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BASF connects classroom learning to real world applications
Employees make science and math come alive in lab experiments
MCINTOSH, AL, April 14, 2015 – When high school students take math and science, it can be difficult to link classroom learning to real world applications. The question most often asked is “Why do I need to know this?” BASF answered that question when 25 Clarke Preparatory School high school juniors visited with employees at the company’s facility in McIntosh, Alabama.
“Encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professions and occupations, is critical to our industry,” said George Vann, Vice President of the BASF site in McIntosh, Alabama. “We have a responsibility to help students understand that science and math are tools our employees use on a daily basis. We welcome the opportunity to partner with local schools to increase awareness about the skills needed to work in our industry.”
The students learned how the laboratory analyzes and reports sample results. They participated in hands-on experiments that focused on bacterial treatment, the use of chemicals in removing waste and the role living organisms have in biodegrading waste. A career panel discussion was held where BASF employees answered specific questions about career options, higher education and why working in the chemical industry is rewarding. The visit ended with a tour of the site.
“I enjoyed learning about the different occupations and careers that exist at a chemical plant,” said Mary Newsom, a student at Clarke Preparatory School. “I always thought that only chemists work at the facility and was surprised to learn otherwise. It’s good to know that there are a variety of job opportunities.”
“I enjoyed going into the environmental lab,” said Justin Baugh, a student at Clarke Preparatory School. “Seeing a water flea up-close through the microscope and learning about what it does in waste water was really interesting.”
Download photo on right, suggested caption #1: Ray Noletto, Group Leader – Routine Quality Control and Environmental Technology, explains how the smallest living organisms help biodegrade waste.
Download photo on right, suggested caption #2: A Clarke Preparatory School student enjoys making slime.
Download photo on right, suggested caption #3: First row from left to right: Maggie Dunagan, Holly Syphrit and Anna Morgan Duke. Second row from left to right: Scotty Dunagan, Chemist, Ray Noletto, Group Leader – Routine Quality Control and Environmental Technology, Katelyn Dunagan, Emily O'Bryant, Maribeth Nelson, Mary Hannah Newsom, Vann Wilson, Megan Brooks, Victoria Hodge, Joe Jones and John Weaver, Quality and Logistics Manager. Third row from left to right: Bill Napper, Group Leader – Analyzer and Intermediate Testing, Logan Gardner, Holden Smith, Justin Baugh, Nick Pope, Trevor Wood, T.J. Detlefsen, Parker Cave, Grey Tucker, Chandler Griffith, Edward Skipper, Gunner Champion, Matthew Hicks, Chase Grochowski and Caleb House.
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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