Red eared slider turtles are as active as any aquatic turtle. They swim, bask and eat. They don't "do much" but they are still really neat pets.
If you want to watch them "doing something" that...
I do,
Just pinch a pellet between your fingers and slowly hold it in his line of sight. Make sure its wet/underwater, its better for their digestion i think. Once he gets used to it try a feeder...