Earl Bakken; Ready, Fire, Aim!

History Day is a highly regarded national academic program that encourages young people to explore a historical subject related to an annual theme. More than 700,000 students participated nationwide. It is also the fastest growing social studies enrichment program in Minnesota with over 25,000 students participating statewide last year. This years History Day theme was, The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies. As I began my research, Mr. Bakken rose to the top as the person I wanted to represent in my documentary. I was interested in Mr. Bakkens co-creation of Medtronic, as well as his invention of the portable, battery operated pacemaker. My grandfather has a pacemaker and he wouldnt be alive today if it werent for the impact of Mr. Bakkens pacing technology. My research started in November of 2008. I competed in St. Cloud at the regional level of the History Day competition in April of 2009. I made it to the state level which was held at the U of M in May. I advanced into the second round where I received Honorable Mention for my documentary.