TEDx (Or, Using the Coolest Website Ever!)

TED is in my Google Reader account because it makes me think. TED challenges the world's best thinkers to give the presentations of their lives. Then, they make them public for all to see. If you need a break, watch one! I try to watch at least one talk every week. Here are couple of my favorites to get you started:

•  Michael Specter: The danger of science denial
• David Gallo: Underwater astonishments (Show this one to your students!)
• J.J. Abrams (from Lost): The mystery box
• Dave Eggers: 2008 TED Prize wish: Once Upon a School
  
• Susan Savage-Rumbaugh: Apes that write, start fires and play Pac-Man

If you watched one, I'm sure you can already think of plenty of classroom applications (more than just "sub-day fodder")!

Writing Prompt

The science department at Appleton East High school used TED videos as a way to encourage students to write. The prompt below was developed by @ehoffman and @basler (yes, they are on Twitter).

Bonus Assignment – Science

Bringing Current Research in Science & Technology To Students

1. Each teacher / course has a specific video for you to watch.  These videos are part of the TED (Technology, Entertainment, & Design) series.  The TED Talks are known for their engaging, cutting-edge presentations in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, entertainment, and design.   

1. After you have fully watched the video, you will be writing a 5-paragraph essay about it.  Your essay should include a summary of the main points of the speech and your reaction to the speech.  Your reaction should include what new information you learned, what surprised or intrigued you, and how this information is relevant to you.  Please keep in mind the characteristics of good writing – complete sentences, subject-verb agreement, correct spelling, coherent thoughts, etc.  Remember, good writing is not just something for your comm. arts classes – good writing is a lifelong skill that applies to all classes!

List of Videos by Course / Teacher (Example)

Hold your own TEDx Classroom Event

TEDx stands for "independently organized TED event."  TED has created a structure that promotes community gatherings to watch TED videos and to encourage "locals" to speak about their passions.  I think every school should host a TEDx event...but, why wait -- do one in your classroom!

Here is an example of a TEDx event -- TEDxOilspill.  This will be broadcast live on June 28 and they have some amazing guests.

TEDxProject

The TEDxProject dramatically expands on the writing prompt idea.  English teacher, Christian Long (@ChristianLong) had his 80 tenth grade students watch 600+ TED videos (about 8 videos each). Students critically reflected on each video in blog posts.  At the end of the project, students were challenge to create their own TED style talk. He also created a series of "Lunch and Learn" Skype chats with TED organizers and speakers.  Browse through the TEDxProject blog and be blown away by the students' work!