Harrison Luu, Austen An and Luca Pica created 'BrightBin', an invention which automatically illuminates recycling bins at night.
Twenty-eight students from Knox Prep from Years 2 to 6 participated in the NSW Young Scientist Awards, with the boys entering projects in the 'Working Technologically' category.
The boys have been working hard on refining and improving their projects based on feedback they received from judges at the Young ICT Explorers competition in August.
The level of ingenuity and creativity shown by the boys was outstanding. Winners have been announced, with four Knpx Prep teams achieving equal first place in their respective age categories, the School's best results ever.
Equal first
Luca Pica, Harrison Luu and Austen An
BrightBin
BrightBin uses a micro:bit with ultrasonic and light sensors to automatically illuminate recycling bins at night. The device tells people what should go in each bin and when it is approaching full capacity.
Oscar Fairhurst, Bowen Gozdzialski and Christian Strumendo
R.C.B.O.C. (River Cleaner, Bowen, Oscar, Christian)
The R.C.B.O.C uses a Sphero, Lego EV3 robot and custom-built conveyor belt to collect floating rubbish from polluted waterways. The device can be controlled by an iPad which allows the user to steer the R.C.B.O.C in the direction of rubbish.
Equal first
Oliver Schlosser and Jackson Macdonald
WaterBot
A device that works by using a soil moisture sensor attached to a robot which is programmed using a micro:bit. This invention will help farmers who are in desperate need of water by finding areas of moist soil on a farm.
Mitchell Whiley and Kingston Rahme
RobotHead
A handheld device that works by using a gesture sensor to detect a vision impaired person’s hand movements. The device can provide audio feedback of certain measurements like the time, date and distance from object.
Highly Commended
Brendan Li
HandyAndy
A device that can pick up and grip objects to assist people with arthritis or other hand injuries. Handy Andy uses a Lego EV3 robot and a remote control to open and close a custom-built claw.
19 March 2026
Thank you to the Te-Kworo Foundation for visiting our school. Te-Kworo is a community-based organisation dedicated to providing education, healthcare, and social protection for girls and women in Uganda.
17 March 2026
“A centenary is far more than a marker of time. It is a testament to vision, courage, perseverance and the enduring power of community. Today we honour the past, celebrate the present, and look forward with both optimism and conviction to the future.” - Mrs Julie Wiseman, Head of Wahroonga Prep School.
13 March 2026
We are thrilled to congratulate Knox Swimming for winning the Thyne Challenge Shield ten years in a row, and Knox Diving for winning the Steven Barnett Shield for the fourth time!
