Media

The "Clever Foodies" interactive science workshops for primary school students
BASF Kids' Lab at the University of Hong Kong

22 May 2017

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) will launch a new HKU Taster Junior Programme this summer for Primary 1 to Primary 6 students. This is an extension of the current HKU Taster Programme, which is designed for secondary school students.

The first Taster Junior programme on "Clever Foodies: Why are fruit and vegetables colorful and healthy", will be co-organized by HKU and BASF, from 2 to 6 August 2017 at the HKU campus. BASF is a world’s leading chemical company. This experiment programme is specially designed by BASF to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kids’ Lab. It consists of three experiments (see below), which use modern educational methods to teach children about healthy nutrition. Through hands-on experiments, the aim is to help participating primary school students learn nutritional facts and make a positive change in their eating habits.

The three experiments are: 

(1) Vitamin C Champion: Comparison of dfferent fruit beverages – which contains more vitamin C?

(2) Fruits & Veg Challenge: Among all the colourful fruit and vegetables, which contains the highest vitamin C value? 

(3) Healthy Rainbow: Can you see and smell the nutrients in fruit juice? 

HKU and BASF will hold a joint press briefing to introduce the Taster Junior Programme and the BASF Kids’ Lab "Clever Foodies" Workshops on May 23, 2017 (tomorrow). At the media briefing, representatives from the HKU Admissions and Academic Liaison Section and BASF will introduce the new HKU Taster Junior Programme and BASF Kids' Lab. There will also be a demonstration of one of the experiments, “Vitamin C Champion,” by the BASF staff with the participation of several primary school students.

Details of the media briefing are as follows:

Date:       May 23, 2017 (tomorrow)

Time:      4:30p.m.-5:30p.m.

Venue:    LG 61 & 62, Centennial Campus, HKU, Pokfulam (Map)

Rundown:

4:30 p.m. Gathering at LG 61 & 62, Centennial Campus, HKU, Pokfulam

4:35 p.m. Introduction of HKU Taster Junior and BASF Kids' Lab programme

5:00  p.m. Vitamin C Champion demonstration

Spokepersons:

Professor Che Chi-ming, Head, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, HKU

Ms Vanessa Li, Senior Programme Manager, Admissions and Academic Liaison Section, HKU

Ms Daisy Lam, Head of Marketing Communications, Asia Pacific, BASF

About HKU Taster Junior

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. HKU hopes to extend the current Taster programme from secondary school students to primary school students, and therefore the Taster Junior programme is developed.

About BASF Kids' Lab

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, BASF wants 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 30 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.

Media enquiries

HKU Communication and Public Affairs Office Ms Rhea Leung (Tel: +852 2857 8555/ +852 9022 7446; Email: rhea.leung@hku.hk) or

HKU Admissions and Academic Liaison Section Ms Betsy Lee (Tel: +852 2219 4202/ +852 6373 9927, email: betsylee@hku.hk) or

BASF Corporate Affairs Asia Pacific Ms Yan Ng  (Tel: +852 2731 7032/ +852 9083 0239, email: yan.ng@basf.com) or

BASF Corporate Affairs Asia Pacific Ms Joanne Lo  (Tel: +852 2731 4540 / +852 9497 2309, email: joanne.lo@basf.com)