BASF sponsors ‘Getting Excited About Science’ program at elementary schools
Physics-based program combines entertainment with ‘hands-on’ learning

PALMYRA, Mo., October 6, 2004 -- BASF recently presented a $1,500 “Helping Make Communities Better” grant to Worlds of Wonder Inc. (WOW), in support of the organization’s “Getting Excited About Science” educational outreach program, currently being conducted at area elementary schools.

“Getting Excited About Science” is one of the Midwest’s most popular educational science programs, with over 250 presentations made in six states each year. The show provides imaginative demonstrations and experiments which exhibit the principles of static electricity, air and water pressure, friction, sound, distribution of weight, energy conservation and inductive and deductive reasoning.

During the demonstration, students see how a teacher can be turned into a “human gyroscope,” how an air blower is used to create a mini-tornado, and how liquid nitrogen can be used for “very cool” experiments. Music accompanies most of the larger experiments to add an entertaining atmosphere.

“BASF is known as the company that helps make products better. We also have a commitment to helping make the schools and communities in which we do business better,” said Mark Johnson, Manager of BASF’s Hannibal site. “This creative educational program helps to engage students in the study of science and, perhaps, may help spark their interest in pursuing scientific careers later in life."

WOW is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, entertaining and encouraging children to explore the world through interactive exhibits in art, science and everyday living.

With more than 300 workers, BASF's Hannibal site is one of the area's largest employers. This site manufactures a wide range of crop protection products to help farmers meet the growing need for a safe, abundant and affordable supply of food for today and tomorrow.

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:
Mark Johnson
BASF
Palmyra, Mo.
Tel: (573) 769-8877
E-mail: johnsoms@basf.com

Glenn Majeski
BASF
Florham Park, N.J.
Tel: (973) 245-6070
E-mail: majeskg@basf.com