BASF creates chemistry with Wyandotte students through Kids’ Lab program

Volunteers from BASF and Michigan Science Center bring outreach program to local classrooms

WYANDOTTE, MI, April 3, 2018 – Children at Garfield Elementary School were recently introduced to the basic principles of chemistry and laboratory safety thanks to volunteers from BASF and the Michigan Science Center. 

More than 100 third and fourth grade students learned about atoms, molecules, and polymers by making slime as part of Kids’ Lab, a free interactive chemistry education program developed and provided by BASF. The students also explored chromatography by breaking down the ink from markers using a solution of rubbing alcohol. Each child received their own backpack complete with safety glasses, apron, notebook, mechanical pencil, and a certificate of participation.

“Kids’ Lab provided our students with the opportunity to use lab equipment and substances that are not readily available to us,” said Third Grade Teacher Jennifer Miller. “They loved doing fun, hands-on activities while learning science at the same time.”

BASF supports numerous programs that encourage students to pursue an interest in science and explore career possibilities in fields related to science, technology, engineering and math. Since 2010, more than 400,000 students have participated in BASF’s award-winning science education programs throughout North America. The Michigan Science Center also hosts Kids’ Lab on weekends at its Detroit facility.

For press photos please click on the following links:
https://www.basf.com/press-photos/us/en/photos/2018/04/04-03-18_KidsLab1.jpg
Suggested caption: Garfield Elementary students learn about polymers by making slime with Kids’ Lab, a hands-on science education program developed by BASF.

https://www.basf.com/press-photos/us/en/photos/2018/04/04-03-18_KidsLab2.jpg
Suggested caption: Third and fourth grade students at Garfield Elementary add water to instant snow powder to observe the changes in texture and appearance as part of the Kids’ Lab program from BASF.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 18,200 employees in North America, and had sales of $17.9 billion in 2017. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com.

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.

About the Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center inspires nearly 300,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across the state of Michigan. As the STEM hub of the state, we focus on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits, and initiatives that enable us to empower and enrich all children and all communities with STEM. Through our Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, we are expanding beyond our Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With Toyota’s 4D Engineering Theater, live stage shows, a Planetarium, lab activities, 250+ hands-on exhibits, and more, there are dozens of ways to customize your MiSci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive support from the city of Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.

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