Schoolchildren explore science in daily life at BASF Kids’ Lab

• Hands-on experiments allow children to explore how science can improve quality of life
• New experiments available online at BASF Virtual Kids’ Lab 

Taipei, Taiwan – July 2, 2018 – BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, is introducing new chemical experiments to help children explore the world of chemistry in daily life. BASF Kids’ Lab, a hands-on science experiment program for children aged 6-12, will inspire children to find ways to tackle the challenges of resource conservation, improve quality of life and build awareness of environmental protection. BASF Kids’ Lab will take place on July 2 - 4 at the National Taiwan Science Education Center in Taipei, and July 10 - 11 at National Science and Technology Museum in Kaohsiung.

More than 1,100 primary school students will conduct hands-on and fun-filled chemistry experiments under the guidance of instructors and BASF volunteers.

“Who’s inflating the balloon?” 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.

“Poly Lab” experiment helps children understand different forms of plastics and inspires them to think of ways to separate plastics for recycling. Children will also gain knowledge about the concept of density, as well as the unique properties of a corn starch solvent that can be used to make plastic. Children can also observe and understand the properties of biodegradable plastic bags made with renewable resources. Children will be encouraged to reuse and recycle plastic products in order to protect the environment.

In the “Keep Cool!” experiment, children will observe the change of temperature in an ice-slat mixture, and understand the role of food refrigeration in avoiding food spoilage and food loss.

“Science education is part of BASF’s social commitment. With Kids’ Lab, BASF provides various experiment programs that encourage students to develop their interests in science and explore other career possibilities in fields related to science, technology and engineering,” said Kin Wah Chay, Managing Director of BASF Taiwan Ltd.

First established in Germany in 1997, BASF Kids’ Lab is a free, interactive education program for kids aged 6-12 to discover the world of chemistry through simple and safe experiments, which can spark curiosity and interest in science. In Taiwan, more than 11,000 children have participated in the program since 2007. Starting from 2012, BASF Taiwan has been offering the BASF Kids’ Lab program at certain remote schools, where education resources are relatively limited, especially for science subjects.

Followed by the Kids’ Lab, children will have the chance to participate in BASF Kids’ Farm, which was initiated by BASF Taiwan in 2010. The employees of BASF AgSolution Farm Pingtung will guide children to observe plant diseases, insects, and weeds that farmers have to tackle when growing rice and fruit.  Kids’ Farm gives children a great opportunity to understand the hard work of farmers and the value of food resources, and therefore to cherish the food on their table.

In the online world, “BASF Virtual Kids’ Lab” has launched nine interactive experiments: “The Green Wonder”, “The Sweet Bread”, “The Bubbling Refreshment”, “The Foaming Beads”, “Chemistry Lab Bakery”, “Energy from the Sun”, “Cleaning Dirty Water”, “Looking for the Sender”, and “The Red Stain Devil”. Students can experience the fun world of chemistry any time or place, and learn how chemicals work under the guidance of Dr. Bubbles, the BASF Kids’ Lab mascot.

 

About BASF Kids’ Lab Program

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 Taiwan since 2007, benefitting more than 11,000 children.

About BASF in Greater China

BASF has been a committed partner to Greater China since 1885. With major investments in Shanghai, Nanjing and Chongqing, BASF is the largest foreign investor in China’s chemical industry, and maintains the Innovation Campus Shanghai as a global and regional research and development hub. BASF posted sales of €7.3 billion in 2017 to customers in Greater China, and employed 8,982 people as of the end of that year. For further information, please visit www.basf.com.

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.