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.
06 June 2026
"Our biggest encouragement is to really get involved,” said Charley (Year 12), Head Prefect of Wellbeing. "Talk to new people, contribute to discussions, and make the most out of every opportunity that comes your way.”
01 June 2026
Reconciliation Week 2026 offered a meaningful opportunity for the Knox community to engage thoughtfully with culture, history and Country, and to reflect on our shared responsibility in advancing reconciliation.
31 May 2026
Clear skies and sunshine set the scene for Gala Day 2026, which was a wonderful celebration of community spirit.
