Ninth Grade Portfolio

This year, we created a new Fall Term class based loosely on the TED Talk model. The concept of TED Talks was born in 1984 as a way to bring together the best ideas in the fields of technology, entertainment, and design. Over time, the TED Conference became an annual event, and has since grown to a stunning popularity worldwide and includes scientists, philosophers, musicians, activists, business and religious leaders, philanthropists, and many others as presenters.

The presenters of TED Talks are without question passionate about their topic. In bringing this concept to Rippowam Cisqua, we asked our ninth graders to research a topic they were passionate or excited about, and create a TED Talk based on one of many models used throughout the world. For example, our outline typically consisted of a core message, power phrase, opening, body structure, and compelling visuals along with a variety of delivery techniques. At the end of the Fall Term, the students presented their talk (it was also filmed) to the entire ninth grade. Subsequent to this, they then worked with their facilitator to deliver their final talk (also filmed) to a range of audiences, which included Parents Association, the entire Upper Campus, select grades, certain classes, etc. We are very proud of our students’ ability to connect their interests and passion with this unique approach to public speaking. A one-minute highlight from each of the students’ TED talk presentations was shown on computer screens.