MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Middle school students can now sign up for a free water science course from Brown University and Meridian Community College. The online program asks young people to become “Water Detectives.” They will learn what is in their water and test it in their own towns.
The course is part of Brown University’s Environmental Explorers School. It is free for any middle school student in the United States.
What students will do
The course is called “What’s in YOUR Tap Water?” It has five parts, called modules. Students work through them online at their own pace.
First, students learn how clean water is tied to good health. They also learn about germs and other things that can get into water. Next, they follow how water travels from rivers and lakes to the kitchen sink. As part of that lesson, they visit a local stream, river or pond and grade its health.
After that, students learn how public water systems are checked and kept safe. Then they collect tap water from three places in their community and test it. Finally, they share what they found in reports and talks.
A free kit comes in the mail
Students who sign up get a free activity pack shipped to their home, according to the Jackson Advocate. It includes water testing kits and the other supplies needed for the course.
Students who finish all five modules earn a Certificate of Completion. They also earn a Water Science Expert Badge.
Results will help map local water
Student test results will go into a regional map that shows water quality. Organizers say names are taken out of the data. So no personal details will show up on public maps or materials.
Why Meridian is part of this
Meridian Community College and Brown University have worked together before. Since 2024, MCC students have helped Brown researchers measure air quality and noise across the Greater Meridian area.
Brown’s School of Public Health started the Environmental Explorers School in the summer of 2025. Students from several states took part that first year, including Mississippi.
How to sign up
The water course goes live on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Early sign up is open now.
Students and parents can scan the “Enroll Today” code on the program flyer. They can also email Dr. Erica Walker at [email protected]. The course is open to public school, private school and homeschool students. A second code on the flyer links to the program’s YouTube videos.
Teachers, coaches and youth leaders can help by sharing the flyer with students they know.
