BASF creates chemistry with Southfield students through Kids’ Lab program

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

SOUTHFIELD, MI, April 6, 2018 – Children at McIntyre 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 fifth grade students learned about atoms, experimented with static electricity, and created energy from produce as part of Kids’ Lab, a free interactive chemistry education program developed and provided by BASF. The students connected pieces of potato together with hobby wire, alligator clips, and mini copper and zinc plates to create a battery that would illuminate a small LED light. Each child received their own backpack complete with safety glasses, apron, notebook, mechanical pencil, and a certificate of participation.

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/2018/04/04-06-18_KidsLab1.jpg
Suggested caption: A McIntyre Elementary student learns about atoms and electricity with Kids’ Lab, a hands-on science education program developed by BASF.

https://www.basf.com/press-photos/us/en/photos/2018/04/04-06-18_KidsLab2.jpg
Suggested caption: Fifth grade students at McIntyre Elementary work together to build a battery from materials provided by 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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