BASF Kids’ Lab makes chemistry cool for young scientists in Western Australia

BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies has again partnered with Curtin University to spark interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects amongst local primary school students aged from Year 4 – 6, with the milestone tenth edition of the popular BASF Kids’ Lab program.

Held at Curtin University’s Bentley Campus from 26 – 30 June, approximately 500 participating students from 12 primary schools in Western Australia will be involved in nine two-hour interactive sessions, where they will get to experience being scientists for a day. With the help of university supervisors, participating students will embark on a series of simple and interactive science experiments, specially selected to instil the joy of research and discovery.

“Our Kids’ Lab program was designed from the start to encourage children’s thirst for scientific exploration and discovery from a young age. Through this series of experiments, our hope is that they will discover the joys of science and as a result, perhaps consider pursuing an enjoyable and innovative career in a relevant STEM discipline,” said David Hawkins, Chair and Managing Director, BASF Australia and New Zealand.

“With this year’s iteration of BASF Kids’ Lab, we are so delighted to reach this milestone tenth year of collaboration with Curtin University to bring our program to Western Australia, and we look to continue this fruitful and enduring partnership in the years to come.”

Curtin University Faculty of Science and Engineering Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Ogden said the program was invaluable for inspiring the minds of Australia’s future scientists.

“Students get to engage hands-on in these working laboratories and to explore the wonders of science under the supervision of scientists from Curtin. These experiences can spark in students an enduring fascination for science and lead to a career in one of many important fields of scientific endeavour.” Professor Ogden said.

From 26 – 30 June, participating children will get the chance to conduct three easy, engaging, and safe experiments under the tutelage of qualified BASF employees and university mentors that will encourage the cultivation of their interest in STEM topics.