Helping make science fun: BASF sponsors ‘PlastiVan’ visit
Traveling exhibit teaches Table Rock Middle School students 'chemistry of plastics'

MORGANTON, N.C., October 28, 2004 -- The “PlastiVan,” an internationally recognized education program that provides students with a "hands-on" experience in the chemistry of plastics, rolled into town this week for a two-day visit at Table Rock Middle School. The visits were sponsored by a "Helping Make Communities Better" grant from BASF.

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.

“Our students enjoyed the demonstrations, experiments, and fascinating stories about the history of plastic,” said Sharon Colaw, Principal of Table Rock Middle School. “Each student came away with a new understanding and appreciation for how much plastic influences our day-to-day lives. A big ‘thank you’ to BASF for providing this learning experience for our students.”

“The ‘PlastiVan’ program is an outstanding educational tool,” said Gretchen Sawchuk, Human Resources Manager for BASF's Morganton site. “It demonstrates, in a fun and creative way, the important role plastics play in our world. We are proud to sponsor these visits because they make children 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 Table Rock 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 120 employees work at BASF’s Morganton site, which produces a variety of automotive and industrial coatings.

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. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

For more information, contact:
Alan Brown
BASF
Morganton, N.C.
Tel: (828) 584-5013
E-mail: brownba@basf-corp.com

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