Kathrine Cook

Cook's program, "Montana-Based Biology", brings biology to life for students by enabling them to use information learned in the classroom in their everyday lives. Her approach, which emphasizes Montana's natural resources, provides Central Junior High students with a hands-on opportunity to experience nature beyond the borders of the classroom. In addition to completing reports, guide books and interactive lessons, students also attend field trips throughout the year to demonstrate their knowledge of the environmental and political impact of natural resources on their local community. Approximately 40 of Central Junior High's sixth- grade students are enrolled in the biology program annually. However, added funding will expand the program to include students in the K-5 portion of Central's K-8 program. The lessons that each student learns also positively impact their family's understanding of Montana's ecology, which is a central issue to the state's policies and politics. Cook hopes an increased understanding of these issues today will enable students to become better informed and more aware citizens. Cook resides in Butte.