The Distaff Side, home of Kathleen A. Ernst, author and historian

Cultural Horizons
Project Director/Scriptwriter/Teacher Guide Co-Author

A North American version of Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin developed by the WECB and WPT in partnership with public broadcasting stations in Atlanta, Colorado, Oregon, and in Quebec, Canada.

Aurora Award - Platinum Best in Show, 2004, Aurora International Independent Film and Video Competition, presented for excellence in Instructional Programming/Social Studies.

Third Place "Certificate for Creative Excellence," 2004, US International Film and Video Festival.

Parents Choice Recommended Seal, Parents Choice Foundation, 2004.

Judge's Award for Instructional Innovation, "for far exceeding the expectations of the category," National Educational Telecommunications Association, 2004.

Wilbur Schramm National Award of Excellence, Best K-12 Educational Television Program, National Educational Telecommunications Association, 2003.

Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin
Project Director/Scriptwriter/Teacher Guide Co-Author

This video series, for grades 4 through 6, fosters respect for and appreciation of the human diversity that enriches Wisconsin. Programs show the ways in which culture is celebrated, expressed, communicated, and perpetuated, as well as explore culture and its relationship to family and the environment. By focusing on culture as a way of life, students discover that it is about far more than race, ethnicity, or nationality. Ten 20-minute programs.

Aurora Award - Gold, 2003, Aurora International Independent Film and Video Competition, presented for excellence in Instructional Programming/Social Studies.

"Excellence in Multicultural and Global Programming" Citation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 2003.

Emmy for Outstanding Achievement for Children's Programming - Children's Series, Midwest Chapter, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, 2002.

Finalist, Wilbur Schramm National Award of Excellence, National Educational Telecommunications Association, 2002.

New Dawn of Tradition: A Wisconsin Powwow
Scriptwriter

Showcasing an aspect of Native American culture that embraces many Indian nations, tribes, and bands, New Dawn of Tradition introduces fourth- and fifth-graders to the powwow as a cultural celebration. The program captures the colorful regalia and dance styles of more than a dozen American Indian groups currently or formerly residing in Wisconsin. It also supports state academic standards and is a valuable resource for teaching the history and culture of Wisconsin’s Indian tribes and lands. One 15-minute program.

Second Place Award, Instructional Communications/Alternate Technology, National Educational Telecommunications Association, 1999.

Investigating Wisconsin History
Project Director/Scriptwriter/Teacher Guide Co-Author

History comes alive for fourth grade-students as they become detectives searching for evidence about the state’s past and solving "history mysteries" of their own. In addition to learning about Wisconsin history, students see how to carry out an investigation by locating, observing and analyzing clues. The process not only enhances students’ historical knowledge of the state, it exposes them to methods of inquiry and develops their critical thinking. Twelve 15-minute programs.

Crystal Award, presented for most innovative and outstanding project in K-12 video-based instruction, The Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 2000.

Honorable Mention Award, Instructional Communications/Educational Resources, National Educational Telecommunications Association, 1999.

Exploring Wisconsin Our Home
Project Director/Co-Scriptwriter/Teacher Guide Author

This series incorporates five geographic themes to depict the state’s history as well as its cultural and economic bounty, helping students in grade 4 to understand the interactions between physical geography and human activity. Its programs examine the ways in which geographical concepts and ideas affect daily life, including our cities and towns, industries, natural and engineered landscapes, and recreational opportunities. Fourteen 15-minute programs.

Award of Excellence, Central Education Network, 1996.

Finalist, Wilbur Schramm National Award of Excellence, National Educational Telecommunications Association, 1996.

These videos are free if taped from Wisconsin Public Television broadcasts, or they can be purchased from the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. For scheduling and ordering information, click HERE.

Instructional TV

Kathleen Ernst