The AcadeCap TED-Ed Student Talks Program

Our Grade 6, 8, and 10 students were tasked with developing a Ted style talk as part of the TED-Ed Student Talks Program. Despite some setbacks this semester, we persevered and even switched to a virtual meeting format during the stay-at-home period. By the end of the semester, students had developed their scripts and recorded their talks in audio or video formats. Dedicated students connected with their passions, developed their ideas and practiced effective styles of feedback. Finally, they enhanced their talks with voice expression and visual aids. Our Grade 6 students worked on topics associated with their PYP media inquiry resulting in talks about cat commercials, advice on how to avoid social media, why we need media in outer space, gender stereotypes, and the role of music in video games. The Grade 8 talks included a personal reflection on the power of music to connect and inspire us, a well-researched talk on food security during the COVID-19 pandemic, a personal reflection on implicit bias, and an explainer style of talk on the concept of empty space. The Career Studies students presented a trio of talks on 21st Century Skills.