Obama: Future depends on science, math education

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press Writer Darlene Superville, Associated

Press Writer Mon Oct 18, 2:00 pm ET

WASHINGTON A device to discourage texting while driving. A self-powered

hydroelectric water purification device. A test of whether foam really is the

best material to pad the inside of a safety helmet.

These projects weren't put together by some of the country's best scientists,

but were assembled by up-and-comers who won a range of science, technology,

engineering and math competitions. They brought their projects to a science

fair at the White House on Monday.

President Barack Obama reveled in it. He spent nearly an hour viewing 11

science projects on display in the State Dining Room, ranging from cancer

therapies to solar-power cars, water purification systems and robotic

wheelchairs. And he intensely questioned the presenters.

"It's hard to describe just how impressive these young people are," Obama, who

is emphasizing math and science education, said afterward at a reception. Their

work "is a testament to the potential that awaits when we inspire young people

to take part in the scientific enterprise."

Obama, who shows a personal fascination with science, said these victories

often go unnoticed.

"You know, when you win first place at a science fair, nobody's rushing the

field or dumping Gatorade over your head," said Obama, who has welcomed many

championship professional and college athletic teams to the White House.

"But in many ways, our future depends on what happens in those contests, what

happens when a young person is engaged in conducting an experiment or writing a

piece of software or solving a hard math problem or designing a new gadget," he

said.

Obama said the U.S. is being outpaced by other countries and he wants American

students to move from the middle to the top in science and math over the

decade.

He also announced his appearance in an episode of "Mythbusters," a Discovery

Channel program that uses science to uncover the truth behind urban legends.

Obama has already taped his appearance and the episode is scheduled to air Dec.

8. Discovery said that episode will consider whether Greek scientist Archimedes

set fire to an invading Roman fleet using only mirrors and the reflected rays

of the sun.

Now about those helmets.

Three boys from Los Angeles explained their testing method to Obama and said

they concluded that foam isn't the best material to protect the head in a bike

or other safety helmet. A gel liner is best, they said, but it's also more

expensive.

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Associated Press writers Julie Pace and Erica Werner contributed to this

report.