06/09/2026
Congratulations, Ms. Kidwell, the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts - KACD Teacher of the Year!
The District is so proud to announce Mrs. Jenny Kidwell, STEM teacher at Taylorsville Elementary School, has been chosen as 2026 Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts - KACD Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Kidwell will be honored at the KACD Convention on July 28, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza in Louisville, Kentucky.
A key partnership was with the Spencer County Conservation District, which awarded a grant to support soil-based learning in the classroom. Through this grant, several specialized kits were obtained that significantly enhanced students’ understanding of soil science and conservation. One of these was a classroom composting kit, which allowed students to build and maintain their own composter using potting soil and selected organic materials. Students observed decomposition up close through magnified viewing windows and participated in different activities that explored topics such as which materials decompose most effectively, the role of organisms in decomposition, the difference between dirt and soil, and the characteristics of healthy soil. This hands-on experience helped students directly connect abstract concepts to real-world environmental processes.
Another resource provided through this partnership was the Dirt Lab Kit, which immersed students in the physical properties and composition of soil. Through collaborative, inquiry-based activities, students used their senses to explore soil and engaged in creative simulations such as building like a beaver, tunneling like an ant, or burrowing like a crayfish. These activities helped students understand how living organisms interact with soil and how humans have learned from nature to design and build. The kit supported cross-curricular learning, encouraging students to experiment, engineer, and problem-solve while deepening their understanding of natural systems.
The Topsoil Tour kit further extended student learning by introducing more advanced soil testing and conservation practices. After completing a soil conservation unit, students conducted their own scientific investigations, testing soil samples for texture, pH, and essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium using testing tablets. This experience allowed students to take on the role of scientists, analyzing soil health and understanding its importance for plant growth and environmental sustainability.
