| BASF sponsors ‘PlastiVan’ visit
to Hunter, Chattanooga middle schools
Traveling exhibit teaches students the ‘chemistry of plastics’
with an accent on fun
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., October 5, 2004 -- The “PlastiVan”
rolled into Chattanooga today, bringing with it a “hands-on”
and altogether fun experience in the chemistry of plastics for more
than 300 students at Hunter Middle School and Chattanooga Middle
School. BASF’s two Chattanooga manufacturing sites sponsored
the visit.
The “PlastiVan” is one of three “science on wheels”
vans that travel throughout the United States teaching students,
educators and the public about the chemistry, history, manufacturing
and environmental issues involved with making plastics. The program
is provided through the National Plastics Center & Museum in
Leominster, Mass.
"The ‘PlastiVan’ program is a great way for us
to partner with local schools to help make science education better
for students in our community," said J.D Purvis, Manager of
BASF's Chattanooga sites. "We are proud of these partnerships
because they make students aware of how the products made by companies
in our area are an essential part of their daily lives."
During the lab sessions, students participated in experiments that
included "The Chemistry of the Disposable Diaper," making
"slime" using liquid polymers and a laundry detergent,
and - to demonstrate the flexibility of polymers - sticking a wooden
skewer through a balloon without bursting it.
“Students may be aware of the plastics they see in grocery
bags, but may never have considered that there’s plastic in
lifesaving medical equipment for example,” said Marjorie Weiner,
National Outreach Director of the National Plastics Center &
Museum. “The first-hand observation and interaction leaves
a lasting impression with students.”
Amber James, National Plastics Center & Museum’s National
Outreach Educator, echoed Weiner’s comments concerning the
impact the “PlastiVan” program has on students. “We
like to refer to it as the ‘wow effect’ of our classroom
presentations,” James said during her presentation at Hunter
Middle School. “It’s that magical moment when you see
the light bulbs going on in the students’ minds as they start
to grasp the principles behind the information we are presenting
about plastics.”
Approximately 130 employees work at BASF’s two Chattanooga
sites, which make products used for adhesives, carpet backing, foams,
paper coatings and asphalt modifiers.
BASF – The Chemical Company. We don’t make a lot
of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®
BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American
affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. We employ about 11,000
people in North America and had sales of approximately $9 billion
in 2003. For more information about BASF’s North American operations,
or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company. Our goal is
to grow profitably and further increase the value of our company.
We help our customers to be more successful through intelligent
system solutions and high-quality products. BASF’s portfolio
ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural
products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. Through
new technologies we can tap into additional market opportunities.
We conduct our business in accordance with the principles of sustainable
development. In 2003, BASF had sales of approximately $42 billion
and over 87,000 employees worldwide. Further information on BASF
is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
For more information, contact:
J.D. Purvis
BASF
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Tel: (423) 493-2732
E-mail: purvisjd@basf.com
Glenn Majeski
BASF
Florham Park, N.J.
Tel: (973) 245-6070
E-mail: majeskg@basf.com
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