Ride on discovery: BASF Kids’ Lab 2024 kicks off in Shanghai with fresh explorations that unveil the mystery of materials
- Two new scientific experiments highlight material innovation
- Interactive displays showcase how advanced materials enhance the sporting experience and foster a healthy lifestyle
- A steadfast commitment to promoting science education among children through exploratory learning and sustainable practices
Shanghai, China – July 3, 2024 – BASF Kids’ Lab, a science education program popular among children and their parents, kicks off its Shanghai station today. With the introduction of two new fun and safe scientific experiments, namely “Fantasy Foam” and “Water Absorbent Magic,” children can unlock the fascinating world of polymers. They can also experience how scientists leverage material innovation to develop tailored solutions that improve our lives. From July 3 to 7, children aged 6 to 12 can join the program at the Songjiang Science and Technology Museum in Shanghai.
“Innovative materials are essential in our daily lives, and it is chemistry that serves as the foundation behind these creations”, said Henry Paeckert, Senior Vice President, Business & Market Development Greater China, BASF. “This year, our Kids’ Lab program focuses on advanced materials. Through an exploratory journey about the materials, we hope that kids will be inspired by the chemistry and understand the role of material innovation in driving social advancement and sustainability.”
"Our museum is committed to promoting science education for young generation and providing them with a broad platform of science exploration. Children play a vital role in shaping the future. With this program, we hope to spur their interests in science and raise their environmental awareness for a better tomorrow", added Qiu Wei, Director of Shanghai Songjiang Science and Technology Museum.
This summer, BASF Kids’ Lab will visit cities in Greater China including Taipei, Shanghai, Kaohsiung, Beijing, Chongqing, and Zhanjiang, inspiring children across different cities to learn through play in a delightful space designed for science experiments. The program will also feature interactive displays showcasing how advanced materials can enhance the sporting experience and foster a healthy lifestyle.
As the world’s leading chemical company, BASF actively takes on its social responsibility and is committed to promoting science education to enhance public understanding of the chemical industry. For more than 20 years, BASF Kids' Lab program has been providing an enjoyable and educational science exploration experience to more than 214,000 school-age children in China during summer.
The experiments at 2024 BASF Kids’ Lab Shanghai station include:
Fantasy Foam (45-minute workshop, eligible for children aged 6-12 years old)
Polyurethane (PU) is an advanced material that can be seen everywhere in our daily life. Through foaming technology, PU can be molded into various shapes, making it an ideal material for creating toys. How is PU foam made? What is the science behind it? In this experiment, children can observe the foaming and expansion process of PU foam plastic, know about its chemical reaction and material properties, and experience the magical world of foaming.
Water Absorbent Magic (45-minute workshop, eligible for children aged 6-12 years old)
Paper towels and sponges are common water absorbents in our daily life. In the world of chemistry, superabsorbent materials possess a remarkable capability to absorb and retain liquids that is thousands of times their own mass. Even when subjected to external pressure, separating the absorbed water from the material is difficult. This extraordinary property has made them utilized in the production of baby diapers. Through this experiment, children will have the opportunity to discover how different materials absorb water, while exploring the magic of superabsorbent.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
About BASF in Greater China
BASF has been a committed partner to Greater China since 1885. With large production sites in Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing and Zhanjiang, as well as a regional research and development hub in Shanghai, BASF is a major foreign investor in the country's chemical industry. BASF posted sales of approximately €9.4 billion in 2023 to customers in Greater China and employed 12,115 people as of the end of the year. For further information, please visit www.basf.com/cn
