Irvington Middle School Sixth-graders, BASF Chemists Conduct Experiments

IRVINGTON, NY — Sixth-graders at Irvington Middle School participated in several science experiments when they welcomed two scientists from BASF, a chemical company and the largest producer in the world, to their school recently.

Shakir Ratani, a geneticist, and Jessica Stone, an assistant scientist, brought in solid carbon dioxide, beakers of bubbles and petri dishes filled with growing bacteria, according to a district spokeswoman.

When the students entered the room, carbon dioxide gas poured from the beakers filled with brightly colored water. Science teachers Karen Acrish, Jessica Doherty, Amy Panitz and Alison Meiseles said the students made excellent hypotheses and observations, asked questions and participated in the experiments.

“My favorite part was when we examined the bacteria in the petri dish,” sixth-grader Lulu Forte said. “I thought it was interesting and super cool that when microscopic bacteria have perfect conditions,” which is a comfortable temperature and sugar to eat, “they can be clearly seen by the naked eye once they grow.”

Sixth-grader Miles Demarest said he enjoyed observing the dry ice experiments, and fellow classmate Morgan Balkin said the learning experience was unforgettable.

“It was really cool when [the scientists] walked around and let us put some bubbles in our hands because when I popped them, they popped slowly, and then filled my hands with this misty gas,” Balkin said. “It was an amazing experience.”

BASF sponsors the “You Be The Chemist Challenge,” which students participated in earlier this year.

Photo credit: Irvington Union Free School District.