Covestro Grandparent-Grandchild Science Camp Fosters Intergenerational Bonds Across Taiwan

Covestro Taiwan celebrated Grandparents' Day today by hosting the main event of its 2025 Grandparent-Grandchild Science Camp at the Hakka Cultural Center. This year's theme, "Grandma's Magic Kitchen," invited families to explore the fascinating science behind everyday cooking across northern, central, and southern Taiwan since August 9. 

Organized by Covestro and co-hosted by the Taipei City Government and Department of Education, Changhua County Government and Social Affairs Department, and Pingtung County Government and Social Affairs Department, the initiative creates meaningful opportunities for different generations to learn together through hands-on scientific exploration. 

"Grandma's Magic Kitchen" engaged participants with three experiments: "Colorful Rainbow Tower," "Magical Lava Lamp," and "Sky Magic Rocket," while exploring the science behind traditional Taiwanese sweets. Throughout the activities, families discovered that "every delicious dish conceals chemical and physical reactions" and that "grandparents are the scientists of the kitchen." 

Annie Chen, who will assume the role of Managing Director of Covestro Taiwan on September 1, stated: "Covestro is committed to making the world a brighter place through technology, and we firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. This year marks the seventh year of Covestro's Grandparent-Grandchild Science Camp. From 'Grandma's Magic Kitchen' to 'Grandpa's Secret Garden' and last year's 'Grandchild's Wonderland', this year we're refocusing on the kitchen—the warmest space in every home—allowing grandparents and grandchildren to explore the scientific mysteries of daily life together. Grandparents are treasures of the family, and we hope that 'Playing with Science Together' can serve as a bridge for intergenerational exchange, planting a seed of cross-generational inclusion. We're especially grateful for the support from Taipei City Government, Changhua County Government, and Pingtung County Government in continuing to promote this camp with Covestro." 

Dr. Chih-Min Tang, Commissioner of the Taipei City Department of Education, noted: "The kitchen is not only the heart of the home but also an excellent venue for scientific exploration. Covestro's collaboration successfully transforms kitchen science into engaging educational activities that preserve cultural wisdom while sparking children's interest in science." 

Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative & Executive Director of German Trade Office Taipei stated: “I am truly honored to join Covestro’s Grandparents-Grandchild Science Camp once again this year. With the imaginative theme ‘Grandma’s Magic Kitchen,’ the program brings science closer to everyday life and encourages children to explore the hidden chemistry and physics behind traditional cooking — all while bonding with their grandparents. Through hands-on experiments and joyful interaction, the camp not only sparks curiosity but also strengthens intergenerational ties in a meaningful and heartfelt way. This is a wonderful example of how German companies in Taiwan are not only advancing business and innovation, but also giving back to the community through creative and socially engaging initiatives.” 
 

A special volunteer this year was Natalie Kuo, a participant from the very first Covestro camp. She shared: "I can still vividly remember doing experiments with my grandfather seven years ago. Since that camp, we've continued to discuss scientific phenomena together." Touching her volunteer badge, she added: "Being here today to help other families, passing on this warmth—it truly makes me happy." 

Many seniors shared that these activities not only allowed quality time with grandchildren but also rekindled their enthusiasm for learning. A grandmother from Changhua expressed: "I never imagined that at over 70, I would be doing science experiments with my grandson. Seeing the admiration in his eyes makes me incredibly proud!" In this year's Pingtung session, now in its third year of collaboration with the Pingtung County Government, several grandparent-grandchild pairs were participating for the third consecutive year. At the closing ceremony, everyone joined in a pinky promise gesture with a big smile , promising to meet again next year 

In addition to Taipei, Covestro held camps in Pingtung and Changhua Counties. Registration was highly competitive, with over 500 grandparents and grandchildren applying across the three locations. The camps follow Covestro's spiral learning curriculum design, beginning with simple food experiments and gradually exploring deeper scientific principles. Head of Department of Social Affairs in Changhua County, Lan-Hsin Wang, Head of Department of Social Affairs in Pingtung County, Mei-Shu Liu, and The Taipei City Department of Education Senior Specialist Wen-Chih Wu also attended at the camps to witness the sparkles from intergenerational scientific engagements.