Meet the Bobs!
What are BOBs?
Bay Observation Boxes are low-cost, automated water quality monitors that collect and send measurements to the Internet every 15 minutes for:
Temperature
Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Salinity
Electrical Conductivity.
We build our BOBs for about $900 each using makerspace technology. Comparable retail products sell for upwards of $20,000.
We hope to expand water quality monitoring in the Chesapeake Bay to include the microecosystems of many more small creeks and coves.
What do bobs Tell US?
The data has the potential to signal the health of the Bay during a changing climate, allowing scientists to respond appropriately. We are especially interested in the impact of water quality on oysters, as this keystone species is crucial for a thriving ecosystem.
Oysters in the Bay:
Die in the "dead zones" of low oxygen that often develop in the summer
Develop fewer and thinner shells in more acidic water.Â
During the 2023-2024 school year, we are analyzing our data to evaluate the accuracy of our sensors and improve them.
KNoW Our purpose
To enable student scientists to practice real-world problem-solving, engineering, monitoring, and data analysis
To increase public awareness of importance of water quality, especially during a time of changing climate
To support oyster reef restoration as these mollusks are keystone species in the health of the Chesapeake Bay
find Our bobs
We have seven BOB locations in Southern Maryland, with six in Breton Bay and one in the Patuxent River. We are working at:
Calvert Marine Museum in Solomon's Island
Leonardtown Wharf
The Friends of St. Clement's Bay oyster sanctuary at Lover's Point
Private docks south of Lover's Point, in Cherry Cove, north of Foxes Point, and South of Paw Paw Point.
thank Our Partners
This work has been made possible by two Environmental Education grants from The Chesapeake Bay Trust to the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. The project was conceived of and is largely driven by the volunteer efforts of Norman and Shelly O'Foran, in partnership with Natural Resources Teacher Dorothy Birch and her students. We also collaborate with other classes, such as Nathan Swick's Engineering and Casey Page's Graphic Communications.