Create a TED-Style Climate Talk

Lesson Plans

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12English Language Arts

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What it is

  • This lesson plan provides teachers with instructions for a project on crafting and delivering a TED-style talk about a climate topic. 
  • Students will watch several exemplar talks, develop their public speaking skills, consider the components of a strong talk, craft and draft scripts, and present their talks. 

Teaching tips

Positives

  • This lesson plan has everything teachers need to conduct a mini-unit on crafting and delivering TED-style talks. 
  • Students will be engaged in this meaningful and creative project because they get to choose a climate topic of personal interest. 

Additional Prerequisites

  • Students should have prior knowledge of climate change. 
  • To film their talks, students will need access to cameras, phones, or computers. 

Differentiation

  • Science classes could use this project at the end of a unit on climate science. Students could choose from topics they have learned about or come up with their own topic.
  • This resource is designed for two or more sessions, but can easily be scaled up to become a full learning unit. 
  • For younger students or students who are reluctant about public speaking, consider having students work in groups.
  • As an extension, have students submit their TED talks to a larger audience, like a local TEDx or a school or class website. 
  • Other related resources include this list of tips for talking about climate change, this video on effective climate communication, and this project on addressing the school board about climate action. 

From the scientist review

This resource is suitable to build students' confidence and skills to generate novel ideas for climate action and present them in public gatherings. This is ideal and recommended.
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