Hey science teachers -- make it fun | Tyler DeWitt

Hey science teachers -- make it fun | Tyler DeWitt

Author: TED February 5, 2013 Duration: 13:50
High school science teacher Tyler DeWitt was ecstatic about his new lesson plan on bacteria (how cool!) -- and devastated when his students hated it. The problem was the textbook: it was impossible to understand. He delivers a rousing call for science teachers to ditch the jargon and extreme precision, and instead make science sing through stories and demonstrations.

Ever wondered what the classroom of tomorrow might hold, or how a simple shift in teaching could unlock a student's potential? TED Talks Education brings those questions to the forefront, gathering insights directly from the people shaping learning itself. This podcast features voices from educators, neuroscientists, and innovators who have taken the stage at TED and TEDx events globally. Each episode is a deep dive into practical ideas and bold visions, moving beyond theory to explore how technology and new research are transforming the way we understand education. You'll hear stories that challenge conventional wisdom about how brains learn best and examine what it truly means to build a school that serves every learner. Curated by TED, a nonprofit focused on Ideas Worth Spreading, this series turns complex concepts into accessible conversations. It’s a direct line to the cutting edge of pedagogical thought, offering listeners not just inspiration but tangible frameworks for change. Whether you're a teacher seeking fresh strategies, a parent navigating your child's education, or simply curious about the future of knowledge, this podcast provides a compelling look at the ideas redefining learning for everyone.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 137

TED Talks Education
Podcast Episodes
How not to be ignorant about the world | Hans and Ola Rosling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:52
How much do you know about the world? Hans Rosling, with his famous charts of global population, health and income data (and an extra-extra-long pointer), demonstrates that you have a high statistical chance of being qui…
Why does the universe exist? | Jim Holt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:03
Why is there something instead of nothing? In other words: Why does the universe exist (and why are we in it)? Philosopher and writer Jim Holt follows this question toward three possible answers. Or four. Or none.
The danger of silence | Clint Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:05
"We spend so much time listening to the things people are saying that we rarely pay attention to the things they don't," says poet and teacher Clint Smith. A short, powerful piece from the heart, about finding the courag…
Why I live in mortal dread of public speaking | Megan Washington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:45
Megan Washington is one of Australia's premier singer/songwriters. And, since childhood, she has had a stutter. In this bold and personal talk, she reveals how she copes with this speech impediment—from avoiding the lett…
An ultra-low-cost college degree | Shai Reshef [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:35
At the online University of the People, anyone with a high school diploma can take classes toward a degree in business administration or computer science — without standard tuition fees (though exams cost money). Founder…
What makes a word "real"? | Anne Curzan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:56
One could argue that slang words like ‘hangry,’ ‘defriend’ and ‘adorkable’ fill crucial meaning gaps in the English language, even if they don't appear in the dictionary. After all, who actually decides which words make…
Comics that ask "what if?" | Randall Munroe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:12
Web cartoonist Randall Munroe answers simple what-if questions ("what if you hit a baseball moving at the speed of light?") using math, physics, logic and deadpan humor. In this charming talk, a reader's question about G…
Teach teachers how to create magic | Christopher Emdin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:37
What do rap shows, barbershop banter and Sunday services have in common? As Christopher Emdin says, they all hold the secret magic to enthrall and teach at the same time — and it's a skill we often don't teach to educato…