Children at the Missionvale Care Centre Academy experienced the 'hands-on' excitement of chemistry for the first time when global chemical company, BASF, launched its Kids' Lab programme, in Port Elizabeth, at the end of January.
BASF Kids' Labs was developed as a community-based programme to foster science literacy by encouraging children, ages six-12, to gain a better understanding and interest for the dynamic world of chemistry. The programme is designed to provide a fun and practical learning environment for both children and teachers. They are introduced to chemistry and how it is all around us as well as how BASF creates chemistry.The childrens' laboratory also aims to teach learners the importance of water resources.
Grade three and four learners at the Missionvale Care Centre Academy were given the opportunity to take part in two different water experiments in order to inspire them to further their interest and enthusiasm in natural sciences. Using BASF products, these experiments focus on water storage and water purification while highlighting the key role of chemistry in providing clean and safe water. The methodology used in these experiments taught the children a vast number of lessons. The children said they learnt how chemistry plays a key role in life; it offers interesting and challenging problems; "doing" chemistry is fun; water is a valuable resource; and chemistry facilitates the responsible handling of water.
BASF strives to foster people's interest in natural sciences, especially chemistry.
