US Senators Look to Advance America's Robotics Future

The United States has decided to narrow the gap with Asian nations in the field of advanced robotics. U.S. Senators are proposing a curriculum that is heavier on technology and science for American high school kids. The STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math plan is seen as an essential part of the path to better paying jobs for the students.

Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire sponsored the plan to expose students to heavier STEM subjects in high school. Senator Shaheen was helped by an army of robots and the students who built them on Monday as she unveiled the legislation that will help high school kids gain access to advanced STEM subjects.

As part of the presentation for the introduction of the new legistaltion students took part in a national robotics competition in a hearing room reserved for Senate hearings on military issues. The competition called FIRST or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology saw the students demonstrate their remote controlled creations.

Senator Shaheen who was a teacher used the event to point out the fact that traditional teaching methods did not appeal to a number of these students. She has proposed the Innovation Inspiration School Grant Program which would create public and private partnerships by encouraging schools to find businesses that will match federal funds and provide technology mentors from the industry.