Students Create 'TED Talks' with Wonder Media's Animated EDTalks Projects

Mr. Pedro Rodriguez, Elementary Smart Lab Teacher launched this project in early February of 2025, focusing on helping students develop and present their own TED-style talks, which were later turned into animated PSAs. The project was designed to engage students in the writing process through a medium they’re already familiar with—animation. It emphasized research, writing, revision, and voice performance, all wrapped into a creative and collaborative format. Students chose writing prompts on familiar topics, which helped personalize their messages and deepen engagement.

Wonder Media has played a crucial role in fostering creativity and innovation, providing a platform for Gifted and Talented (GT) students to express their ideas through the TED Talk Projects. Empowered GT students explore their passions, conduct in-depth research, and present compelling talks that inspire and educate others. tudents have tackled diverse topics, from cutting-edge technology and science to personal growth and social change. Their dedication is evident in every speech, with thought-provoking perspectives and well-crafted narratives, students refine their storytelling, hone their public speaking skills, and overcome challenges such as stage fright.

Project Overview and Timeline

The project was broken down into phases by grade level and aligned with a consistent weekly schedule. Each grade met once per week for about 30 minutes, with instructional time typically 20–22 minutes due to transitions and setup.

  • 5th Grade – Mondays

  • 4th Grade – Tuesdays

  • 3rd Grade – Thursdays

  • 2nd Grade – Fridays

Project Phases:

  • Brainstorming Topics – 10 minutes

  • Planning & Research – 40 minutes

  • Revising & Editing Script – 20 minutes

  • Table Read with Revisions – 20 minutes

  • Audio Recording – 10 minutes

Once the audio recordings were complete, all materials were provided to the WonderMedia team to handle the post-production, including cleaning up the audio, editing, and creating the animations and backgrounds for the PSAs.

Skill Building Focus:

  • Analytical Thinking

  • Research & Writing

  • Revising & Editing

  • Voice Acting

  • Collaboration

Dolly Madison

Created by second grade students Jason Chessher, Julianna Clark, Gael Davila and Zaniyah Myers.

Sons of Liberty

Created by fourth grade students Amia Salazar, Emily Dawson and Mileena Rios.

Similes and Metaphors

Created by fourth grade students Sarahi Hernandez, Kaylee Lingo and Esai Garcia.

Personal Narratives

Created by fourth grade students Juan Escamilla, Cullen Ford and Keaton Brysch.

Your Body is a Machine

Created by third grade students Avery Hunt, Fidel Rodriguez and Gracie Brand.

Your Amazing Body

Created by third grade students Daniel Ovalle, Dominic De La Cruz, Ethan Cyrene and Pierce Vaughn.

Light and Wavelengths

Created by third grade students Kinzie Brysch, Lucas Ruiz and Reagan Rodriguez.

Why Ancient Rome is Important

Created by third grade students Rylee Trader, Luca Trujillo and Samuel Rios-Flores.

Don Quixote Pt1

Created by fifth grade students Alonzo Sandoval, Xavier Cisneros and Axel Rojo Perez.

Don Quixote Pt2

Created by fifth grade students Elena Martinez, Scarlet Zimmerman and Kallen Dubose.

Incan Empire

Created by fifth grade students Isak Sang, Gunner Whitley and Grady Bates.