BASF Kids’ Lab 2018 promotes science learning with new experiment at Chongqing Science and Technology Museum
- Kids’ Lab celebrates 10th anniversary in Chongqing
- Newly designed experiment inspires school children’s interest in chemistry
- New visitor exploration area creates an all-round, interactive and immersive learning experience for all stakeholders
Chongqing, China – August 22, 2018 – Leading chemical company BASF is bringing a new experiment, “Who’s Inflating the Balloon”, to children in Chongqing this summer. BASF Kids’ Lab is taking place at the Chongqing Science and Technology Museum (CQSTM) from August 21 – August 26. At the same time, a visitor exploration area is being introduced for the first time to bring the wonders of chemistry to families and other stakeholders as well.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of staging BASF’s Kids’ Lab in Chongqing. In 2008, Kids’ Lab was first introduced in Chongqing under the “Germany and China – Moving Ahead Together” initiative, supporting sustainability urban development in China. “BASF invests not only in production but in social engagement with local communities. We are committed to fostering science education globally and in Greater China,” said Marko Murtonen, Vice President, General Manager, BASF Polyurethanes (Chongqing) Company Limited. “It’s rewarding for us to see some of our first participants, who joined ten years ago, return today. One of them has even become a volunteer teacher for Kids’ Lab. That’s exactly the purpose which has driven us to continue this initiative for over a decade. Through the partnership with CQSTM, we aim to help children aged 6-12 to develop an interest in science from an early age.”
“CQSTM and BASF share the same vision: to promote science education among the younger generation. We aim to foster children’s interest in science and inspire their passion for learning through fun-filled and interactive experiments,” said Lai Canhui, Deputy Curator of CQSTM.
Children from the neighboring Changshou District, where the BASF Chongqing MDI plant is located, were again the first group to try the new experiment.
This year, BASF created a visitor exploration area to engage both children and their families through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments. BASF has also developed a portfolio of digital learning resources, available to all students across China, to promote self-exploration and learning at any time, from anywhere.
Since 2013, BASF has cooperated with CQSTM to establish Kids’ Lab as a popular summer event for 6 to 12-year-olds in Chongqing and its peripheral areas. About 5,600 kids have experienced the wonders of hands-on chemistry through this science education program.
Experiments available at the Chongqing Science and Technology Museum include:
Who’s Inflating the Balloon? (45 minutes workshop, for 8 to 12-years-olds)
This experiment shows how an acid and a base react to form carbon dioxide (CO2), which will inflate a balloon. This chemical reaction is also applied in many daily uses including in fire extinguishers.
Red Cabbage Indicator (45 minutes workshop, for 8 to 12-years-olds)
Natural colorants give fruit and vegetables all kinds of colors. Children will learn to extract anthocyanin, a plant pigment, from red cabbage and observe how its color changes in different pH conditions.
Interactive exploration zone to explore world of science (for 6 to 12-years-olds and their families)
A dedicated exploration area is open to children and parents to access a variety of educational resources. The zone includes 1) Experiment Tips booth, 2) Voice of Advanced Science booth; 3) Experiments Area, 4) Virtual Kids’ Lab booth, 5) Emoji booth and 6) Reading Area. An educational tour designed for both kids and their parents is also available online.
From early July to the end of August this year, Kids’ Lab has been touring across China in partnership with various science and technology museums in Shanghai, Beijing and Chongqing.
For more information on BASF Kids’ Lab in China and how to participate in it, please visit: www.basf.com/kidslab/cn
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.
About Chongqing Science & Technology Museum
Chongqing Science & Technology Museum (CQSTM) is one of the ten key social and cultural infrastructure projects administered by Chongqing municipal Party committee and government. It is a grand, modern, comprehensive, and multi-functional venue open to the public for the popularization of science education. It is an important base essential to implement the strategy of revitalizing Chongqing through science and education, and to the effort of improving the scientific and cultural awareness of the public. QSTM features “Life, Society, and Innovation” as the theme of the exhibition. There are 6 theme exhibition halls with more than 400 exhibits. Since its opening on September 9, 2009, it has received more than 15 million visitors. Further information on Chongqing Science & Technology Museum is available at http://www.cqkjg.cn.
