Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin, the 10-part instructional television series for children ages 9 to 12, explores the cultural heritage and diversity of present day Wisconsin. Produced by the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board at Wisconsin Public Television's facilities at UW-Green Bay, Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin debuted on public television stations statewide in April 2002.

"This series teaches kids how to respect and celebrate cultural differences rather than to grow up fearing them. I'm proud of the talented kids and creative staff who came together to create these programs, and of the message that Cultural Horizons will continue to deliver to the classroom for years to come," said Kay Klubertanz, executive producer of the Cultural Horizons series.

This series moves beyond race and ethnicity and looks at a wide variety of cultural groups. "We worked hard to make sure that every child will see themselves somewhere in these programs," noted Shelly Young, series producer. Added project director Kathleen Ernst, "We want every child to explore and celebrate their own unique cultural identity. We also model some strategies that will help kids become comfortable with people from different cultural groups. Given what is happening in the world, I can't think of any more important topic."

"Beyond Borders," a program from the Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin series, received an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming—Children's or Teen Series, in November 2002, from the Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. "Beyond Borders" examines the connections that today's children living in Wisconsin have with other people and places around the world. It also provides real-life examples of ways that children can make the world a better place to live for everyone.

The entire, closed-caption series airs again on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., from February 17 to April 23, 2003, on public TV stations in Wisconsin. View the broadcast schedule and tune in or record the programs for future viewing. A companion Web site offers a companion teacher guide with student activities.

The award-winning Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin CD-ROM supports the instructional television series. Designed for students in grades four through six, this interactive software program features twenty visits with children around Wisconsin who are learning about, celebrating and preserving their cultural heritage. An electronic scrapbook contains student writing activities related to these visits, and a database includes content on more than seventy ethnic population groups currently living in Wisconsin. "What a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about diversity at a young age. Perhaps the world can change and war can be stopped," said Dr. Carol Cornelius, manager of the Cultural Preservation Department for the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, upon first viewing the Cultural Horizons CD-ROM.

For more information about the Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin multimedia curriculum materials, contact Kori Oberle by e-mail at koberle@ecb.state.wi.us or call 608-264-9640. To order the Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin CD-ROM and Teacher Guide, see the order form.

The Wisconsin Educational Communications Board (ECB) is a state agency that produces television programming, Internet, multimedia and print resources, while also providing research, evaluation and teacher professional development services that support Wisconsin and national academic standards. The ECB and the University of Wisconsin-Extension are partners in Wisconsin Public Television.

View a clip of the Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin television series.