Obama: Math and science are keys to health care, energy, economy

President Obama tied a good chunk of his domestic agenda today to better education in math and science.

Those subjects are the gateways to innovations that can improve the health care system, develop new sources of clean energy, and forge a better economy, Obama said during an event that highlighted various education initiatives.

The goal is "reaffirming and strengthening America's role as the world's engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation," Obama said during a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. "And that leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today."

Today's program included a student demonstration of the "Cougar Cannon," a machine designed to pick up and toss moon rocks (to where, we don't know). The crowd included astronaut Sally Ride, other science types, and government officials.

Among the ideas is an annual White House science fair, Obama said, with winners to be treated like championship athletes or award-winning entertainers.

"We're going to show young people how cool science can be," Obama said.