BASF connects high school chemistry to industry applications

Employees make science come alive in lab experiments

MCINTOSH, AL June 9, 2015 – When high school students take chemistry, it can be difficult to link classroom experiments to industry applications. The question most often asked is “What job or occupation performs experiments like this?” BASF answered that question when 21 McIntosh 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 BASF’s McIntosh site. “We have a responsibility to help students understand that science is a tool 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 looking at the different ways you can test samples,” said Allison Chestang, a student at McIntosh High School. “I also liked looking through the microscope at the water fleas. Making slime was fun as well.”

“My favorite part of the visit was looking through the microscopes at certain kinds of bacteria,” said Arlisha Reed, a student at McIntosh High School. “I also liked the demonstration with the elements going through the flame. It was interesting to compare how sodium and lithium burn differently. Overall I had a great learning experience and appreciate everything BASF did with us.”

For press photos, please click on the following links: 

https://www.basf.com/press-photos/us/en/photos/2015/06/06-09-15_connectchemistry1.jpg
Suggested caption: Ray Noletto, Group Leader – Routine Quality Control and Environmental Technology for BASF, explains what job skills are needed for different professions in the chemistry industry to McIntosh High School students while their chemistry teacher looks on.

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Suggested caption: McIntosh High School student, Allen Barns, enjoys exploring polymers by making slime during a visit to BASF.

https://www.basf.com/press-photos/us/en/photos/2015/06/06-09-15_connectchemistry3.jpg
Suggested caption: Twenty-one students from McIntosh High School learned about STEM careers during a visit to the BASF site in McIntosh.

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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