Cultivating Curiosity and Growth

Local Science Teacher Hopes to Instill a Love of Learning Through Science and Agriculture

Lindsay McCall, a science teacher at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School in Henderson County, Kentucky, is on a mission to inspire her students through hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom.

With a strong background in science education, including a master’s degree in middle school science, McCall has been teaching for 14 years—eight years in Union County and six at HNJCS —where she now teaches fourth and fifth-grade science.

McCall said her approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that students learn best when they can see and experience science firsthand, particularly in areas relevant to their own community.

“I love to teach hands-on because I think that’s really how kids are going to learn it,” McCall explains. 

Living in a predominantly agricultural area, she sees the importance of connecting her students with the land and the processes that sustain their community. This belief has driven her to seek innovative ways to engage her students, including the introduction of a classroom pet and the implementation of a hydroponic garden.

Last December, McCall was awarded a grant through the organization “Pets in the Classroom,” which allowed her to bring a bearded dragon named Archie into her class. Named after the famous scientist Archimedes, Archie has become a beloved member of the classroom and the entire school. His presence has not only sparked curiosity but has also provided a unique opportunity for McCall to teach her students about ecosystems, food chains, and the importance of agriculture in daily life.

Archie’s diet, which includes a variety of greens, inspired McCall to also apply for a grant through the Henderson Teacher Foundation. She envisioned a project that would allow her students to grow the very greens that Archie eats, creating a tangible link between their science lessons and agriculture. McCall’s proposal for a hydroponic garden was successful, and the project is set to benefit not just her classroom but the entire school.

“The garden is going to be something that’s movable around the building, so teachers can utilize it in their rooms when they’re teaching different standards that apply to plants and ecosystems,” McCall says. This interdisciplinary approach allows students from early learning through eighth grade to engage with the garden, fostering a school-wide appreciation for agriculture and the science behind it.

McCall’s inspiration for the hydroponic garden came from Steven Ritz, an educator in the Bronx who started classroom gardens to address the lack of fresh produce in his community. Like Ritz, McCall hopes to teach her students the importance of nurturing something and seeing it grow.

“It’s just a good way for them to see the process of what happens and how important it is to think about where our food comes from, caring for our bodies, and caring for others,” she says.

For McCall, who teaches in a region where farming is a way of life, the hydroponic garden is also a bridge between traditional and modern agricultural practices. “We live in a farming area, and while many of my students have family members involved in agriculture, they may not fully grasp the science behind it. This garden is a chance for them to see a different kind of farming up close—a method that’s sustainable and increasingly important in a world with growing food demands,” McCall adds.

The hydroponic garden will primarily grow herbs and lettuces, including mustard and collard greens—Archie’s favorites. McCall plans to involve her students in every step of the process, from setting up the garden to harvesting the produce. The project will not only enhance their understanding of science and agriculture but also teach them valuable life skills, such as the importance of healthy eating and environmental stewardship.

McCall’s efforts have been met with enthusiasm from both her students and her colleagues, who are all excited to see the positive impact both Archie and the hydroponic garden have on the students. “Our school truly is so supportive,” McCall says. “Everyone is excited when good things happen, and it’s really like a family at Holy Name.”

For McCall, the goal is to continue growing—both as an educator and as a community. “I want my students to love school and be excited about learning,” she says. With initiatives like the hydroponic garden, McCall is not only teaching science and agriculture but also hopes to foster a lifelong love of learning in her students. Through her innovative approach, she is helping to cultivate curiosity, responsibility, and a deeper connection to the agricultural roots that run through Henderson County.