Brian Rose
Mr. Brasof, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Klose, and Ms. Melville.
The United States Constitution, Technology, Art History, and English1
October 23, 2008
This year, the National History Day Topic is “An Individual in History”. The individual I chose was Dean Kamen. Dean Kamen is an inventor who has tried to tackle many of the American peoples problems. Dean Kamen has invented several inventions to help people with disabilities. Some of the inventions he has invented are the the automatic infusion pump, and the iBot wheel chair. Dean Kamen has also dedicated part of his life to educating students about science and technology. He founded the FIRST organization to interest kids in science and technology. I chose Dean Kamen because my mom has an insulin pump that Dean invented.
Dean Kamen was born in 1951, in Rockville Center, Long Island, New York. His parents were perfect role models for an inventor to be. Deans father, Jack Kamen, was an illustrator for the “Weird Science” and “Mad” series of comic books. As an illustrator for comic book series about science, Dean had a positive role model to become instructed in the sciences through a way that is appealing to the young audience. His Mother was a teacher. That is where he probably got interested in teaching young adults about science and technology. He started inventing at a very young age. He went to Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he became interested in medical inventions. He was not interested in attending class, but he wanted to tinker with his inventions. He wanted to help people with disabilities.
In 1976, Dean Kamen realized that he doesn’t need school to help people with disabilities, so he dropped out of WPI. His brother, who was attending medical school at the time, told him that patients who require around the clock medication needed to come to the hospital for treatment. Dean decided to fix this problem. He formed his own company called Auto Syringe. He invented this portable device that administers medicine 24/7. This device can last for four days without needing to put any more medicine in. He solved the problem of going to the hospital for around the clock medication. He made the lives better of people who require around the clock medication.
Dean has solved another historical problem. In 1999, Dean invented the iBOT 3000 mobility system. This device resembles the normal electric wheelchair, but it does more. It climbs stairs. It puts you at eye level with the person you are talking to. You can also use it on two wheels. It looks like you are walking again. You can get around a whole lot better. It gives people with disabilities a new lease on life.
Dean has done a lot more than inventing. In 1989, Dean founded the F.I.R.S.T. organization. This organization’s purpose is to make young adults interested in the field of science and technology. He thought about ways to make science and technology appealing. He thought that a science competition was a good idea. He didn’t want just want any science fair, so he developed a robotics competition. This is an engaging way to instill the values of science and technology.
This year the topic is “An Individual in History, Action and Legacies”. Dean Kamen fits into this category because he solved many historical problems that people with disabilities face. He is a famous inventor that should be recognized. Evidence of his legacy today are the many people who his inventions have improved their lives. He has made science and technology appealing to young adults. The inventor, Dean Kamen, has affected many peoples lives.
Bibliogarphy
1. http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/kamen.htm.
2. http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/222.html
3. Rather, Dan. "Dean Kamen' s Amazing Machines." 60 Minutes.November 13, 2002. CBS. 10/15/08.http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4501760n%3fsource=search_video
4. Rather, Dan. "Dean Kamen' s Amazing Machines." 60 Minutes.November 13, 2002. CBS. 10/15/08.http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4501760n%3fsource=search_video
5. http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Ge-La/Kamen-Dean.html
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