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Best TED Ed Riddles

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 17, 2024

TED Ed is one of my favourite video resources that I have been recommending for teachers over the last few years. TED Ed features short video explanations (usually less than 5 minutes) covering different educational topics including science, history, physics, sports, media literacy skills, mental health, math, animals, art, planet earth, brain, genetics, technology, literature, coding,  and many more. 

The purpose of this post is to share with you this collection of amazing TED Ed riddles to use with your kids and students. I curated the list from TED Ed YouTube riddle series and only featured those popular riddles as measured by number of views and audience interaction.

TED Ed Riddles

These TED Ed riddles can be used to engage students in a wide variety of activities that require them to use various cognitive skills including analytical thinking, problem solving, strategic thinking, decision making, critical thinking, and many more. 

1. Can you solve the prisoner hat riddle? – Alex Gendler 

“Can you solve the prisoner hat riddle?” presented by Alex Gendler, challenges viewers with a thought-provoking scenario: captured by super-intelligent alien overlords, you and nine others face a test to determine if you’re highly logical and cooperative enough to avoid becoming alien lunch. Gendler guides viewers through the intricate puzzle, where wearing a colored hat signifies your fate, showcasing the power of critical thinking under pressure.

 Watch the video              Access the lesson  

2. Can you solve the bridge riddle? Alex Gendler 

In “Can you solve the bridge riddle?” Alex Gendler presents a survival scenario where you and your friends must navigate a bridge to escape from pursuing zombies. Gendler demonstrates how mathematical principles can be applied to strategize the safe passage across the bridge, offering an engaging blend of problem-solving and adventure.

 Watch the video               Access the lesson  

3. Can you solve the three gods riddle? – Alex Gendler 

Alex Gendler returns with “Can you solve the three gods riddle?” presenting a logic puzzle set on an alien planet ruled by three gods. Stranded and seeking a route home, viewers are challenged to decipher the gods’ preferences to secure their escape, highlighting the intricacies of logical reasoning and deductive thinking.

 Watch the video              Access the lesson 

4. Can you solve the passcode riddle? – Ganesh Pai 

Ganesh Pai presents “Can you solve the passcode riddle?” set in a dystopian world where resistance fighters must crack a passcode to escape captivity. Pai guides viewers through the high-stakes puzzle, showcasing the importance of teamwork and lateral thinking in overcoming challenges.

 Watch the video               Access the lesson 

5. Can you solve the river crossing riddle? – Lisa Winer 

“Can you solve the river crossing riddle?” by Lisa Winer presents a perilous scenario where three lions and three wildebeests must cross a river infested with crocodiles amidst a forest fire. Winer navigates viewers through the strategic decision-making required to ensure the animals’ safe passage, blending mathematical problem-solving with real-world survival tactics.

6. Can you solve the giant cat army riddle? – Dan Finkel 

In “Can you solve the giant cat army riddle?” Dan Finkel presents a thrilling scenario where viewers are tasked with outsmarting the villainous Dr. Schrödinger. Dr. Schrödinger plans to unleash an army of giant cats using his growth ray, setting a trap for your team of secret agents. Can you navigate through his underground lab and save the day? Finkel guides you through this suspenseful challenge, offering insights into problem-solving strategies along the way.

7. Can you solve “Einstein’s Riddle”? – Dan Van der Vieren 

“Can you solve ‘Einstein’s Riddle’?” presented by Dan Van der Vieren, introduces viewers to a complex puzzle allegedly devised by Albert Einstein himself. Delve into the intricate world of logic and deduction as you attempt to crack this brain teaser, crafted by one of history’s greatest minds. Van der Vieren expertly guides you through the twists and turns of Einstein’s enigmatic riddle, encouraging you to unravel its secrets.

8. Can you solve the prisoner boxes riddle? – Yossi Elran 

Yossi Elran presents “Can you solve the prisoner boxes riddle?” where viewers are drawn into the chaotic world of a touring band struggling with organization. As the band’s manager faces a perplexing challenge, you’re invited to flex your problem-solving skills and ensure the band’s success. Elran leads you through this brain-teasing scenario, offering ingenious solutions to keep the band on track amidst the chaos.

9. Can you solve the counterfeit coin riddle? – Jennifer Lu 

In “Can you solve the counterfeit coin riddle?” Jennifer Lu invites viewers to step into the shoes of the realm’s greatest mathematician, imprisoned for challenging the Emperor’s tax laws. Tasked with identifying a counterfeit coin in the treasury, you must navigate through a web of mathematical clues to secure your freedom. Lu guides you through this intriguing puzzle, unraveling its complexities and offering insights into mathematical reasoning.

10. Can you solve the airplane riddle? – Judd A. Schorr 

Judd A. Schorr presents “Can you solve the airplane riddle?” where viewers embark on a high-flying adventure alongside Professor Fukanō, a daring scientist with a dream to circumnavigate the globe. As fuel supplies dwindle, you’re challenged to devise a strategy to keep the planes airborne and achieve the professor’s ambitious goal. Schorr navigates you through this airborne puzzle, offering ingenious solutions to keep the planes soaring towards success.

11. Can you solve the famously difficult green-eyed logic puzzle? – Alex Gendler 

In “Can you solve the famously difficult green-eyed logic puzzle?” Alex Gendler presents a captivating challenge where one hundred green-eyed logicians find themselves imprisoned on an island. Their only chance at freedom hinges on unraveling a notoriously tricky logic puzzle involving the color of their own eyes. Gendler expertly guides viewers through this intricate riddle, offering insights into logical reasoning and deduction.

12. Can you solve the locker riddle? – Lisa Winer 

In “Can you solve the locker riddle?” Lisa Winer invites viewers into the intriguing world of inheritance and family dynamics. As the recipient of a wealthy uncle’s fortune, you must navigate a clever riddle left behind to ensure a fair distribution of the inheritance. Winer leads you through this complex puzzle, unraveling its layers of deception and strategy.

13. Can you solve the virus riddle? – Lisa Winer 

In “Can you solve the virus riddle?” also presented by Lisa Winer, viewers are thrust into a race against time to contain a deadly virus. After a catastrophic laboratory accident, you must utilize scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills to prevent a catastrophic outbreak. Winer guides you through this high-stakes scenario, offering strategies to thwart disaster.

14. Can you solve the egg drop riddle? – Yossi Elran 

Yossi Elran presents “Can you solve the egg drop riddle?” where viewers are tasked with assisting a notorious jewel thief in securing a priceless prize from a heavily guarded museum. As you devise a plan to safely retrieve the coveted Faberge egg, Elran offers creative solutions and strategic insights to outsmart security measures.

15. Can you solve the temple riddle? – Dennis E. Shasha 

Dennis E. Shasha challenges viewers in “Can you solve the temple riddle?” as they embark on a perilous journey through an ancient temple filled with cryptic puzzles and dangers. With time running out, you must harness mathematical reasoning to navigate through the temple’s traps and escape to safety. Shasha guides you through this thrilling adventure, offering mathematical strategies to overcome each obstacle.

 Watch the video               Access the lesson 

Final thoughts

I hope you found the collection of TED Ed riddles as engaging and intellectually stimulating as I have. These captivating puzzles offer a fantastic way to challenge students’ critical thinking skills while keeping them entertained. From deciphering complex logic puzzles to solving practical dilemmas, each riddle presents a unique opportunity for students to hone their problem-solving abilities in a fun and interactive way. Whether used as classroom activities or for individual enrichment, these TED Ed riddles are sure to inspire curiosity and creativity in learners of all ages.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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Critical Thinking 911

CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY TED ED VIDEOS ON PROBLEM SOLVING?

TED-Ed is a great resource for learning about problem-solving. Below are some TED-Ed videos on problem-solving that I would recommend:

"The Inventor's Paradox" by Maurice Conti - In this TED-Ed talk, Maurice Conti discusses the paradox that inventors face when trying to solve problems: the more they focus on a specific problem, the less likely they are to find a breakthrough solution. He explains that the key to overcoming this paradox is to broaden one's perspective and look for inspiration in unexpected places.

"How to Solve a Problem Like a Designer" by Tim Brown - In this TED-Ed video, Tim Brown, the CEO of IDEO, a design and innovation consulting firm, discusses how designers approach problem-solving. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the needs of the people one is designing for, and he shares a framework for the design thinking process.

"The Art of Asking Questions" by Daniel Midson-Short - Asking the right questions is a crucial part of problem-solving, and in this TED-Ed talk, Daniel Midson-Short discusses how to do it effectively. He shares strategies for asking open-ended questions, avoiding assumptions, and understanding different perspectives.

"The Power of Procedural Imagination" by Marcin Jakubowski - In this TED-Ed talk, Marcin Jakubowski discusses his experience building a sustainable community from scratch, and he emphasizes the importance of procedural imagination in problem-solving. He explains that procedural imagination involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps, and he shares how this approach helped him build his community.

"The Mathematics of Weight Loss" by Ruben Meerman - In this TED-Ed talk, Ruben Meerman uses math to explain why losing weight can be challenging. He discusses the role of calories and energy balance, and he shares strategies for achieving sustainable weight loss.

These TED-Ed videos provide valuable insights and strategies for problem-solving, whether you're an inventor, designer, or just someone looking to solve everyday problems. I hope you find them helpful!

Have no time to work on your critical thinking? Well, we do. We will write an critical thinking sample crafted to your needs. In-time submission and academic quality guaranteed. - EditaPaper.com

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