Active learning is key to improving students’ learning, especially in STEM subjects such as physics. This approach requires students to go beyond passive absorption of information, instead becoming actively engaged through experiments, real-world applications and investigations. An example of an effective active pedagogical strategy is the flipped classroom model, in which preparatory teaching materials are assigned for study prior to class, enabling in-class time to be dedicated to student-led activities, such as producing presentations or leading guided discussions. During the 2025 edition of INSPYRE, the International School of Modern Physics and Research school that was held at INFN Frascati National Laboratory, we implemented for the first time a flipped classroom. The proposal, focused on the topic of dark matter, provided students with a unique opportunity to explore this subject from an active and central perspective, and revealed strengths and areas for improvement that offer significant insights applicable to similar educational contexts.