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.
Scientist Notes
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.
Standards
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Writing (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1 Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
