Using engaging TED Talks in middle school is a perfect way to engage, inspire, and motivate your middle school students and young adults. First, TED talks are brief, to the point, lectures that are wonderful for encouraging an open dialogue with your middle school students. Next, there are a variety of topics that the TED talks cover. There is one thing these videos have in common. The subjects and themes are those that matter in the daily life of students, faculty, and families. Check out some of these amazing middle school TED Talks and motivating videos to inspire your middle school students.
Engaging TED Talks for Middle School Students
THE SIMPLE POWER OF HAND WASHING-
This first engaging middle school TED talk suggestion covers a topic we should all be on board with right now (and should’ve been on board with years ago). Dr. Myriam Sidibe, who is a crusader against childhood disease, discusses how important it really is for everyone to grab a bar of soap and wash their hands.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES-
Next, Steven Claunch, who was born with multiple physical disabilities, gives a powerful talk. He discusses overcoming obstacles, as well as disabilities vs. abilities, in under 5 minutes.
WHY I, AS A BLACK MAN, ATTEND KKK RALLIES-
Daryl Davis, a professional musician born in Chicago, explains why he, as a Black man, has attended Ku Klux Klan rallies. Mr. Davis eventually became the first Black man to interview various KKK members. He wrote a book about what he learned. His driving question was always, “How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?” Today, he owns multiple robes and hoods of prior KKK members who have renounced from the group after befriending Mr. Davis.
MAKE YOUR BED, AND NEVER RING THE BELL -University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address-
Naval Adm. William H. McRaven’s 2014 Commencement Speech at the University of Texas at Austin gives quite the inspiring speech. He teaches us 10 important life lessons that he learned in the 6 months of Navy SEAL training, beginning with his first one – every morning, make your bed and ending with don’t ever, ring the bell.
Audrey Mason-Hyde discusses how people instinctively judge someone’s gender at their first appearance. She goes on to explain her trouble in bathrooms and how this progressed for her as she aged, as well as why we should try to denounce gender roles.
TOILETS, BOWTIES, GENDER AND ME-
Audrey Mason-Hyde discusses how people instinctively judge someone’s gender at their first appearance. She goes on to explain her trouble in bathrooms and how this progressed for her as she aged, as well as why we should try to denounce gender roles.
More Suggestions for Your Classroom
Here are some more links to help you explore engaging TED talks:
How Would You Like a FREE TED Talk Digital Worksheet?
I created a TED Talk Digital Worksheet for you to assign to your students in Google Classroom or on a digital platform. This worksheet asks your students to write about the main points of the TED Talk. It also asks your students to write a summary, discuss a theme, among other important items. Grab it HERE.
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