Larry Ray Cook teaches AP physics, physics, and applied physics to students in grades 10–12 at Bismarck High School in Bismarck, ND. Mr. Cook has held his current position for 16 years; prior to that time he taught science courses at a junior high school. When not in class, Mr. Cook works with students to prepare the Science Bowl team for competition, and he has advised the school’s Science Olympiad and Orienteering teams.
Mr. Cook is known for trying new ideas, using hands-on experiences as well as high-tech experiments to make subject matter come alive for his students. His classrooms are described as lively, and he has been known to use zany articles to catch the students’ attention. He has a kind and gentle approach to teaching and is concerned about his students as learners and individuals. Colleagues describe him as creative and intelligent. Mr. Cook willingly gives his time and energy to his students and to other teachers. He devotes his summers to conducting workshops for other science teachers.
Mr. Cook was the Hughes Junior High Teacher of the Year and he received the KXMB 12 Golden Apple Award. He has served as president of the North Dakota Science Teachers Association and the North Dakota section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT); he also serves as a committee member of the Pre-High School Committee for AAPT.
Mr. Cook holds a North Dakota Educator’s professional Life Certificate and is a Certified Physics Teaching Resource Agent, as sponsored by AAPT. He has a B.S. in education from Valley City State University and an M.A.T. in science education from Minot State University.