Bayfield High School InvenTeam

The idea for a SCUBA breathing and pressure monitor sprung from Robert Nelson, an avid scuba diver and student. In its initial research, the InvenTeam confirmed with the Professional Association for Dive Instruction (PADI) that no technology was available to monitor a partner’s breathing levels. Bubbles often serve as the main indicator, but a better sign was needed. The InvenTeam’s first Eureka! moment occurred when it tried a DC (direct current) motor in lieu of a generator to light an LED indicator. A second Eureka! moment occurred when the InvenTeam adapted a dentist drill, which has a turbine that proved to be more efficient than the DC motor to construct a final prototype. Professionals from Ashland Industries, Washburn Family Dentistry, and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College served as mentors to the InvenTeam.