BASF Virtual Lab helps Vietnamese students learn about nature with two new experiments
- Helping primary students explore photosynthesis and soil components, sparking interest in natural sciences among next generation
- Total of 12 online experiments to help Vietnamese kids learn about chemistry anytime, anywhere
- Donated 20 computers to Bùi Hữu Nghĩa Primary School to help over 600 students gain access to technology
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – December 22, 2022 – BASF introduced two more games in Vietnamese in its BASF Virtual Lab (http://thinghiemvui.basf.com), an online platform that allows children to do a variety of interactive chemistry experiments. In total, 12 virtual experiments have now been offered to Vietnamese primary students. In partnership with Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, BASF hosted a training workshop for teachers and students from Bùi Hữu Nghĩa Primary School, Bình Tân District, to help them familiarize with fascinating experiments and learn what chemistry means to their daily lives. The company also donated 20 computer sets helping the teachers and more than 600 students gain access to computer science and technology.
The two newly launched experiments include “Green Wonder” and “The soil experiment”. Through the “Green Wonder” experiment, children will learn about photosynthesis, a process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (CO2) to create oxygen (O2)The school children will also learn about chlorophyll, a pigment that is responsible for the green color of the leaves, without which photosynthesis cannot work. Overall, they will have a better understanding of the important role of photosynthesis to people and our environment.
“The soil experiment” will help children learn about different types of soil, including sandy soil, clay, silty soil and humus based on the composition of the particles, and components that make up our soil, for example air and water. They will find out more about humus, an important component for storing water and nutrients in the soil, which is beneficial for planting flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Science plays an essential role in our daily life and preparing the next generation of scientists is important for the society and BASF. These two new experiments will allow Vietnamese children explore the amazing world of chemistry and natural sciences – in an interactive and enjoyable way. Since 2018, with the strong collaboration and support of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, we have localized 12 online experiments to contribute to the country’s effort to offer STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education to the young people and prepare them for future success,“ said Erick Contreras, Managing Director, BASF Vietnam. „We are also pleased to offer 20 sets of computers to help the students from Bùi Hữu Nghĩa Primary School to conduct these fun experiments as well as develop their computer skills, which is essential in today‘s fast growing digitalization environment,“ he added.
BASF Virtual Lab, an extension of BASF’s global hands-on chemistry education program Kids’ Lab, provides a wide range of interactive experiments online. Children can experience the joy of chemistry anytime and anywhere by playing the role of a researcher and conducting experiments in the virtual world of a laboratory. Each step of every experiment contains easy-to-understand explanations from the animated Kids’ Lab mascot Dr. Bubbles. New experiments are continuously added.
Note to Editor:
A dedicated Facebook page has been set up for participants and interested parties to share photos and comments: BASF Kids’ Lab Asia Pacific Facebook.
About BASF Kids’ Lab
Education is the key to the future of our children, and it plays an important role in the development of society. With our Social Engagement Strategy, we want to open up learning opportunities and to encourage children’s sense of discovery and teach good science methods and skills. This helps us to meet the challenges of tomorrow and to create a sustainable future.
The BASF Kids’ Lab program is an interactive, fun and free chemistry education program designed for kids aged 6 to 12 years to discover the world of chemistry through simple and safe hands-on experiments. The program has been brought to more than 30 countries across the globe, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Singapore, India and Japan. It was established in 1997 in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The program has been introduced to Vietnam since 2011, benefitting about 5,000 children.
About BASF in Vietnam
BASF has been active in Vietnam since the establishment of its representative office in 1994. BASF Vietnam Limited was set up in 2009. The company maintains two sales offices in Hồ Chí Minh City and Hà Nội, offering solutions for Vietnam’s key industries, including agriculture, construction, automotive, footwear, coatings, and electronics. BASF Vietnam’s sales was approximately €341 million in 2021. BASF employed 118 people in Vietnam as of the year end.
Further information of BASF Vietnam is available at www.basf.com/vn.
