Curiosity and Connections
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED began in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Since then, TED has grown to support world-changing ideas in every discipline. The nonprofit organization is devoted to fostering the spread of powerful ideas through short, carefully prepared talks that enlighten, inspire, and awaken new possibilities.
Our 7th and 8th grade speakers carry on this tradition of idea-sharing. Over several weeks, these young thought leaders have embarked on a journey of discovery, each choosing a topic that ignites their passion and connects to our world in meaningful ways. They conducted research, crafted compelling narratives, and practiced the art of public speaking to bring their ideas to life.
Under this year's theme of "Curiosity and Connections," our speakers explore the threads that link us to each other, to new discoveries, and to deeper understanding. Their talks reflect both personal insights and broader perspectives, demonstrating how curiosity can bridge gaps, spark innovation, and create lasting connections in our community and beyond
As you listen to these presentations, we invite you to embrace the spirit of curiosity that drove our speakers to explore their chosen topics. These young voices remind us that powerful ideas can come from anywhere, and that the connections we make through sharing knowledge help build a stronger, more understanding world.
Join us in celebrating these remarkable students and their ideas worth spreading.
Session 1: 9:15 - 10:15 AM
Moore Hall
Laila Saeed: "More Than the Game: Pressure in Team Sports"
Benjamin Galijatovic: "3 Ways Nature Can Reinvent the Airplane"
Julia Elbanna: "Drum It Up: How Drumming Changed My Life"
Gerard Perera: "Moving Sounds Like a Hassle. Trust Me, It's Worth It"
Oliver Marks-Sergent: "Leveling Up One Pixel at a Time"
Laurin Muller: "The Physics of Skiing"
Nathan Diamond: "Baking: A Path to Personal Growth"
Juno Gelber: "Doing Hard Things Is the Key to Success"
Segal Library
Zeke Cohen: "How the Hero's Journey Impacts Our Lives"
Alisa Prithipaul: "The Benefits Coding Has Taught Me"
Sydney Smith: "Confidence Is Key"
Oliver Cortes: "The Importance of Weird Interests"
Ani Thupil: "How Cricket Changed My Life"
Haidiana Watson: "Mental Health Matters"
Leonardo Morin: "Bugs Are Weird: Here Are Three Really Interesting Ones"
Ember Daniels: "Rethinking the Teenage Mind: What We're Getting Wrong"
Art Studio
Benjamin Zhang: "Can Dogs Change the World?"
Giahnni Soto: "Can Absurdism and Existentialism Work in Harmony? A Philosophical Standpoint"
Maddie Palmer: "Maddie's Guide to Shopping"
Toby Kruk: "Turbulence Ahead"
Reagan Noel: "Laughter Is the Best Medicine"
Flynn Robinson: "Fake It Till You Make It"
Brayden Troche-Hayes: "Risk It for the Biscuit: How Risk-Taking Changed My Life"
Session 2: 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Moore Hall
Nia Beit: "The Hidden Superpower of Daydreaming"
Lily Patterson-Martin: "Unseen Consequences: How Our Choices Are Killing the Oceans"
Sophia Palmer: "Three Powerful Ways to Be a Good Friend"
Oceane Mclean: "What Sets You Apart: Your Mindset"
Aiden Wint: "Dreadful School Uniforms: Or Are They?"
Morgan Smith: "The Importance of Practice"
Bella Prithipaul: "The Hidden Dangers of Skimping on Sleep: Why Rest Is Essential for Your Mind and Body"
Segal Library
Nile Atkins: "Walk the Walk"
Ayleen Romana: "Splash! Life Lessons from Swimming"
Milena Constantinou: "Stuffed Animals: Not Just for Kids"
Di Clark: "Common Misconceptions in the Sport of Fencing"
Ivy Riley: "The Power of Performing"
Leo Cortell: "The Injury Crisis in Football"