Students across Canada create chemistry with BASF Kids' Lab

BASF and Earth Rangers help children learn about science and agriculture with hands-on chemistry program 

VAUGHAN, ON, and MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - BASF Canada and Earth Rangers have expanded BASF Kids' Lab, a series of hands-on chemistry workshops developed by BASF for students in grades 4 through 6, to rural schools across Canada. Since 2013, the program has reached more than 2,500 students in Canada and has expanded into additional communities with an agriculture-focused workshop.

From October to December 2015, the program will engage students in 30 Canadian classrooms, at no cost to the schools or participants. The 45-minute session, entitled "We Dig Soil," will include an "earth as an apple" demonstration to illustrate the amount of land available for agriculture, as well as a fun hands-on activity to illustrate how soil acts as a filter. Participants will also take home a BASF backpack including safety goggles, an apron and a farming activity placemat.

"Earth Rangers educates children on the importance of maintaining healthy environments where they live. Rural communities have a strong connection to agriculture, so delivering BASF Kids' Lab to these students provides an excellent opportunity to educate children about the science behind agriculture and the important role it plays in our natural world," said Peter Kendall, Executive Director, Earth Rangers.

Established at BASF's global headquarters in Germany in 1997, Kids' Lab invites children to explore the world of chemistry through safe and fun experiments designed to foster an interest in science-related hobbies and, eventually, explore its career possibilities. Over the years, the program has been delivered successfully in more than 16 countries worldwide.  

"Since bringing the program to Canada, we've received very positive feedback from both students and educators," said Ron Kehler, Business Director, BASF Canada. "Programs like Kids' Lab are important to the agriculture industry as they help children connect how food is produced on the farm for us to eat at home. This year we've invited growers to attend some of the labs to help grow that connection."

This fall, BASF Kids' Lab "We Dig Soil" is coming to schools in the following communities:

• Alberta: Lloydminster, Camrose, Airdrie
• Saskatchewan: North Battleford, Moose Jaw
• Manitoba: Brandon, Portage La Prairie
• Ontario: Guelph

For more information about Earth Rangers visit: www.earthrangers.org.

For more information about BASF Canada visit: www.agsolutions.ca.

Earth Rangers

Earth Rangers is The Kids' Conservation Organization, dedicated to educating children and their families about biodiversity, inspiring them to adopt more sustainable behaviors and empowering them to become directly involved in protecting animals and their habitats. Through an award-winning children's website, www.earthrangers.com, a national School Outreach Program and a creative and engaging Membership Program, Earth Rangers reaches, inspires and enables millions of Canadians to take action to help ensure the lasting survival of species in Canada.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 17,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $20.6 billion in 2014. For more information about BASF's North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world's leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of over €74 billion in 2014 and around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

SOURCE BASF Canada Inc.

Media Inquiries: Christina Stroud, BASF Canada, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Amy Cross, Earth Rangers, Tel.: [phone] ext. 2229, Email: [email protected]