In today’s post, I am excited to introduce a curated list of TED Ed video lessons perfect for middle school students. These videos are not only intellectually engaging but also come equipped with interactive features like embedded questions and prompts to facilitate deeper understanding and integration into classroom instruction. Covering a range of topics from critical thinking skills to the art of listening empathically, these lessons are designed to enhance your students’ learning experience and provoke thoughtful classroom discussions.
TED Talks for Middle School
Here are our top picks for Ted Talks for middle school students:
1- 5 tips to improve your critical thinking – Samantha Agoos
In this insightful TED Ed talk, Samantha Agoos elucidates a 5-step process aimed at enhancing critical thinking skills. With a plethora of decisions confronting us daily, perfection remains an elusive goal. However, Agoos offers practical strategies to bolster our decision-making prowess, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in navigating life’s myriad challenges.
2- How to write descriptively – Nalo Hopkinson
Award-winning author Nalo Hopkinson shares invaluable insights into the art of descriptive writing in this TED Ed talk. She delves into the transformative power of language, exploring techniques to immerse readers in the world of fiction. With her guidance, aspiring writers can learn to craft narratives that captivate and enchant, casting spells of imagination and wonder.
3- The benefits of a bilingual brain – Mia Nacamulli
Mia Nacamulli explores the multifaceted advantages of bilingualism in this enlightening TED Ed talk. Beyond facilitating travel and enhancing movie-watching experiences, speaking multiple languages nurtures a healthy, agile brain. Nacamulli unpacks the three types of bilingual brains, illuminating how linguistic diversity fosters cognitive complexity and active engagement.
4- Let’s make history…by recording it – StoryCorps & TED Prize
StoryCorps, in collaboration with the TED Prize, advocates for the preservation of personal narratives in this poignant TED Ed talk. Reflecting on the historical significance of recorded accounts, the talk underscores the importance of actively listening to diverse voices. By lending our own voices to history, we contribute to a richer, more inclusive narrative tapestry.
5- Why is the US Constitution so hard to amend? – Peter Paccone
Peter Paccone delves into the intricate mechanisms that render the US Constitution resistant to change in this thought-provoking TED Ed talk. Despite its provision for amendment, the Constitution has undergone scant modification since its inception. Paccone unravels the complexities underlying this phenomenon, shedding light on the formidable obstacles impeding constitutional reform efforts.
6- Are You A Good Listener?, Alexandra Panzer
In this TED Ed talk, Alexandra Panzer sheds light on the often overlooked skill of effective listening. While much emphasis is placed on public speaking, the art of listening is equally vital in interpersonal communication. Panzer delineates four essential steps towards mastering this art, guiding viewers towards becoming attentive, empathetic listeners who foster meaningful connections with others.
7- Some study that I used to know: What do you remember from high school?, Melissa Ganus
Melissa Ganus presents a humorous yet introspective take on the high school experience in this TED Ed talk. Drawing inspiration from the popular music video by Gotye, Ganus prompts viewers to reminisce about their own high school days. Through witty narration and relatable anecdotes, the talk encourages reflection on the lessons learned and the frustrations encountered during those formative years.
8- The controversial origins of the Encyclopedia – Addison Anderson
Addison Anderson delves into the intriguing history behind the inception of the first encyclopedia in this captivating TED Ed talk. With a staggering volume of entries and words, this monumental literary work was not without controversy, facing opposition from influential figures such as Louis XV and Pope Clement XIII. Anderson unravels the mystery surrounding the encyclopedia’s contentious origins, offering fascinating insights into its creation and reception.
9- Does grammar matter? – Andreea S. Calude
In this thought-provoking TED Ed talk, Andreea S. Calude delves into the perennial debate surrounding the significance of grammar in language usage. Calude explores the intricacies of grammatical rules and their application in spoken language, highlighting the challenges individuals face in adhering to these conventions. By examining the contrasting viewpoints of linguistic prescriptivists and descriptivists, Calude prompts viewers to reconsider the importance of grammar and its role in shaping communication.
10- Can wildlife adapt to climate change? – Erin Eastwood
Amidst the backdrop of escalating climate change, Erin Eastwood elucidates the remarkable capacity of wildlife to adapt to shifting environmental conditions in this illuminating TED Ed talk. As temperatures rise and landscapes transform, plants and animals navigate these challenges through the mechanism of evolution. Eastwood explores the ingenious strategies employed by diverse species to survive and thrive in the face of climate-induced adversity, shedding light on the intricate interplay between nature and adaptation.
11. TED Ed Riddles
Engage your middle school students in a stimulating exercise of cognitive prowess with this curated collection of TED Ed riddles. Designed to foster analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and critical reasoning, these riddles offer an interactive platform for students to sharpen their cognitive abilities. From unraveling perplexing mysteries to decoding enigmatic puzzles, these TED Ed riddles provide a fun and engaging way to challenge young minds.
12. TED Ed Science Videos
Explore the captivating realm of science with this comprehensive compilation of TED Ed lessons focused on scientific concepts and discoveries. From elucidating the intricacies of physics and chemistry to unraveling the mysteries of biology and ecology, these TED Ed science videos offer engaging insights into various scientific disciplines. Whether delving into the wonders of the universe or dissecting the complexities of cellular biology, these lessons provide a captivating journey into the world of science.
Final thoughts
I hope you have found this selection of TED Ed video lessons useful for your middle school teaching needs. These resources are designed to capture the curiosity of young learners and help develop their analytical and communicative abilities through a variety of engaging topics. By incorporating these videos into your lessons, you can provide your students with valuable opportunities to improve their critical thinking skills and enhance their understanding of complex concepts in a dynamic and interactive way.
