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“We can help!”: BASF Kids’ Lab and Shanghai Science and Technology Museum help children explore the basics of climate change this summer
- BASF introduces two new experiments on climate change and health protection under the theme “Chemistry, solving global challenges”
- A multi-sensory experiment helps kids get to know CO2 and learn how to “do their bit” by reducing individual carbon footprints
Shanghai, China – July 7, 2021 – BASF kicked off the annual BASF Kids’ Lab activities at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (SSTM), helping children explore the wonders of chemistry in daily life. This summer, Kids’ Lab will tour across China in partnership with various science and technology museums in Shanghai, Beijing and Chongqing. The debut sessions at SSTM are held from July 6 to 14.
Climate change affects many areas of people’s lives and the well-being of future generations. BASF introduces “Getting to know CO2” – a brand new experiment designed to help children learn the properties of carbon dioxide (CO2), and to understand the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Also, a hand washing experiment will be launched to help kids understand that practicing hand hygiene is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of gems and viruses. Along with the experiments, a special gallery will be featured in a dedicated exploration area for visitors to discover chemistry’s vital role in tackling global challenges.
“In today’s world, the topic of global warming and protecting the environment has never been more prominent,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, President and Chairman of BASF Greater China. “Chemistry helps us solve many present and future global challenges. This year’s experiment translates the concepts of ‘global warming’ and ‘greenhouse gas emissions’ into kids’ language, making it easy for them to understand. Children are encouraged to discover their roles in making the world a better place.”
“We are delighted to co-host the annual Kids’ Lab program with BASF to promote science-based education and spark children’s interest in chemistry at an early age,” said Miao Wenjing, Deputy Curator of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. “We hope our joint efforts to promote science will inspire children to appreciate the wonder and excitement of science and enrich their learning journey during the summer holiday.”
In 2021, BASF Kids’ Lab experiments to be staged at SSTM include:
CO2 Lab: Getting to know CO2 (45-min workshop, for 8 – 12 years old)
Humans are facing a big challenge – meeting growing demands while lowering emissions. CO2 is an important greenhouse gas that helps trap heat in the atmosphere and plays a key role in Earth’s carbon cycle. The experiment helps children learn the properties of CO2 and how we can protect the environment by reducing our carbon footprints.
Hand hygiene Lab: Why wash your hands? (45-min workshop, for 8 – 12 years old)
Germs can make people sick, but do we know how they are spread at home, school or in public places? This fun experiment visualizes the journeys of germs and teaches children how to stay healthy during a pandemic.
Apart from hands-on experiments, BASF also makes scientific discovery easily accessible for all the kids across the country. In 2020, BASF started to offer the Kids’ Lab Community mini program on WeChat, consisting of a portfolio of digital learning resources including short videos, games, podcasts, and cartoons. In early August 2021, BASF will launch a virtual Summer Camp. Participants will receive a physical lab kit to accompany the online programs, enabling kids to experience the joy of chemistry anytime, anywhere.
Please visit our website to find out more information on BASF’s Kids’ Lab in China.
Media Contacts:
BASF Greater China
Clare Zhang
Phone: 021-2039 3383
Email: zhaolai.zhang@basf.com
Shanghai Science & Technology Museum
Ivy Huang
Phone: 021- 6862 2000 EXT 8686
Email: huangyj@sstm.org.cn
About BASF in Greater China
BASF has been a committed partner to Greater China since 1885. With large production sites in Shanghai, Nanjing and Chongqing, as well as a global and regional research and development hub in Shanghai, BASF is a major foreign investor in the country’s chemical industry. BASF posted sales of approximately €8.5 billion in 2020 to customers in Greater China and employed 8,948 people as of the end of the year. For further information, please visit www.basf.com/cn/en.
About Shanghai Science & Technology Museum (SSTM)
As one of national first-grade museums, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, is the national level 5A scenic spot, as well as the post-doctoral research station. It is also on the first batch of research and tourism demonstration bases in China. The museum includes two branches which are the Shanghai Natural History Museum and Shanghai Planetarium. It integrates the functions of exhibition and education, collection and research, science promotion and culture exchange together. Further information at www.sstm.org.cn.
