Public Speaking: TED Talks

A TED Talk is a short presentation that focuses on Technology, Entertainment, and/or Design. In this half-day weekly program, students will learn advanced research strategies, speak off the cuff for 2-3 minutes at a time, deliver timely evaluations and feedback, and work on active listening skills to outperform others in debates. They develop the use of purposeful gestures and vocal variety to emphasize important ideas. Final Project for each week is to deliver a 10-minute TED Talk in front of an audience based on the weekly theme.

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WEEKLY PROJECTS AND SPECIAL SKILLS OF FOCUS

TED Talk 1: Hidden Miracles

Week 2: (10-12yrs)

In this unit, students will explore how the natural world has inspired the development of new technology and inventions. Specialized skills include:

• Interpreting visuals
• Use descriptive words, phrases, and expressions in writing
• Time management

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TED Talk 2: Cyborg Tech

Week 4: (10-12yrs)

In this unit, students will read about technologies that enhance human abilities and explore other devices that replace or improve human abilities. Specialized skills include:

• Innovative thinking
• Technical and information literacy
• Adaptability

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TED Talk 3: Career Paths

Week 7: (10-12yrs)

In this unit, students will read about someone who took a mid-career break, take a personality test, and discover a multitude of careers possibilities. Specialized skills include:

• Understanding a vision statement and visioning
• Goal setting
• Customized leadership training on decision making

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TED Talk 4: Text Generation

Week 9: (10-12yrs)

In this unit, students will read about the differences between spoken and written language, learn about a new way of thinking about mobile texting, and explore how and why people text.

Specialized skills include:

• Improved media literacy
• Developing a sense of curiosity and creativity
• Problem solving and critical thinking

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