BASF sponsors ‘PlastiVan’ visit to Fallen Timbers Middle School
Science program provides ‘hands-on’ experience in the chemistry of plastics

WHITEHOUSE, Ohio, November 29, 2005 – Who would ever think that an up-close view of slime could be so interesting.

But “making slime” was part of the classroom science activities when the “PlastiVan” rolled into town today for a visit at Fallen Timbers 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.

“BASF’s sponsorship of the Plastivan is an absolutely wonderful example of industry and education working together,” said Randy Hardy, Superintendent, Anthony Wayne Schools. “Students learn best through ‘hands-on’ experiences, and the Plastivan provides the hands-on learning that complements their classroom experience.”

“BASF has been partnering with the PlastiVan program for a number of years,” said Karl Schnapp, Manager of BASF's Whitehouse site. “It’s an outstanding educational tool because it demonstrates, in a fun and creative way, the important role plastics play in our world. We’ve received great feedback from both teachers and students.”

During the lab sessions, the students participated in a variety of experiments that included making slime using liquid polymers and a laundry detergent, "The Chemistry of the Disposable Diaper," and - to demonstrate the flexibility of polymers - sticking a wooden skewer through a balloon without bursting it.

“The first-hand observation and interaction leaves a lasting impression with students,” said Marjorie Weiner, National Outreach Director of the National Plastics Center & Museum. ”As a person who conducts these programs, I can tell you that it is always quite gratifying to see how much the students enjoy performing the experiments.”

BASF’s Whitehouse facility includes the company’s North American Customer Service Center, Coatings Laboratories, and Application and Training Center. With approximately 140 employees, the site provides a wide range of research and development, technical, and customer support services for BASF business groups.

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. Rated in FORTUNE magazine as America’s Most Admired Chemical Company, 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), and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

For more information, contact:
Karl Schnapp
BASF
Whitehouse, Ohio
Tel: (419) 877-4309
E-mail: schnapk@basf.com

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