Media

BASF and HKU hold interactive science workshops
for primary school students under ‘Clever Foodies’ theme
Registration for BASF Kids’ Lab opens on June 22

19 Jun 2017

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and BASF are co-organising a summer programme, ‘BASF Kids’ Lab at The University of Hong Kong’ for primary 1-6 students (6-12 years old), to be held at the HKU campus from August 2-6, 2017. Registration will open on Thursday, June 22, 2017.

The theme of the experiment programme is ‘Clever Foodies: Why are fruit and vegetables colourful and healthy?’. Developed to mark the 20th anniversary of BASF Kids' Lab, it is also the first activity launched under the HKU ‘Taster Junior’ programme.  It consists of three experiments, including ‘Vitamin Champion’, ‘Fruits and Vegetable Challenge’, and ‘Healthy Rainbow’. These experiments will help children understand how chemistry relates to fruit and vegetables, thereby inspiring and nurturing primary students' interest in chemistry. Following the “Clever Foodies workshop, students will join a campus tour to learn more about the sustainable campus of HKU, in order to enhance their appreciation of sustainable development.

‘Clever Foodies’ Programme - inspiring scientific curiosity in students

With an emphasis on health and nutritional education, the ‘Clever Foodies’ programme allows students to explore how good food can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, and encourages them to make positive changes towards a healthier diet.

More than 1,000 primary school students will conduct hands-on and fun-filled chemistry experiments under the guidance of HKU student ambassadors and BASF volunteers. In the experiments, students will learn to measure and compare Vitamin C content and other substances in a variety of fruit and vegetables. This will allow them to have a good understanding of the benefits of having colourful vegetables and fruits in their diet.

“BASF and HKU share a common vision: to nurture interest in science and sustainability at an early age. As part of BASF’s social engagement, the hands-on experiments at Kids’ Lab encourage children to discover the chemistry they see around them every day and to ask questions to learn more, connecting the science they learn at school with meaningful parts of their daily lives,” said Dr. Ulrich Boettger, Director of BASF Hong Kong Ltd.

This vision also echoes what Professor Chee Chi-ming, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science proposed: “Develop a sense of curiosity in kids by allowing them to see the real world”. It is beneficial to start cultivating our youngsters’ interest in science in their primary years.

Registration opens on June 22

Online registration will open on June 22 and close on July 5, 2017. For more details on the schedule and registration procedures, please visit

https://www.basf.com/hk/en/company/sustainability/kids-lab/kidslab-hku.html

http://www.aal.hku.hk/admissions/local/hku-taster-junior

Successful applicants will be chosen randomly and will receive a confirmation email on or before July 12, 2017.

About HKU Taster Programme

The HKU Taster programme immerses secondary school students in the unique vibrancy of campus life and excites their palates with amazing taste sensations. Through a mosaic of intriguing workshops, students will savour the 2-day learning experience led by innovative professors who will challenge them to think differently and creatively.

In the past 3 years, over 900 Secondary 2 and 3 students were benefitted from HKU Taster. The programme inspired participants’ curiosity in varies areas of interests, such as Medicine, Science, Architecture, Business and Economics, Arts, Education, Engineering and Law. Taster programme runs in Easter, summer and Christmas period. The earlier to start interest cultivation, the more beneficial it is to the young adults. HKU therefore hopes to the current Taster programme from secondary school students to primary school students, hence developed the Taster Junior programme.

About HKU

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the first and oldest institution of higher learning in Hong Kong, and was founded in 1911, incorporating the Hong Kong College of Medicine (est. 1887). For over a century, it has grown with Hong Kong and generations of its graduates have helped shape the city from which the University takes its name. Today, HKU is a research-led comprehensive University with ten Faculties and a

strong commitment to intellectual freedom, liberty and diversity. HKU brings together experts from diverse disciplines and has academic partnerships with over 300 universities and research institutes around the world. Through these endeavours, the University will continue to contribute to the development of leaders and to the advancement of society locally, regionally and internationally. For further information about HKU, please visit www.hku.hk.

About BASF Kids’ Lab Program

Education is the key to the future of our children, and it plays an important role in the development of society. With our Social Engagement Strategy, we want to open up learning opportunities and to encourage children's sense of discovery and teach good science methods and skills. This helps us to meet the challenges of tomorrow and to create a sustainable future. 

The BASF Kids’ Lab program is an interactive, fun and free chemistry education program designed for kids aged 6 to 12 years to discover the world of chemistry through simple and safe hands on experiments. The program has been brought to more than 40 countries across the globe, including the U.K., the U.S., Australia, Singapore, India and Japan. It was established in 1997 in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 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 about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.

For enquiries on this workshop, please call hotline 3917 5100

For media enquiries, please contact:

BASF

Yan Ng

Phone: +852 27317032 / +852 9083 0239

Email:   yan.ng@basf.com

The University of Hong Kong

Rhea Leung

Phone: +852 2857 8555

Email:   rhea.leung@hku.hk

HKU and BASF co-organise summer programme, ‘BASF Kids’ Lab’ for primary students, aiming to foster their scientific potential through interactive experiments.

Students will conduct hands-on experiments about food nutrition under the guidance of HKU student ambassadors and BASF volunteers.