Washington: President Barack Obama announced on Tuesday an $80 million plan to improve mathematics and science instruction in US public schools as one of his initiatives to revive the economy.

"(W)e're a nation of tinkerers and dreamers and believers in a better tomorrow," Obama said at the White House Science Fair attended by more than 100 students from all over the country.

"We know that innovation has helped each generation pass down that basic American promise, which is no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you can make it if you try," he told the students, praising them for "making sure America will win the race to the future".

Obama said he will request Congress for the $80 million when he submits his 2013 budget next week.

The plan, to be administered by the Department of Education, would provide training for 10,000 science and math teachers while boosting to 1 million the number of students graduating in the sciences, technology, mathematics and engineering in the next decade.

Praising support from the private sector, the president said the Carnegie Corporation is leading a group of businesses and foundations that has created a $22-million fund to provide added support for this teacher-training programme.

The White House organized the science fair, which included innovative projects by more than 100 public-school students to highlight the benefits won by improving the teaching of science and math.

Since he came to power in 2009, Obama has emphasized the urgency of improving mathematics and science teaching in public schools as part of his plan to springboard economic recovery. IANS