BASF sponsors local teacher in NPRA’s Science Teacher Enhancement Program
Science program designed to help spark interest in study of chemistry

GEISMAR, La., June 7, 2005 -- Roxanne Skias, a fifth grade teacher at Duplessis Primary School in Gonzales, La., has been selected as one of 15 elementary school teachers to attend the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association’s (NPRA) 6th annual 2005 Science Teacher Enhancement Program (STEP) from June 13 – 17 in Houston, Texas, thanks to sponsorship from BASF. A second program will be held June 20 - 24, in Houston.

Launched in 1999, the program provides elementary school teachers with the opportunity to learn how to enhance the interest of both students and parents in chemistry. The NPRA-sponsored program is based on a highly successful, award-winning program developed at Miami University of Ohio. With the program, teachers explore chemistry using toys and other common objects.

The program enables teachers to expand their repertoire of “hands-on” science activities and learn effective strategies for using toy-based science activities in the classroom. Using super balls, yo-yos, and other readily available toys and other materials, teachers build on students’ curiosity and make real-life connections between the students’ world and the classroom. Supplies and books are provided along with the opportunity to follow up with instructors and fellow teachers once back at school.

“We believe this program is a unique opportunity to enhance local schools’ science curriculum through innovative, fun activities,” said Mike Cohen, Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Geismar site. “Over recent years, fewer students have chosen to pursue the study of chemistry in college. This program is aimed at sparking students’ interest in chemistry in secondary schools and then college. It also helps make refining and petrochemical manufacturing processes more understandable to our neighbors and allows us to give something back to this community where we live and do business.”

Teachers will gather in Houston in January 2006 for a review session to reinforce what they have learned and to present projects they have worked on using the concepts and methods developed in June. BASF and NPRA cover all costs associated with the program, including travel, accommodations and supplies.

NPRA’s members include more than 450 companies, comprising virtually all U.S. refiners and petrochemical manufacturers. NPRA is also a Responsible Care® Partnership Association. Participation in the NPRA Elementary Teachers Science Program aids member companies in meeting their community relations obligations under the Responsible Care codes of management practice.

BASF's Geismar site manufactures a wide range of products that are used in hundreds of consumer products.

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 10,000 people in North America and had sales of approximately $11 billion in 2004. 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: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s intelligent solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than $50 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:
Helen Cane
BASF
Geismar, La.
Tel: (225) 339-7207
E-mail: caneh@basf.com

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