BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals installs STEAM Lab in Port Acres Elementary School
BEAUMONT, TX, May 7, 2024 – BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals, Inc. (BTP) in Port Arthur has invested $20,000 to help students at Port Acres Elementary School in the Port Arthur Independent School District connect with science. Students will now have the opportunity to engage with state-of-the-art technology in a designated Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Lab. BTP worked collaboratively with the school district to identify technology tools, equipment and even furniture to entice students, grades K-5th, to explore, discover and experiment.
“The new lab introduces students to STEAM through hands-on, interactive activities,” said John Lycan, Site Manager for BTP in Port Arthur. “We hope students look forward to their time in the lab and that the knowledge they gain gives them a competitive edge as they continue their educational journeys.”
The STEAM Lab at Port Acres is equipped for the youngest learners to more advanced students. Kindergarteners are introduced to the basic concepts of code playing with Bee-Bots, bright-colored motorized bugs that take directional commands. The innovative space includes several 3-D printers, snap circuits, modular robots, rocket kit, ActiveCam®, an ActiveFloor interactive floor where children navigate in and play various activities and a Marada Racing Simulator Cockpit that more advanced students will learn to program.
“Port Acres Elementary has truly been blessed with a wonderful STEAM Lab on our campus thanks to BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals LLC.,” said Dr. Amy Newcomb-Jordan, Principal at Port Acres Elementary School. “They have provided a beautiful space and equipment for our elementary students to truly learn how to incorporate science, technology, engineering, art and math. With these tools, our students will be engaged in hands-on activities that will inspire their creativity and critical thinking skills. The importance of this type of education cannot be overstated and is very beneficial to their problem-solving abilities in real-world applications. The PAE STEAM Lab supports Port Arthur ISD's mission of meeting the unique educational needs of a diverse population by providing a comprehensive and quality education.”
This is the second STEAM Lab BTP has installed in the Port Arthur area. The first lab was installed in Bob Hope Elementary School in 2022. BTP plans to install STEAM Labs in all elementary schools in the Port Arthur Independent School District.
“Teaching STEAM to young people is the first step toward workforce development, said Lycan. “We are creating the innovators and leaders of the future, and I like to think BASF team members.”
“On behalf of our amazing Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mark Porterie, our Supportive Board of Trustees, our dedicated district departments and campus staff, as well as, our incredible students and parents, thank you,” said Dr. Jordan.
To learn more, visit www.basf.com/us/en/who-we-are/community/Science-Education.html.
About BASF
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $20.5 billion in 2023. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
