Physical Chemistry is often viewed by students as one of the most challenging and abstract courses in the chemistry curriculum. Its mathematical complexity and cognitive demands can unintentionally position students as passive listeners rather than active learners. This session presents a redesigned Physical Chemistry course that integrates structured post-lecture collaborative worksheets based on evidence-based practices gleaned through the Physical Science and Engineering FLC in the MAGIC STEM program. 

As students increasingly use AI tools, the need to design STEM classrooms that sustain meaningful human interaction, critical thinking, and collaborative knowledge building has become necessary. This session examines how the presented activities intentionally keep the “humans in the loop” through peer dialogue and shared reasoning while strengthening conceptual understanding and students’ sense of belonging in a high-anxiety course. Participants will leave with practical strategies for fostering active participation, empathy, and connected learning in the age of AI.