Using PhET simulations in a large lecture class – The Photoelectric Effect part of Library:PhET Interactive Science Simulations:Examples
This activity provides a complete curriculum for teaching the photoelectric effect using the PhET Photoelectric Effect simulation in a large-lecture modern physics course. It includes links to powerpoint slides for two to three 50-minute lectures using Peer Instruction with clickers, and one homework assignment suitable for an online homework system. Research has demonstrated that students in classes using this curriculum have a better understanding of the photoelectric effect than students in classes using traditional instruction supplemented by a computerized tutor.

Models of the Hydrogen Atom part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
In this interactive lecture, models of the hydrogen atom are explored using an online Java applet. The exploration leads to qualitative and quantitative analysis of energy transitions.

Rutherford's Model of the Atom part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
Students are asked think-pair-share questions to predict the interaction of alpha particles fired toward the nucleus of an atom. An online applet is used to illustrate the interaction and test students' ideas for the causes of the interaction. This activity uses a resource in the comPADRE partner collection.

Modeling emf, Potential Difference, and Internal Resistance part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
Through class discussion and think-pair-share questions, this activity helps students come to understand the difference between emf and potential difference in electrical circuits. These concepts are broached within the context of internal resistance of batteries.

Will the egg break? part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
This is a discrepant event that can be used to help students understand applications of the momentum-impulse theorem. Students are first asked to predict and hypothesize what will happen when an egg is thrown into ...

Learning to Think about Gravity II: Aristotle to Einstein part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
The purpose of this exercise is to learn how to think about gravity, learn about scientific methodology, and transition from the Aristotelian to Newtonian to Einsteinian understanding of gravity.

Concept Questions for the Photoelectric Effect with Interactive Simulation part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
These are interactive lecture-demonstration questions probe student understanding of fundamental concepts in the photoelectric effect.

Interactive Lecture Questions for Single Slit Diffraction part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
This is a set of interactive lecture demonstration questions designed to probe student understanding of single-slit diffraction.

Motion Concepts: Displacement, velocity, & acceleration graphs part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
These concept test questions target typical student difficulties related to graphs of motion

Measuring voltage and current in a DC circuit part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
These exercises target student misconceptions about how to properly measure voltage and current in simple DC circuits by letting them investigate different meter arrangements without fear of damaging equipment. These activities also are designed to lead to other investigations about simple DC circuits.

The Transformer: Simulation Lecture Demo part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
The activity presents an interactive lecture demonstration of the operation of a transformer using a simulation.

Order It Up! part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
A think-pair-share activity which involves putting solar system bodies in order based on various statistics: escape velocity, distance from the sun, mass, etc.

Learning to Think about Gravity: Newtons's Theory part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
The purpose of this exercise is to learn how to think about gravity, learn about scientific methodology, and transition from the Aristotelian to the Newtonian understanding of gravity.

Helping Students Discover Total Internal Reflection part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
Students learn the basic relationship of Snell's Law, practice applying it to a situation, then are given another situation where it "doesn't work."??? This situation turns out to be one in which total internal reflection occurs. Students are then shown what happens with classroom apparatus.

Science on a Skateboard - Applications of Newton's Third Law part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
A think, pair, share activity with Socratic questioning to help students begin to understand rocket propulsion.

Projectile and Satellite Orbits part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
Gravitation introductory activity with interesting animation. The activity allows the student to revile the connection between the initial speed and the shape of satellite orbit.

Work: pre, during and post class questions part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
This series of questions before instruction, in-class peer instruction, and post-instruction allow students to iterate and improve their understanding of work incrementally.

Think-Pair-Share Analysis of the Operation of a Metal Detector part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
The activity presents a Think-Pair-Share analysis of a metal detector including a simulation.

Combined Series and Parallel Circuits: Interactive Lecture Demonstrations part of Library:Interactive Lectures:Examples
Three in-class lecture demonstration questions to test and build understanding of DC circuits are presented. These questions cover simple series and parallel circuits, and a more complicated circuit that is fundamental for understanding this topic.