Will.i.am is bringing back the “cool factor” to science. In the prime-time special “i.am, FIRST – Science is Rock and Roll,” host Dean Kamen (inventor of the Segway) promoted STEM education while celebrating the 20th annual FIRST Robotics competition. Bringing celebrity attention to science may reignite student’s interest in seeking careers in science fields.
The back-to-school special featured celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Bono, Jack Black, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Josh Duhamel, and American Idol judge Aerosmith’s Steve Tyler. The celebrities all joined in to discuss the importance of science in today’s world. President Obama opened the special with a message encouraging students to keep the spirit of science innovation “alive.”
Will.i.am became involved when a friend introduced him to Kamen. Kamen explained FIRST Robotics to Will.i.am, to which the celebrity collaborated with Kamen to bring attention to the championship on its 20th anniversary. Will.i.am has stated that he does not want to encourage kids to strive for celebrity status, but rather “encourage them to enter such fields as science, math, engineering, and technology.”
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