The otters classroom is primarily 6th to 8th grades, and is GES's Middle School. 

A bit about this year:

One of the subjects the Otters are studying is Earth Science.  We have spent time studying physical and chemical properties of rocks, different types of rocks, and how rocks are recycled through the rock cycle.  We have now moved on to plate tectonics.  We will be comparing the different positions of the Earth's plates to locations of geologic landforms and events.  Students will explore earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, island formation, trenches, and hot springs. 

A bit about Kathryn:

Kathryn Nelson-Pedersen teaches 6-8 graders Language Arts, Social Studies, and Art, and serves as the primary homeroom teacher responsible for the creation of a classroom community through the intentional teaching of a social curriculum.

Kathryn was born and raised here in Grand Marais.  She is the fourth generation of Scandanavian immigrants who settled in Cook County.  She is proud of having deep roots here and of having been formed and educated by the individuals in this place and this environment. She is dedicated to giving back to the community through the act of education, and she is proud to be directly involved in the future of the community through its young people.
 
Kathryn became involved with GES while it was still being formed by attending community information and pizza nights.  The grass roots nature of the organization and the rich discussions about how education could be more student-centered, responsive to individual needs, and teach social responsibility in a nurturing environment were exciting to her and fit her teaching philosophy perfectly.