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BASF provides $100,000 in grants to New Jersey schools
FLORHAM PARK, NJ, December, 13, 2012 – BASF Corporation has awarded $100,000 in grants to support 20 science education programs in schools throughout New Jersey. The BASF Science Education Grants, each totaling $5,000, will enhance science education programs to help students (K – 12) gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the role that science plays in their everyday lives and encourage them to view science as a long-term field of study and possible career path.
“Our goal is to engage students in creative new ways that will stimulate their interest in science,” said Robin Rotenberg, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at BASF Corporation. “Through the programs supported by these grants, we hope to inspire a new generation of scientists who will become the innovators, leaders and stewards of the future.”
Each year, BASF invites local schools to submit proposals summarizing their specific science education needs and how a grant would help them meet those needs. The proposals are reviewed by an internal award review committee composed of BASF scientists and business leaders.
In addition to these grants, BASF has developed several award winning programs that encourage students to enjoy and pursue their interest in science. These include the company’s Kids’ Lab program, a series of hands on chemistry experiments for children ages six through 12; the BASF Science Academy, an advanced chemistry summer residence program for High School juniors, and a special science edition of Kids X-Press magazine that is published twice a year and distributed globally.
BASF – The Chemical Company
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $20 billion in 2011. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
The BASF Science Education Grants were provided to the following schools during a reception at BASF’s North American headquarters in Florham Park:
- Colonia High School, Woodbridge Township Public School District
For peer mentored scientific research
Students enrolled in the Science Research program will serve as peer mentors to students from a special education, self-contained classroom and assist them in participating in scientific investigations. The grant will provide electronic data acquisition sensors and devices that allow students to collect a variety and types of data for experiments into a wide range of areas such as light, temperature, force and microscopic examination.
- Colonia High School, Woodbridge Township Public School District
For Vernier measuring equipment
The Vernier equipment will be used in all areas of science in this school of approximately 1,400 students. The assortment of probes will provide hands-on learning opportunities for classes such as Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Research, AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry and Anatomy. - Dover High School, Dover Public School District
For calculator based learning modules to expand the functions of graphing calculators
Studies using this equipment would support the understanding of light energy, chemical bonding, and of the characteristics of mixtures through the collection of temperature changes over time, measuring conductivity, pH, and concentration of a series of solutions, and absorption/ transmission spectra. It will support future projects involving solutions used in various foods and consumer products. - Dover Middle School, Dover Public School District
For compound microscopes and FlexCam®2 camera technology and on-line and in-print supplemental reading materials
FlexCam®2 provides greater opportunity for teacher demonstrations allowing projection of various items to the class. Students will benefit from the use of the microscopes in concert with FlexCam®2 technology when collaborating on projects and preparing presentations. They will be able to analyze specimens and to decipher the characteristics of each thus making precise scientific claims and having the ability to dispute counter-claims accurately as they synthesize information. The FlexCam®2 will also help them create pictorial journals of laboratory investigations and document the process of a multi-step experiment. - East Dover Elementary School, Dover Public School District
For a student meteorology program
The grant money will be used to purchase and install an interactive and scientific-grade weather station on the school campus. The Student Meteorology Program will provide students with the computer software needed to display information collected from the weather instruments, allowing them to interpret and analyze the data on their own, and make predictions about future weather situations. - Edison High School, Edison Township Public School District
For a set of microscopes and accessories
The district has recently expanded course offerings to include several new science classes, all of which require frequent access to microscopes. The grant money will be used to purchase a class set of microscopes and accessories. The addition of these microscopes will allow students more hands-on learning opportunities to supplement the curriculum instead of relying on textbooks and web based simulations. - Frelinghuysen Middle School, Morris School District
For an outdoor garden and classroom
The grant money will be used to build an outdoor garden to enhance the school’s curriculum across disciplines. It will feature six raised beds as well as an outdoor classroom and offer a real-life application for the science topics in the middle school curriculum. Students will maintain soil fertility and observe the large variety of microorganisms that make their home in the soil. Students will also learn about acids, bases, and pH, they will have the opportunity to test the pH of the soil to determine its fertility and which plants should be planted. - Hamburg School, Hamburg School District
For a Biolan 550 Composter and accessories
The equipment will be used to develop a compost program to enhance science education and to learn about ecological footprints and discover the connection between science and society. The fourth grade students are well on their way to establishing a school garden. The 6-8 grade students will make compost for this garden. They will collect daily food scraps from the cafeteria, and place them in the composter. As compost becomes available, the students will deliver it to the garden. It begins with the science of composting, and leads to the development of responsible stewards of Earth. - Hanover Park High School and Whippany Park High School, Hanover Park Regional High School District
For a Thermal Cycler – EdvoCycler
Students are transforming bacteria and introducing a glowing gene, but a thermal cycler is needed to conduct more in depth research as well as original research. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) would allow students to be engaged in real world science. PCR will allow students to perform the following experiments: generation of hybridization probes for southern or northern blotting and DNA cloning, recombinant DNA studies, genetic fingerprinting, and analysis of genetically modified organisms. Classes will be able to test water quality using PCR to identify bacteria found in drinking water or identify diseased plants. Students will further explore applications of biotechnology in agriculture, farming, and fishing industry. - Jefferson Township High School, Jefferson Township School District
To purchase lab equipment
A learning objective of the science department in Jefferson Township is to have the students write professional lab reports and have an extensive knowledge of equipment used in the industry. The grant money will be used to purchase dissolved oxygen probes, temperature probes, pH probes, and laptops. The equipment will be used in chemistry, biology, zoology, and environmental science courses.
- John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, Woodbridge Township Public School District
For Vernier digital interfaces / carbon dioxide sensors / motion sensors
The interfaces will be used for numerous hands on activities which involve chemical and biological measurements of our environment. The CO2 sensor can be used to measure concentrations of CO2 levels indoors, outdoors and even from car exhaust. Motion sensors would be used to measure the velocity and acceleration of a model car that the students would make. The interfaces and probes can be used across the science curriculum which includes environmental science, biology, chemistry and physics. - John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, Woodbridge Township Public School District
For microscopes
The grant will be used to purchase 25 high school microscopes for use in all science classes - basic skills to advanced placement. - Lincoln Park Middle School, Lincoln Park Public School District
To incorporate life in the front lobby
The grant will be used to incorporate life into the school’s lobby by including fish tanks or by transforming the garden area into a mini fish pond. Students would be able to care for and learn about different forms of aquatic life. Various planters would also be incorporated into the area and the trophy case will be turned into a butterfly garden twice each year for the students who will study metamorphosis, reproduction, life cycles and ecosystems. - Marie V. Duffy Elementary School, Wharton Public School Districts
For First Option Science System (FOSS) kits
The First Option Science System (FOSS) kits will provide hands-on materials such as laboratory equipment, student readings, and interactive technology. The kits will support the science concepts while simultaneously building students’ literacy skills that enable them to: explain events, procedures, ideas and concepts; determine the meaning of scientific words and phrases at their grade level; comprehend science informational texts in their grade level complexity band proficiently. - Morris Plains Borough School, Morris Plains School District
For a salt water aquarium and seining nets
As part of their study of marine environments, the 5th & 7th grade classes will set up, and maintain a salt water aquarium in a classroom, and use the seining nets for the annual Sandy Hook Environmental Study Trip. The aquarium would allow students to visualize and observe echinoderms, mollusks, arthropods, fish, and hollow bodied animals that they don’t often see but have studied in class. The seining nets would allow students to experience the thrill of catching and studying crabs, shrimp, and baitfish in their natural environment. - Morris Plains Borough School, Morris Plains School District
For state of the art digital microscopes and handheld MiScopes
The school will purchase new state of the art digital microscopes and handheld MiScopes as part of a broader initiative to build a new Science and Technology lab. MiScopes are hand-held, portable digital microscopes that can be directly connected to a laptop computer, utilized outdoors, and are very easy to use for all ages. - Mount Arlington Public Schools, Mount Arlington Public School District
For the SOARS Weather Program
The grant will be used to purchase and install 2 Weather Monitoring Systems and additional monitoring sensors to enhance the capabilities of the system. Other materials include regional maps and stereo aerial photographs for student use as well as the National Science Foundation’s GLOBE Monitoring Kits. The lead teacher will showcase this program as an educational model to the MIT Science and Engineering Program for Teachers. - Old Farmers Road School, Washington Township School District
For Lego Engineering
The grant money will be used for Lego Engineering to get more girls excited and involved in STEM. The modules will teach students the scientific principles of motion, heat, sound and light by using a hands-on approach to understanding physics. Design teams will work together to construct and develop robotic prototypes and use their creations to collect and analyze data. - Watchung Hills Regional High School, Watchung Hills Regional School District
For the Experimental Research Design Program and tools for the Robotics Club
ERD students engage in authentic research work mentored by their teacher and expert scientists from research institutions across the world, often ERD and Watchung Hills alumni. The BASF Grant will support many of the 2012-2013 projects such as the synthesis of new organic materials to improve the efficiency of the solar panels, the study of the impact of human pharmaceuticals on the water supply and agriculture, the construction of a chemical-free portable water disinfection “lunch-box” device, and an electric tooth brush that fights plaque using an electrical field. The grant money will also be used to purchase outdated tools and machines and a laptop for the Team 41 Robotics Club which competes annually in an international robotics competition called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). - West Essex Middle School & High School, West Essex Regional School District
For SMART Document Cameras
The document cameras help science content come to life for students. This technology allows teachers and students to capture images and transform them into interactive content and can help increase student engagement. Students have greater success remembering concepts when connected to an image and live experience. The possibilities are endless with a document camera and allow for creative use by both teachers and students.
Following are links to press photos of each grant presentation:
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdColonia1.jpg
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Representatives from Colonia High School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; James Danch, Teacher; Kelley Aker, Supervisor of Science, Guidance and Chief Chemical Hygiene Officer, Woodbridge Township School District; Kenneth D. Pace, Sr., Principal; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdColonia2.jpg
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Representatives from Colonia High School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Theresa Smyth, Science Teacher; Chantal Greffer, Science Teacher; Kelley Aker, Supervisor of Science, Guidance and Chief Chemical Hygiene Officer, Woodbridge Township School District; Kenneth D. Pace, Sr., Principal; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdDover1.jpg
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Representatives from Dover High School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Tonalee Frame, Supervisor of Mathematics and Science for Dover Public Schools; Diane Passucci, Teacher of Science; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdDover2.jpg
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Representatives from Dover Middle School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Kristen McCormack, Science Teacher; Gerianne Nestman, Science Teacher; Heather Carlton, Vice Principal of Academics; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdDover3.jpg
Representatives from East Dover Elementary School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Patrick Pandolfo, Vice Principal; Odette Falone, 4th Grade Teacher; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdEdison.jpg
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Representatives from Edison High School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Jennifer Przygoda, Science Teacher; Michele Witkowski, Science Teacher; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdFrelinghuysen.jpg
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Representatives from Frelinghuysen Middle School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Sandra Berman, 7th Grade Teacher; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdHamburg.jpg
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Representatives from Hamburg School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Theresa Christiansen, Science Teacher; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdHanover.jpg
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Representatives from Hanover Park Regional High School District received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Naomi Schlecht, Supervisor of Instruction; Carol Grossi, Superintendent of Schools; John Manning, Principal; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdJefferson.jpg
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Representatives from Jefferson Township High School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Chris Hiben, Science Supervisor; Tomas Villa, Teacher of Chemistry; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdKennedy1.jpg
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Representatives from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Ricardo Viteri, Environmental Science Instructor; Matthew Connelly, Social Studies and Science Department Supervisor; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdKennedy2.jpg
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Representatives from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Rita English, Science Teacher; Matthew Connelly, Social Studies and Science Department Supervisor; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdLincoln1.jpg
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Representatives from Lincoln Park Middle School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; James Grube, Superintendent; Susan Panek, Grade 5 Science Teacher; Danielle Koldyk, Grade 5 Science Teacher; Michael Meyer, Principal; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdDuffy.jpg
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Representatives from Marie V. Duffy Elementary School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Alan Bocchino, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction; Pamela Blalock, Principal; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdMorrisPlains.jpg
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Representatives from Morris Plains Borough School received their BASF science education grants during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Dr. Ernest Palestis, Superintendent, Morris Plains School District; Ed Frankosky, Science Teacher; Casey Devlin, Science Teacher; Susan Shafer Skalski, President, Education Foundation of Morris Plains; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdMountArlington.jpg
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Representatives from Mount Arlington Public Schools received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Jeff Grillo, Principal; Julie Crawford, GATEWAY Teacher; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/11-13-12_SciEdOldFarmers.jpg
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Representatives from Old Farmers Road School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Cathy Hoskins, 4th Grade Teacher; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdWatchung.jpg
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Representatives from Watchung Hills Regional High School received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Peter Ponzio, Engineering Teacher and Head Robotics Adviser; Erin Posbergh, Physics Teacher and Assistant Robotics Adviser; Darrin Wolsko, Science Department Supervisor; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation. Not pictured: Sophia Gershman, Experimental Research Design and Physics Teacher.
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/12-13-12_SciEdWestEssex.jpg
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Representatives from West Essex Regional School District received their BASF science education grant during a reception at the company's Florham Park headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Bob Smith, Vice President of Real Estate, BASF Corporation; Elizabeth Ricafort, Instructional Supervisor of Science; and John Mahoney, Vice President of Accounting, BASF Corporation.
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