By William Van Zyl Published in March 2023 Listen to the podcast: https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8eq4i-13eb655-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7 “I am tired of all these Bible stories. Reading the devotionals and doing these prayers all the time is too much for me!?” said the young Alexander. “You will sit down and read the Bible Story; you will listen and pray before… Continue reading When stories lose their lustre, and children’s creativity and innovation plummet.
Category: Sustainability.
Sustainable practice, ideas, concepts and more.
Creatica: A Believers Guide to Perfectica.
By William Van Zyl Published on July 6, 2019. Edited in 2023. Before the year 3000, the earth was teeming with life. Natural life. But, catastrophically, the earth’s environment has collapsed. The destructive weight of industrial pollution, irresponsible disposal of effluent, and uncontrolled radioactive waste have crushed all life on earth as we know it.… Continue reading Creatica: A Believers Guide to Perfectica.
LED LIGHTS AND CIRCUITRY(ELECTRICITY, DIAGRAMS, AND PROGRAMMING): A LED AND COPPER TAPE GREETING CARD PROJECT
By William Van Zyl First published on October 16, 2017 Second publishing 2021. Edited in 2023. Synopsis This resource introduces a simple lesson of cardmaking with electrical circuits. STEM & STEAM focus. The project – a greeting card – includes cardboard, and an elementary electrical circuit running on 3 Volts (coin battery). The sticky copper strip circuit for… Continue reading LED LIGHTS AND CIRCUITRY(ELECTRICITY, DIAGRAMS, AND PROGRAMMING): A LED AND COPPER TAPE GREETING CARD PROJECT
Buckminster Fuller – Geodesic Shape and Form for architectural design. Designing a Vertical Urban Skyfarm (hydroponics, aeroponics & aquaponics) in Minecraft.
By William Van Zyl (Published on 5 January 2023). I have probably designed hundreds of concept buildings. Considering the work of inspirational and influential architects of the past – and future ones – I have pioneered new shapes and forms. In some instances, biomimicry had been my inspiration (‘asking nature how’). In this article I… Continue reading Buckminster Fuller – Geodesic Shape and Form for architectural design. Designing a Vertical Urban Skyfarm (hydroponics, aeroponics & aquaponics) in Minecraft.
Needles are Floating Everywhere in Space – We can’t see a Thing, claims Astronomers.
By William Van Zyl. Published January 11, 2023. ‘I can’t see a thing. These needles are blocking my view. There are probably millions of them,’ said the astronomer. The two men are peering into the night sky. The night is studded with small bright dots. A dense cloud – beautiful clusters – adorn the heavens.… Continue reading Needles are Floating Everywhere in Space – We can’t see a Thing, claims Astronomers.
To Forgive, or not to Forgive, is the Question.
By William Van Zyl Published in October 2022. Listen to the Podcast of this article: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-za7fb-12da550 At last, he gets him. They are both bloodied, exhausted to death—the tomahawk slices through some of his fingers. The assailant looks at his hand in disbelief. He is missing a couple of them; blood starts to trickle from… Continue reading To Forgive, or not to Forgive, is the Question.
LESSON: Use the work of an influential designer to inform design ideas. Design a Moon-base on Minecraft Education – focus on Aesthetics and Function.
By William Van Zyl (Published in April 2022). Design Brief: Design a Moon-dwelling or a Moon-base (in your groups or individually) on Minecraft Education. Use the work of an architect considering aesthetics (beauty). But, more importantly, functionality. Choose an Architectural Design Era or Style (for example, Modernism, Minimalism, Hi-Tech. and more). Also, embed sustainability and… Continue reading LESSON: Use the work of an influential designer to inform design ideas. Design a Moon-base on Minecraft Education – focus on Aesthetics and Function.
Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. 
By William Van Zyl (March 5, 2022) Referencing this article: Van Zyl, W. N. (2022). Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21st-century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. Five House Publishing. https://fivehousepublishing.com/2022/03/25/introducing-the-arduino-uno-a-pioneering-digital-framework-to-prepare-students-for-21-st-century-problem-solving-five-journal-entries-a-critical-reflection-%ef%bf%bc/ Abstract: After reflecting on my own practice as a secondary school teacher in… Continue reading Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. 
21-st Century Skills: Are students being prepared to solve real-life problems?
By William Van Zyl (Published March 2022). Abstract: One of the most important questions you can ask educators is ‘Are you preparing students for the 21-st century?’ From research, we know what those critical aspects are: Students should be able to be critical thinkers, able to find creative solutions, able to do extensive collaboration, and… Continue reading 21-st Century Skills: Are students being prepared to solve real-life problems?
Sensors: Maintaining the eco-equilibrium of sensitive limestone caves in New Zealand. STEM and Digital Technologies -Programming microprocessors as sensors to improve cave sustainability (Micro:bit and MakerBot – mBot).
By William Van Zyl On Friday, 5 March 2021, I stepped into the unknown. It was dark, humid, and very black. Yellow cat-eyes stared at me from the ground. It was evenly spaced and extended way ahead of me. Where could it lead? It took some time for my sensitive eyes to adapt to the… Continue reading Sensors: Maintaining the eco-equilibrium of sensitive limestone caves in New Zealand. STEM and Digital Technologies -Programming microprocessors as sensors to improve cave sustainability (Micro:bit and MakerBot – mBot).
Cardboard Art, Sculpture, and Bas-Relief work: An integrated lesson on ‘identity.’
Front cover. Back cover. Available at fivehousepublishing.com By William Van Zyl ( First published in 2017, edited in 2018 & 2024) The Battle of Bloodriver The first shot from the ‘Sanna voorlaaier’ (rifle) broke the silence of the fog. It crept slowly up and along the cold river like a thick blanket. It was an uncertain,… Continue reading Cardboard Art, Sculpture, and Bas-Relief work: An integrated lesson on ‘identity.’
Helium Balloons and Sky Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
By William Van Zyl (Published in 2020) Essay: Soft bait is a silent killer. Synthetic fishing lures have been developed to catch any type of freshwater and saltwater fish. Designers and manufacturers have spent large amounts of money, time, and resources, on creating the most effective lures and soft baits. Soft bait is so effective… Continue reading Helium Balloons and Sky Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
River Rights: A United Approach to Improve Sustainable Practice.
By William Van Zyl (2019) Overview of this article From a sustainability perspective, this article investigates the views of three prominent cultures: Hinduism, Māori World view (New Zealand’s indigenous people), and Christianity. By comparing the different cultures or perspectives, the concept of giving rights to natural features like rivers are discussed. However, there are many… Continue reading River Rights: A United Approach to Improve Sustainable Practice.
Rat-a-Strophics and Cat-o-Matics
By William Van Zyl (July 2021) Listen to the podcast of this story and article: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-spxxm-10f938c *Additional to this article: Don’t miss the great lesson ideas at the end (for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers) – Digital Collaborative Learning. “Rat-a-strophic,” laughed the freight plane dispatcher. “Or, maybe Cat-o-matics,” chuckled the second dispatcher. “They are going to… Continue reading Rat-a-Strophics and Cat-o-Matics
Learn Technology through Arts and Crafts: for 12-year-old to 16-year-old students. Primary and Secondary School. Integrated Learning. Global Citizenship. Critical Thinking. Electrical Circuits. Programming. Multi-materials.
By William Van Zyl (edited in 2021) Synopsis: This resource introduces a simple lesson of cardmaking with electrical circuits. STEM & STEAM focus. The project – a greeting card – includes cardboard, and an elementary electrical circuit running on 3 Volts (coin battery). The sticky copper strip circuit for the card involves the 3-Volt battery,… Continue reading Learn Technology through Arts and Crafts: for 12-year-old to 16-year-old students. Primary and Secondary School. Integrated Learning. Global Citizenship. Critical Thinking. Electrical Circuits. Programming. Multi-materials.
Entering a dark, humid cave – lit up by cat-eyed, yellow fiery flies – could turn your thinking upside down.
By William Van Zyl (March 2021) On Friday, 5 March 2021, I stepped into the unknown. It was dark, humid, and very black. Yellow cat-eyes stared at me from the ground. It was evenly spaced and extended way ahead of me. Where could it lead? It took some time for my sensitive eyes to adapt… Continue reading Entering a dark, humid cave – lit up by cat-eyed, yellow fiery flies – could turn your thinking upside down.
Sensors: Maintaining the eco-equilibrium of sensitive limestone caves in New Zealand. STEM and Digital Technologies -Programming microprocessors as sensors to improve cave sustainability (Micro:bit and MakerBot – mBot).
By William Van Zyl Thinking of the sustainability of a cave is not something that comes to mind naturally. It requires prompts: What choice of materials is best for constructing the walkways? What type of lighting is best? Could the electrical system of the cave be powered via solar power? To what extent could sensors,… Continue reading Sensors: Maintaining the eco-equilibrium of sensitive limestone caves in New Zealand. STEM and Digital Technologies -Programming microprocessors as sensors to improve cave sustainability (Micro:bit and MakerBot – mBot).
Hickory, Dickory, Fig Tree – I ask of you – can you hear me?
By William Van Zyl (July 2021) Listen to the podcast of this article (listen while you read): https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gvr28-116868b Hickory, Dickory, Tree – Dockerty, Hockerty, Dock. A mouse Hickory Dickory Tree. The mouse went up the tree.The tree said no: “Not allowed.” The bark made it itch The mouse immediately went downHickory Dickory TreeTick tock, tick… Continue reading Hickory, Dickory, Fig Tree – I ask of you – can you hear me?
Tree-to-Tree: From the Lush Canopy – Underhanded and Ciphered – a Message to Thee.
By William Van Zyl (June 2021) Listen to the podcast while reading: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-sbg2d-11678c1 An encoded scent whiffed across to a neighbouring tree. It had a complex message in the transparent envelope. The postman did not deliver it. Mister Wind carried it with unseen dedication. Leaf-to-leaf, the proverbial ‘drums’ had relayed the detailed message. The ‘letter’… Continue reading Tree-to-Tree: From the Lush Canopy – Underhanded and Ciphered – a Message to Thee.
Tardigrades and Radiotrophic Fungi – death-defiers and demon-destroyers.
By William Van Zyl Podcast of this article. Listen while you read OR just listen: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-5n4bm-1010cab July 2032 “As all the countries of the world are aware, an asteroid had been detected on radar for some time now. Black rock and ice are hurtling towards earth. We have an emergency!” said the radio host in… Continue reading Tardigrades and Radiotrophic Fungi – death-defiers and demon-destroyers.