White House Wants Kids' Thoughts on Tech Issues
President Barack Obama watches as a marshmallow is launched by a gun designed by Joey Hudy of Phoenix, Ariz., in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington during the White House Science Fair. Susan Walsh/AP
At the request of a 9-year-old, the president announced the initiative Thursday.
The White House wants to hear from children what technology and science issues it should focus on.
On Thursday, President Barack Obama announced he was gathering input on important science topics from children, at the behest of a 9-year-old he met at a White House Science Fair. Participants must submit their ideas online by June 17, through a form that asks for their favorite science, technology, engineering or math topic.
"If you could pitch the president on one idea on how we could make our country work better using science and technology, what would you say?” the form asks.
Obama made the announcement before he congratulated 17 people who had been awarded the National Medals of Science and Technology.
“We are engaging in a lot of science and tinkering here at the White House,” he said during remarks. “We’ve got Astronomy Night, we’ve got hackathons, we’ve got codeathons, we have science fairs. Maker fairs. It is fun, I love this stuff. I get to test out some of the cool stuff that ends up here in the White House.
Before presenting medals to recipients, he noted that American scientists are closing in on scientific progress including reducing the wait for organ transplants, new trips to Mars and private space flight.
“That’s why we’re constantly pushing Congress to fund the work of our scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and dreamers to keep America on the cutting edge," Obama said.