In the state of Wisconsin it's mandated that teachers in the social sciences and hard sciences have to start giving environmental education by the first grade, through high school.

Gaylord Nelson’s quote highlights the mandate in Wisconsin that requires teachers in both the social sciences and hard sciences to integrate environmental education into their curriculum from first grade through high school. This policy emphasizes the importance of early and continuous education about the environment, ensuring that students are introduced to environmental issues and concepts at a young age and continue to learn about them throughout their educational journey.

Nelson's statement underscores his belief that environmental education should not be an optional or isolated topic but a core component of the curriculum. By involving teachers from diverse disciplines—social sciences and hard sciences—the mandate ensures that students understand environmental issues from multiple perspectives. This holistic approach encourages students to see the connections between science, society, and the environment, fostering a deeper understanding of how human actions impact the natural world.

As a former Governor of Wisconsin and later a U.S. Senator, Gaylord Nelson was a pioneering environmental advocate and is best known for founding Earth Day in 1970. His push for environmental education reflects his long-standing commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues and ensuring that future generations are equipped to address the challenges facing the planet. By embedding environmental education within the school system, Nelson hoped to create a more ecologically conscious society.

This quote is a call for proactive and comprehensive education that addresses the urgency of environmental issues. It also reflects a broader movement to prepare students not just with knowledge, but with the tools and awareness necessary to make informed decisions about the environmental challenges they will inevitably face in the future.