BASF brings science-on-wheels Trailblazer tour to Lanier Middle School

Trailblazer highlights STEM education and careers

FREEPORT, TX, May 26, 2015 – Sixth graders at Lanier Middle School in Brazosport Independent School District (BISD) recently experienced the marvels of science and technology aboard the Trailblazer Mobile Science Museum, a sleek trailer filled with interactive, hands-on learning activities designed to build interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

BASF’s site in Freeport, Texas provided funding to Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME) – which designed and operates the Trailblazer – and several BASF employees volunteered to bring the "science-on-wheels" learning experience to local students.

"TAME's Trailblazer program is an innovative way to bring science and technology to life for students while making the connection between how their education today is preparing them for future careers," said Chris Witte, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the BASF site in Freeport. "We appreciate TAME's efforts to make STEM subjects more accessible to more students across Texas."

The Trailblazer is one of two mobile science labs operated by TAME that are equipped with interactive exhibits focusing on space, energy, weather, aerodynamics and biotechnology. TAME created the Trailblazer program to encourage all Texas youth in grades three through eight to pursue STEM careers, with a focus on underrepresented minorities and females.

TAME reports that more than half of the U.S. population is female, yet only 12 percent of the nation’s practicing engineers are women. In addition, less than 10 percent of engineering professionals are African American, Hispanic or Native American, while these minority groups represent more than 25 percent of the population.

The company worked with district officials at BISD to determine which campus was the best “fit” for the program, as only so many students can “tour” the Trailblazer at one time.

“The TAME Trailblazer provided students at Lanier Middle School with amazing exhibits in space, weather, medicine, energy, and aerodynamics,” said Maria Amador, Lanier sixth grade teacher. “Our students enjoyed manipulating exhibits and learning from BASF employees about how things worked in a fun, educational and enjoyable manner. BASF and TAME truly had an impact on our students.  Our school is extremely grateful to TAME and BASF for investing time, talent and energy in our students.”

For a press photo, click on the following link: https://www.basf.com/press-photos/us/en/photos/2015/05/05-26-15_TAME.jpg

Suggested caption:  BASF Corporation recently invited Sixth graders at Lanier Middle School to experience the marvels of science and technology aboard the TAME Trailblazer Mobile Science Museum, a sleek trailer filled with interactive, hands-on learning activities designed to build interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

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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