BASF Kids’ Lab creates chemistry at Orchard Knob Elementary School during National Chemistry Week

CHATTANOOGA, TN, October 23, 2015 — In conjunction with National Chemistry Week, approximately 100 Orchard Knob Elementary School students participated in BASF’s Kids’ Lab program on Thursday. The award-winning program, led by BASF employee volunteers, promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers through fun, applied learning activities for students between the ages of 6 and 12.

“Through Kids’ Lab, we inspire students to explore the world of science and see how chemistry colors the world around them,” said Robert Gagliano, BASF Site Manager. “The students love getting their hands dirty and our employees get to see young minds light up with a new understanding of what science is and where it can take them.”

Orchard Knob students learned about the chemistry of color by making homemade lava lamps. While discovering the science at work in the lamps, students also learned about concepts like liquid density by exploring the relationship between oil and water.  

“It is exciting for the students because they get the chance to see the relevance of chemistry in everyday life,” said Lafrederick Thirkill, Orchard Knob Elementary School Principal. “They are not just learning from a textbook; they are witnessing chemistry in action through products that have been created by BASF.”

BASF and Orchard Knob Elementary School have been partners in chemistry education for more than 30 years. Kids’ Lab was first established at BASF’s global headquarters in Germany in 1997 and currently engages more than 472,000 kids in 35 countries worldwide. In each instructor-led Kids’ Lab workshop, participants explore chemistry through safe and engaging experiments, coupled with interactive demonstrations. Each participant receives a lab apron, safety goggles, a certificate of participation and a pouch filled with other take-home items.

BASF operates two facilities in Chattanooga, employing 130 local workers and boasting a long history of sustained safety and environmental performance. The site produces polymer dispersions used in adhesives, carpet backing, foams, paper coatings and asphalt modifiers.

Download photo on right, suggested caption: A student enjoys creating a lava lamp while learning about the chemistry of color during BASF’s Kids’ Lab at Orchard Knob Elementary School.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 17,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $20.6 billion in 2014. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

 

At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of over €74 billion in 2014 and around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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