MALAYAN Colleges Laguna’s (MCL’s) Chemistry Engineering students guide experiments as (from left) Talavera, MCL’s Dodjie Maestrecampo, Pan and schools district supervisor Edna Hemedez watch.
BASF, a leading chemical company, marked its 150th anniversary recently by holding its annual Kids’ Lab at Pulo Elementary School in Cabuyao, Laguna.
Over 500 selected students of Pulo, aged 6 to 12, performed four experiments.
The Water Purification Experiment demonstrated how chemical reactions could clean dirty water. Children made the water dirty by adding sand, sprinkles and blue ink. They then cleaned it using filter paper and activated charcoal.
The experiment showed kids how chemistry helps to keep water clean, the importance of water resources and the need to protect the environment through wastewater treatment.
The Superabsorber Experiment showed how certain materials could absorb liquid 1,000 times its weight. It helped children gain a better understanding of the use and importance of polymer in absorbing water.
Through the Vitamin C Investigation Experiment, children learned the basics of the oxidation-reduction reaction and how iodine could be used to identify vitamin C-rich food and beverages. BASF produces Vitamin C products to address the deficiency of this vital nutrient.
In the Slime Experiment, children made slime by mixing water with some simple chemicals and thickening agents. The children learned about chemical reactions as they played with their slime creations.
Dr. Reynaldo Talavera, Pulo Elementary School principal, thanked BASF Philippines for giving the students the opportunity to perform hands-on basic scientific experiments in a safe and controlled laboratory environment.
He said the experience would stimulate the students’ interest in chemistry and raise their awareness of its vital role in health and life.
Flor Pan, BASF Philippines president and managing director, stressed the need to work together to address global issues. BASF, she said, was helping Filipino children take a fresh look at the relationship among food, temperature and science through simple, hands-on experiments that made science fun.
BASF began Kids’ Lab, a free, interactive chemistry educational program, in 1997 at its headquarters in Germany.
Currently conducted in more than 30 countries, it was first held in the Philippines in 2005 and has since provided more than 6,500 Filipino elementary school students the opportunity to do simple and safe chemistry experiments that are both educational and enjoyable.
Children have fun while learning and understanding the principles, applications and various benefits of chemistry in health, hygiene, nutrition and industry.