In a remarkable feat of ingenuity and teamwork, the Where’s Waldo robotics team from Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby, Ontario, is poised to make history as they compete in the MATE ROV Competition World Championship. This marks not only their first appearance at this prestigious event but also the first time an all-girls secondary school team from Ontario has qualified for the Ranger division, which typically features upper elementary and high-school students. The competition, taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, promises to be a transformative experience, showcasing the potential of women in the traditionally male-dominated fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
A Journey of Preparation
Inside the bustling Design Tech Lab at Trafalgar Castle School, excitement fills the air as the team, comprising 13 dedicated members from Grades 9 to 12, finalises preparations for their underwater robot, Waldo XVII. The atmosphere is charged with focused energy as team members engage in various tasks: from soldering connections to testing controls, every detail matters. One student asks about the essential white zip ties while another inquires about the connectors for the robot’s cameras.
“Can you bring the iceberg?” echoes a seemingly trivial question that reveals the depth of their preparations. The iceberg, a rectangular piece of plastic tubing, is crucial for their mission to capture images underwater, which they will use to construct computer models. “Getting a robot to work is actually much easier said than done,” explains Taara Gill, the team’s CEO and a Grade 12 student, reflecting the challenges they face.
Empowering Future Generations
The MATE ROV Competition, supported by the Marine Technology Society, aims to inspire students to acquire skills relevant to the maritime industry. Jill Zande, the executive director of MATE, emphasises the importance of engaging students in STEM and exposing them to career opportunities in marine technology. With nearly 90 teams from 16 countries vying for success, only a handful are all-female, making Trafalgar’s participation particularly significant.
The competition venue includes the world’s largest flume tank, a state-of-the-art facility designed to simulate ocean currents, alongside testing environments at the National Research Council Canada. Teams will face a series of challenges, such as retrieving items and measuring icebergs, while also presenting their ROVs as if they were startup companies to a panel of industry experts.
A Shift in Perspective
Natalie Calnek, a 16-year-old member of the team, believes that their participation could inspire more girls to explore engineering. “It provides an opportunity for girls to be interested in engineering, and people who may not have considered it before joining a team like this allows them to see what it could actually be like,” she says.
Penny Senior, the technology and robotics teacher overseeing the team, highlights the unique perspectives women bring to STEM fields. “Women think about the ‘why’ more,” she explains, noting how team members often question the purpose behind their designs. This critical thinking fosters an environment where students gain confidence and experience, enabling them to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and engineering.
Embracing New Challenges
As the championship approaches, Taara Gill expresses her anticipation. “It’s three days of total, fast-paced activity; everything’s moving, everyone’s talking, things are always happening,” she remarks, aware of the challenges that lie ahead but excited about the opportunity to connect with brilliant minds from around the globe.
The team’s journey is not merely about competing; it is about breaking barriers and reshaping narratives around women in engineering.
Why it Matters
The Trafalgar Castle School robotics team’s participation in the MATE ROV Competition is not just a significant milestone for the school; it represents a broader movement to encourage female representation in STEM fields. As these young women take their place on an international stage, they challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Their journey underscores the necessity of fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the ever-evolving technological landscape.
