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White House to Host Science Fair


President Barack Obama tours a research laboratory with Professor Alex Slocum at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just before an annual science fair to improve math and science education was held in November 2009 (file photo - 23 Oct. 2009)
President Barack Obama tours a research laboratory with Professor Alex Slocum at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just before an annual science fair to improve math and science education was held in November 2009 (file photo - 23 Oct. 2009)

U.S. President Barack Obama is set to honor scientific achievements of students Monday as part of a push to strengthen science education in American schools.

Mr. Obama will host the White House Science Fair, celebrating students who have won competitions in science, technology, engineering and math.

The projects to be presented at the event include a model solar car, a water purifier for rural communities and a toilet designed to conserve water.

The president said last year that students should be recognized for science achievements in the same way the White House has historically honored American sports teams.

Professional and collegiate athletic champions are routinely invited to the White House for ceremonies celebrating their wins.

Mr. Obama has made science, technology, engineering, and math priorities in his education platform.

That push includes a $4 billion program to encourage states to improve those subjects, as well as increase participation among women and minorities.

Mr. Obama is also expected to announce he will appear on an upcoming episode of the popular Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show uses scientific methods to test urban legends.

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