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Our Mission
Through robotics, environmental work, and outreach, we aim to inspire others and create meaningful change. We support Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13 – Climate Action and Goal 14 – Life Below Water, by using technology to better understand and protect our oceans. Through our work, we connect engineering with real-world environmental challenges and promote sustainable solutions for the future.
Engaging the Community
Outside of classrooms, we share our robotics work with the broader community by demonstrating our underwater ROV at Trafalgar Castle Open Houses and CAIS Family Tours. We also welcome visiting schools to our campus to view our robot in action at the pool. Our outreach was also highlighted in the Toronto Star as an example of student-led STEM leadership.
-Media Release:
MATE Press Release on Castle Website
Community Lunch and Learns
Durham College Electromechanical Engineering Team Visit
Local Ecosystem Monitoring at Trafalgar Castle School
Monitoring Local Soils at Trafalgar Castle School
As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we monitor and study soil conditions across the Trafalgar Castle School campus to better understand and protect our local ecosystem.
Soil Investigation & Sampling
Students conduct field-based soil studies using quadrat sampling in designated areas of the campus. These investigations examine:
Soil texture (e.g., loamy sand, clay)
pH levels (slightly alkaline range observed)
Nutrient content, including nitrates and ammonia
Presence of salts and other chemical indicators
Results show that most sampled areas consist of loamy sand, supporting good drainage and plant growth, with some localized clay soils.
Methods & Analysis
Two key methods are used:
Texture by Feel (Ribbon Test): Determines soil composition based on physical properties
Sedimentation Test: Separates soil into layers (sand, silt, clay) to analyze structure
These methods allow students to classify soil types and understand variation across the site.
Why Soil Monitoring Matters
Soil quality directly affects:
Water retention and drainage
Nutrient availability
Plant growth and biodiversity
Overall ecosystem health
Understanding soil conditions helps inform sustainable land use and supports long-term environmental stewardship.
Monitoring Trees and Plant Benefits at Trafalgar Castle School
As part of our local environmental monitoring, students assess the role of trees on campus and their contribution to ecosystem health.
Tree Monitoring & Mapping
Students use tools such as the Tree Benefits Web Map to identify and record tree locations and characteristics within the school grounds. Quadrat sampling is also used to support field observations.
Measuring Environmental Benefits
Tree data is analyzed using established tools, including:
Tree benefit and carbon calculators
CO₂ sequestration estimation tools
Online i-Tree (MyTree) platform
These tools help quantify how trees contribute to environmental performance.
Key Environmental Contributions of Trees
Carbon sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and store it as biomass, helping reduce atmospheric CO₂
Air quality improvement: Trees filter pollutants and improve overall air conditions
Climate regulation: Tree cover supports cooling and reduces environmental stress in urban areas
Supporting Resources & Learning
Additional resources, including studies on tree equity and environmental indicators such as lichens, support student understanding of urban ecosystems and sustainability.
Monitoring Local Water Systems at Pringle Creek
As part of our environmental monitoring efforts, students study water systems at Pringle Creek, focusing on watershed health and biodiversity.
Field Data Collection
Students collect both biological and chemical data using field equipment to:
Sample and identify aquatic organisms (aquatic bugs)
Assess water quality conditions
Follow established monitoring protocols (including BMI guidelines)
Long-Term Data Monitoring
Data has been collected from multiple Pringle Creek sites over time, including:
Trafalgar Castle School site (2024, 2023, 2018, 2019)
Additional historical data from earlier studies (2012–2016)
This supports comparison and tracking of environmental changes.
Riparian Zone & Biodiversity
Monitoring includes observation of the riparian zone (vegetation along the creek), with recorded species data contributing to understanding local biodiversity.
Why Water Monitoring Matters
Watersheds collect and direct water into shared systems (rivers and lakes)
Healthy watersheds support ecosystems and biodiversity
Monitoring helps assess environmental conditions and changes over time
Student Action & Engagement
Students are encouraged to take action through projects such as:
Reducing stormwater runoff (e.g., rainwater collection systems)
Promoting behaviors that protect local waterways
Monitoring Wildlife at Trafalgar Castle School
Wildlife monitoring is an important part of understanding local ecosystem health on campus.
Biodiversity Surveys
Students conduct surveys using platforms such as iNaturalist to record and identify species observed on school grounds. This supports tracking of local biodiversity over time.
Caterpillar Count Program
Through the Caterpillars Count initiative, students:
Monitor arthropods (e.g., caterpillars, insects) on selected trees
Use quadrat-based sampling areas for consistent data collection
Identify species using reference materials and training resources
Survey data includes tree species and standardized branch survey codes to support ongoing monitoring.
Observed Species
Recorded observations include a range of organisms such as:
Bees (including bumble bees and nomad bees)
Beetles (e.g., Asian lady beetle)
Earthworms and other invertebrates
Insects such as boxelder bugs
Bird Surveys
Additional monitoring includes bird surveys, contributing to a broader understanding of wildlife presence across the campus and nearby riparian areas.
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