79.0K)
ConceptMap_Tissues (89.0K)
Nervous SystemNervous_system (147.0K) Synaptic Integration (121.0K)
Action Potential (220.0K)
Brain vs. Body Mass (68.0K)
Nervous_System_minute_papers (218.0K) Nervous_System_Cells_Clicker (192.0K)
Nervous_System_Evolution_Structure_and_Function_Clicker (158.0K)
ConceptMap_ActionPotential (87.0K)
ConceptMap_NervousSystemOrganization (87.0K)
Sensory SystemSensory_Systems_minute_papers (98.0K) Sensory_Systems_Clicker (199.0K) ConceptMap_SensoryOrganEye (89.0K)
Endocrine SystemEndocrine_Disruption (116.0K) Endocrine_System_minute_papers (93.0K) Endocrine_System_Clicker (193.0K) ConceptMap_BloodGlucoseHomeostasis (87.0K)
Muscular-Skeletal SystemMuscular_System (442.0K) Muscle Fibers (71.0K) Muscular_Skeletal_System_minute_papers (95.0K) Muscular_Skeletal_Systems_Clicker (184.0K) ConceptMap_MuscleContraction (86.0K)
Digestive System & NutritionMetabolism vs. Body Size (66.0K) Digestive_System_and_Nutrition_minute_papers (88.0K)
Energy Balance Metabolic Rate and Body Temperature minute papers (95.0K)
Digestive_System_I_Clicker (156.0K)
Digestive_System_II_Clicker (155.0K)
Energy_Balance_Metabolic_Rate_and_Body_Temperature_Clicker (156.0K)
ConceptMap_Digestion (83.0K)
ConceptMap_Energy_and_Metabolism (84.0K)
Respiratory SystemHemoglobin Binding (98.0K) Respiratory_System_minute_papers (100.0K) Respiratory_Systems_Clicker (203.0K) ConceptMap_BloodpH (85.0K)
Circulatory SystemCirculatory_System (1565.0K) EKG (177.0K) Circulatory_System_minute_papers (105.0K) Circulatory_Systems_I_Clicker (164.0K)
Circulatory_Systems_II_Clicker (150.0K)
ConceptMap_CirculatorySystem (88.0K)
Urinary System & Osmotic BalanceUrinary_System_and_Osmotic_Balance_minute_papers (91.0K) Excretory_Systems_Clicker (160.0K) ConceptMap_Nephron (84.0K)
Immune SystemInfection and Herd Immunity (98.0K) Immune_System_minute_papers (91.0K) Immune_Systems_Clicker (130.0K) ConceptMap_ImmuneSystem (89.0K)
Reproduction & DevelopmentAnimal_Reproduction (206.0K)
Animal_Development (6006.0K)
Menstrual Cycle (89.0K) Reproductive_System_minute_papers (99.0K)
Animal_Development_minute_papers (71.0K)
Reproductive_System_Clicker (176.0K)
Animal_Development_Clicker (163.0K)
ConceptMap_PatternFormation (84.0K)
ConceptMap_Spermatogenesis (82.0K)
Behavioral BiologyKin_Selection (172.0K) Behavioral_Biology_minute_papers (86.0K) Behavioral_Biology_Clicker (150.0K) ConceptMap_BehavioralEcology (90.0K)
Ecology--Populations, Species Interactions & Community EcologyCompetition (138.0K)
Population_Growth (201.0K)
Survivorship Curves (89.0K)
Predator-Prey Relationship (64.0K)
Exponential vs. Logistic Growth (63.0K)
Island Biogeography (65.0K)
Human Population Growth (100.0K)
Community_Ecology_minute_papers (88.0K)
Population_Ecology_minute_papers (87.0K)
Species_Interactions_minute_papers (90.0K)
Community_Ecology_Clicker (127.0K)
Population_Ecology_Clicker (150.0K)
Species_Interactions_Clicker (161.0K)
ConceptMap_CommunityEcology (89.0K)
ConceptMap_PopulationEcology (90.0K)
Ecosystems & The BiosphereGlobal_Warming (156.0K) Terestrial Biomes (88.0K)
Habitat Distribution (128.0K)
Ecological Pyramids (58.0K)
Biomagnification (60.0K)
Atmospheric CO2 Concentration (89.0K)
Carbon Dioxide and Temperature (118.0K)
Temperature Anomalies (76.0K)
Fossil Fuels, Emissions, and CO2 (67.0K)
Ocean Acidification (98.0K)
Ecosystems_minute_papers (89.0K)
The_Biosphere_minute_papers (89.0K)
Ecosystem_Ecology_Clicker (134.0K)
The_Biosphere_Clicker (136.0K)
ConceptMap_Biomes (88.0K)
ConceptMap_Ecosystems (87.0K)
Conservation BiologyConservation_Biology_minute_papers (93.0K) Conservation_Biology_Clicker (147.0K) ConceptMap_ConservationBiology (90.0K)







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