BROOKS, Ky. — In Bullitt County Public Schools, learning is more than simply mastering content; it’s about building skills, confidence, and purpose that prepare students for success beyond graduation. At Brooks Elementary School, a third-grade Bridge Building Authentic Learning Experience brought this vision to life, as students tackled a real-world challenge that connected classroom learning to community needs and future possibilities.
Led by STEAM Teacher Robin Crisp, the project engaged students in exploring the importance of safe, durable bridges within communities. Through research, collaboration, and hands-on design, students examined different types of bridges, investigated causes of bridge failure such as heavy traffic and flooding, and applied the engineering design process to build, test, and refine their own model bridges. The experience culminated in a public showcase where students confidently presented their designs, explained their problem-solving process, and shared how their ideas could positively impact the community.
This authentic learning experience reflects BCPS’s mission to inspire and equip students to succeed in life and its “Moving Forward” vision. By centering learning on a meaningful, real-world, and close-to-home issue, the project demonstrated how BCPS classrooms empower students to see themselves as capable problem solvers, collaborators, and contributors no matter their age.
“This experience mattered because it gave their learning a purpose,” said Robin Crisp, STEAM Teacher at Brooks Elementary. “Students didn’t just learn about bridges and engineering; they learned that their ideas matter, that challenges and failures are part of innovation, and that they can design solutions that make a real difference for people in their community.”
Throughout the project, students embodied multiple BCPS Graduate Profile competencies, the district’s framework that defines the skills every Bullitt County graduate should demonstrate. As Innovative Problem Solvers, students gathered and analyzed information from multiple sources, evaluated test results, and refined their designs based on evidence and feedback. As Productive Collaborators, they worked in diverse teams, listened to different viewpoints, resolved conflicts, and used peer input to strengthen their work. As Community Contributors, students recognized a local need and designed solutions focused on safety, accessibility, and positive impact .
The learning experience also emphasized effective communication. Students prepared visual displays, explained technical concepts in age-appropriate language, and answered questions during the public showcase, thus demonstrating their growing confidence as Effective Communicators. For many students, this hands-on approach provided an opportunity to shine in ways traditional classroom settings may not always allow, reinforcing BCPS’s belief that every student has unique strengths and potential.
Community collaboration played a vital role in the project’s success. Students received support and feedback from local leaders and partners, including Shepherdsville Mayor Jose Cubero, County Judge Executive Jerry Summers, BCPS Instructional Coach Gina Weber, welding students from the Area Technology Center, and representatives from local businesses such as CoreMark, Gordon Food Service (GFS), Cencora, Premier Packaging, and JOM Pharmaceutical. These partnerships strengthened school-family-community connections and helped students understand how learning extends beyond the classroom into real careers and civic responsibility.
This project also reflected BCPS’ Core Values of Shared Accountability, as educators, students, families, and community members worked together toward a common goal, and Future Focused thinking, as students considered how engineering decisions affect communities over time. The experience also aligned with BCPS’s commitment to Proactive Innovation and Embracing Differences. Collaborative teams allowed students with varied learning styles and strengths to contribute meaningfully, fostering inclusion, respect, and mutual support. Students learned perseverance as they tested designs that didn’t work as planned, revised their ideas, and celebrated improvement, which is a powerful lesson in resilience and mastery learning.
The public showcase marked a proud moment for students and families alike. As students stood beside their bridges, explaining load tests, materials, and design choices, they demonstrated ownership of their learning and pride in their accomplishments. Parents and community members gained a deeper understanding of how BCPS classrooms are preparing students not just academically, but as engaged, capable citizens ready to navigate future challenges.
Experiences like this one illustrate BCPS’s districtwide commitment to providing rigorous and relevant learning opportunities that prepare students for life beyond graduation. From elementary classrooms to high school pathways, BCPS continues to invest in authentic learning that connects academic standards with real-world application, ensuring its students are truly “Moving Forward.”
As Bullitt County Public Schools looks ahead, stories like the Bridge Building project at Brooks Elementary serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when students are trusted with meaningful work, supported by dedicated educators, and connected to their community. Through these experiences, students develop confidence, strengthen essential skills, and build a strong foundation that prepares them for lifelong success.