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.