‘So Fresh and So Clean’: Middle School Scholars Turn Science Into Competition and Discovery with Grizzlies-Backed Water Filtration Project
Murky water became visibly clearer and curiosity turned into real-world discovery as middle school students at KIPP Memphis Public Schools brought science to life through the “So Fresh and So Clean” water filtration project.
Backed by a $1,500 grant from the Memphis Grizzlies, KIPP Memphis’ STEM lab transformed into an interactive learning space where scholars explored how natural materials like sand, gravel, and charcoal can filter water. But this wasn’t just a classroom experiment, it was a friendly challenge.
Students worked in teams, testing different combinations of materials to determine which filtration systems removed the most solid particles and worked the fastest. With a little friendly competition driving them, scholars compared results in real time, watching as their designs improved water clarity.
The excitement drew in special guests from the Grizzlies organization, including the team’s hype man, Grizz Girls, and community team, who joined students at their lab tables. Together, they rolled up their sleeves and experienced the filtration process firsthand, sharing in the reactions as each system came to life.
The result? A classroom filled with energy, teamwork, and discovery—captured in moments of students confidently explaining their methods, celebrating wins, and learning through trial and error.
“This is what meaningful learning looks like,” said Executive Principal Melody Smith. “Our scholars are not just learning science, they’re applying it, testing it, and owning it. Experiences like this, especially with partners like the Memphis Grizzlies, make learning stick.”
The “So Fresh and So Clean” project reflects KIPP Memphis’ commitment to hands-on, real-world learning that builds critical thinking and sparks curiosity—especially in STEM.
For KIPPsters, it’s more than a project, it’s proof that learning can be engaging, competitive, and impactful all at once.
