New ‘Wisconsin Biographies’ Episode Features Gaylord Nelson

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PBS Wisconsin Education will release a new Wisconsin Biographies story, Gaylord  Nelson: A Vision for the Earth, for free online access starting April 14 at pbswisconsineducation.org. Wisconsin Biographies is a collection of free, educational, online media resources that shares the stories of notable Wisconsinites and enriches grade-school social-studies and literacy curricula. 

“Inspired by the cultural change happening all around him, Gaylord Nelson [the founder of Earth Day] had a vision for teachers and learners to set aside a day to consider human impacts on the environment,” said Megan Monday, executive producer of PBS Wisconsin Education.

Tia Nelson – an academic, environmental activist, politician and daughter of Gaylord Nelson – provided the voice-over for the animated video.

“I want the youth of today to know they can make a difference in building a brighter future, just as young people did 50 years ago, and I’m delighted that PBS Wisconsin Education has produced a compelling animated film that captures how my dad was inspired to public service from a young age,” said Tia Nelson. “Fifty years from now, on the 100th anniversary of Earth Day, I want the youth of today to know we did all we could to ensure that milestone will be a time of celebration.” On the Wisconsin Biographies website, students in grades three through eight can explore Nelson’s story using an animated video, short text biographies written at three reading levels, two interactives, an image gallery and access to additional resource lists.