Free online science course empowers local middle schoolers to test tap water at home
JANS – Middle school students across Mississippi have a unique opportunity to step into the role of environmental scientists this semester through a free, interactive online program titled “What’s in YOUR Tap Water?”
Hosted by the Environmental Explorers School, the initiative was developed through a collaborative effort between faculty, staff, and students at the Brown University School of Public Health and Meridian Community College. The course is open to all middle school students, including those enrolled in public, private, or homeschool programs.
Designed to blend scientific education with community advocacy, the hands-on program guides young scholars through the fundamentals of drinking water safety, public health impacts, and environmental monitoring.
Hands-On Science at No Cost
Every registered participant will receive a free activity pack delivered directly to them, containing multi-parameter water testing kits and all required learning materials. Throughout the course, students act as citizen scientists by testing their own local tap water and evaluating real-world water issues.
Findings gathered by students will contribute to an interactive regional heat map visualizing water quality across different areas. Organizers emphasize that student privacy is strictly protected: all submitted data is anonymized, with no personal or identifying information attached to public maps or shared materials.
Upon completing the program’s five modules, participants will earn an official Certificate of Completion and a Water Science Expert Badge.
A Five-Module Investigation
The curriculum is structured into five distinct phases, blending hands-on experiments with real-world application:
• Module 1: Unfiltered: What’s Really in Our Water? – Students analyze historical drinking water crises, study how biological contaminants affect the human body, and interact with industry professionals to explore the connection between clean water and public health.
• Module 2: The Ultimate Road Trip: How Water Gets to You – Learners trace the path of water from natural sources to household taps. For their field assignment, students conduct a physical inspection of a local body of water – such as a stream, river, or pond – using a standardized health quality assessment scorecard.
• Module 3: Water Detectives: Breaking Down the Science – Participants examine how public water supplies are monitored and regulated. Acting as “water detectives,” students analyze case files and evidence to spot hidden contaminants and interpret safety data.
• Module 4: Sampling Like a Scientist: Your Tap Water Investigation – Using their complimentary multi-parameter test kits, students conduct field research by gathering primary data on tap water quality across three separate locations in their community.
• Module 5: Pour It Forward: Sharing Your Test Findings – Moving from research to advocacy, students learn effective science communication strategies. The final module challenges participants to create visual reports and present their scientific conclusions clearly to community members without causing unnecessary panic or spreading misinformation.
How to Participate
Pre-registration is currently open for all interested middle school families. To secure a spot, email Dr. Erica Walker at communitynoiselab@brown.edu. The course will go live on November 5, 2026.
