BASF sponsors ‘PlastiVan’ visit to Aliquippa Middle School
Traveling exhibit teaches students the ‘chemistry of plastics’ with an accent on fun

MONACA, Pa., November 16, 2004 -- The “PlastiVan,” an internationally recognized education program that provides students with a "hands-on" experience in the chemistry of plastics, rolled into town last week for a visit at Aliquippa Middle School. The visit was 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 really enjoyed the presentation and ‘hands-on’ demonstrations," said Pete Carbone, Principal, Aliquippa Middle School. "They found it both educational and fun. We greatly appreciate BASF’s sponsorship.”

“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 Jim Mason, Manager of BASF's Monaca site. “The ‘PlastiVan’ program is an outstanding educational tool. 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, the fifth grade 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.”

Linda Ball, 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,” Ball said. “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.”

About 100 people work at BASF's Monaca site, which produces latex used in paper coatings, adhesives, paints and carpet backing.

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:
Jim Mason
BASF
Monaca, Pa.
Tel: (724) 773-7216
E-mail: masonj@basf-corp.com

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