Curiosity and Creativity

BASF supports St Matthew’s Primary School, Stockport with STEM week initiative bringing chemistry into the classroom. A focus on farming and food production highlights the vital role of farmers and the importance of environmental stewardship.

BY EMMA GREGORY

Young learners at St Matthew’s Primary School Stockport have enjoyed a week of science-based experiences and experiments, supported by a team of volunteers from BASF’s UK headquarters in Stockport.

Throughout the week, 27 BASF STEM Ambassadors hosted 11 interactive sessions, bringing to life the breadth of science and asking the children to consider what is a scientist. Activities aimed to stimulate an interest in science and to foster curiosity and creativity.

Highlights included worm-charming to investigate soil health, BASF Colour Lab to create innovative car colours, exploring food technology by making chocolate mousse, learning how drones work and an indoor planetarium.

Farming, the Biggest Job on Earth is brought to the classroom

BASF has a long-standing commitment of supporting local schools with STEM activities but this year was a first for its agricultural advocacy campaign Farming, the Biggest Job on Earth.

As a leading provider of crop protection and digital solutions for farming, BASF is committed to supporting UK agriculture by educating and informing all ages about the vital role farmers play in food production and environmental stewardship. Mia Belfield, Marketing Communications Manager, Agricultural Solutions, BASF UK & Ireland was one of the volunteers, “It was fantastic to see the children’s passion for science and their interest in the plant growing activity. There is often an information gap between food and farming. Planting your own seeds and realising the time, effort and resources that go into growing our food is a great way to appreciate for yourself the valuable role farming plays in all our lives.”

“A week like this has a massive impact on our pupils,” commented Faye Garner, Science lead, St Matthew’s Primary School. “They get to experience things they normally wouldn’t and the BASF STEM ambassadors have been inspirational.”

Helen Clayton, BASF STEM Ambassador explained, “It is important for us to be part of our local Stockport community. The activities have STEM learning at their heart and encourage pupils to be inquisitive about the world around them. The enthusiasm and passion for science we have seen this week has been fantastic.”

The relationship with St Matthew’s Primary School will continue as the BASF STEM Ambassadors are keen to support science learning and help the school redevelop their outdoor garden space.