National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). BASF, in conjunction with the science centre at the University of Pretoria, Sci-Enza, used the week to conduct a sequence of water experiments which educated learners through methods that were exciting and fun.

Kids’ Lab, aimed at children between 8 and 14, enables young people to gain a better understanding of chemistry and encourages them to find out more about the world around them. It provides a fun and practical learning environment for both children and teachers, allowing them the opportunity to explore the chemistry in the world around us together.

Children visiting the Kids’ Lab at Sci-Enza, under the supervision of their teachers, had the opportunity to conduct their own experiments on water purification, storage and research, directed by picture guides and the BASF supervisor team. The Kids’ Lab encourages students to recognise that water is a critical resource and that chemistry can provide solutions to everyday problems such as waste, water storage and pollution.

The magic of science!

This experimentation programme, themed ‘’Water loves Chemistry’’, teaches children that chemistry is a solution provider. The didactic framework is based on storytelling and ties in with the experience children have; it also prioritises the teaching of good scientific practice.

“We are excited that BASF, through close cooperation with Sci-Enza, had the opportunity once again to help children to discover a love for chemistry. Science can offer rewarding careers for those with curiosity and a desire to understand the world around them,” said BASF’s Managing Director and Head of Business Centre South Africa & Sub-Sahara, Dr Dieter Kovar.

Kids’ Lab was developed by BASF in Ludwigshafen, Germany and the programme Water loves Chemistry has been tested by children from Germany, China and South Africa. In 2011 alone 54 813 children and young people in 33 countries visited the Kids’ Labs. BASF opened new hands-on, interactive laboratories in 16 countries around the world in 2011, including in South Africa. BASF in South Africa has also sponsored similar science programmes targeting young people, in recognition of the critical need for science education in South Africa.

Credit:
BASF – The Chemical Company