Mum's Mail Johannesburg - June 2019

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MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

Why climbing a tree is better than watching a screen

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Tickets to Disney On Ice

Shining a spotlight on Lupus

DIY FATHER’S DAY GIFTS AND CARDS

Happy Father’s Day! Issue 22 | Johannesburg - East Rand | June 2019

| Editor’s Life

From the Editor’s Desk...

Happy Father’s Day this month to all the dads that read our little mag! And if your chap doesn’t usually read the mag, let him have a look at this month’s issue as we have some really useful ‘Dad stuff’ in here, including some very important info regarding Men’s Health Month. Most men need a little nudge when it comes to health related issues so please do get them to have a quick read – it’s our Father’s Day gift to all the wonderful dads out there! You’re welcome!

For all our beautiful mummies that read Mum’s Mail, how was your Mother’s Day? Mine was so lovely - I had breakfast in bed brought to me by my two teenagers along with handmade cards and pictures, which are just the best! I always keep the handmade cards in a memory box as they’re too special to throw away! My 16 year old son also bought me a bunch of flowers which he managed to keep hidden for 2 days, so that was also a lovely surprise! I must have trained him well and am hoping he’ll make a fabulous husband one day! The day ended with a lovely family meal out, which we don’t often do – and there were no arguments, yay for the win!

Soon the school holidays will be upon us… My family and I are hoping to go away for the odd weekend here and there and I hope you manage to have a bit of down time too! Although if you’ve got toddlers, that isn’t very likely…don’t worry, they’ll soon be teenagers and then it’s a whole different ball game!

Wishing you all a wonderful and very enjoyable school holidays – travel safe!

Victoria xxx

Everyday Life

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Meet the Cover Stars ‘Flutter’ - a Collection of Poems Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac DIY Father’s Day Ideas Father’s Day Recipe: Breakfast Burgers for Dad

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Shining a Spotlight on Lupus Dr Des@Home: Men’s Health Month Spruce up your Beauty Routine this Winter

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Why Climbing a Tree is Better than Watching a Screen WIN a Limited-Edition ‘Fantastic Love’ Hamper Limited-Edition Scruff-a-Luv Bunnies Need a Home Science Experiments

CONTENTS

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Healthy Life & Beautiful Life Kids’ Life

The Mum’s Mail Team

Editor: Victoria Arthur • editor@mumsmail.com Sub-Editor: Sarah Mackintosh • sarah@mumsmail.com Enquiries: Natalie Wilcox • 031 - 573 1731 (ext 1) Accounts: Daniella Geldenhuys • daniella@mumsmail.com Advertising Sales: Bev Delew • bev@mumsmail.com | Anisha Singh • anisha@mumsmail.com

Designer: Wendy Offer • Cover Photographer: Shoot the Moon, shootthemoonza@gmail.com, 078 099 4372

DISCLAIMER: Neither the Publisher, Printer or Editor can be held responsible for damages or consequences of any omissions or errors, as every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in Mum’s Mail. We do not guarantee the performance or quality of service of any of the advertisers in this magazine. No part of Mum’s Mail magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.

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Editor’s Life |

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| Everyday Life

Meet the Cover Stars In celebration of Father’s Day in June, this month’s cover features Ashley Struwig with his children, Gina and Ricardo. The family is from Pretoria and Ashley is the CEO of SSG Cleaning, while his wife, Deolinda, is a marketing manager.

Gina (5) is an absolute firecracker and a complete girly girl - she loves all things pink and glittery, from unicorns to ballerinas! She loves to dance, swim, do ballet and horse ride - oh and let’s not forget “gym” with mommy. She is a very smart little girl and excels in her school work. Her mom says she has the memory of an elephant, which often gets mommy and daddy in trouble!

Her brother Ricardo is three.

“Well, what can we say, he is a boy’s boy - the more trucks, wheels, cars and bikes he can get his hands on the better!

He adores his mommy and just loves being outdoors with his daddy. He is such a caring and loving little boy who loves to swim (with no fear - he gives us lots of grey hair) and has a passion for animals. He too loves to horse ride and play soccer. He is an absolute charmer which I’m sure will get him in trouble when he is older,” laughs his mom.

As a family they love spending time together outside, whether it’s in the pool or watching the kids ride their bikes, or fishing

or riding horses (daddy doesn’t really enjoy this one). Sometimes it’s just sitting on the grass playing and being silly.

On being a dad, Ashley says: “I love everything about being a dad. I’m the joker in the family so I love to be able to have a good laugh with the kids.”

Advice for new dads: “Enjoy every moment and second, try not to let the moms get all the good moments - just kidding!

Just try to be there as much as you can physically and mentally and support your family the best way you can,” concludes Ashley.

Written by Sarah Mackintosh

‘Flutter’ - a Collection of Poems To My Parents Mommy and Papa, I write this poem for you Without fancy words But deep thoughts Without figures of speech But heart-felt memories A short simple poem

‘ Flutter’ is a collection of poems by Aamina Chohan. “A tapestry of words woven into a beautiful canvas that ignites emotions of reflection and Because you brought me up introspection. We experience With love, patience and the poems as we read each understanding word with a nod of approval and You shaped me with good appreciation. Eloquently penned advice poems which will leave you You educated me mesmerised. A collection that is a must-have for any young Inhale this amazing collection person as you take a journey of poems as it is a breath of of self-reflection through every freshness for your heart, mind passage. www.mumsmail.com

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With perseverance You prayed for me With sincerity Your arms Are my place of comfort Your words Are my guiding pillars You are my Inspiration Mommy and Papa, I am sorry for every time I caused a tear to fall From your precious eyes.

By Aamina Chohan. and soul in a book.” - Naadira Chhipa, speaker and author of INK of Inspiration.

Everyday Life |

Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon pepper • 2 cups grated cheese • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken • 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped • 1 cup crushed potato chips or panko (Japanese) bread crumbs

cream, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, for about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. Add pasta, chicken, bacon and jalapeno; cook and stir until heated through.

Sprinkle chips over top. Grill 3-4 inches from heat until chips are browned, about 30 seconds.

Ingredients:

Directions:

Test Kitchen tips:

• 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni or Cavatappi pasta • 3 tablespoons butter • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream • ½ cup 2% milk • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente texture and drain. Preheat grill.

In a 10-inch cast-iron or another ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes (do not burn). Gradually whisk in

• If your family likes spicy foods, add more Cajun seasoning or jalapeno pepper.

• Cavatappi is a tube-shaped pasta in the shape of a corkscrew.

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Source: www.tasteofhome.com.

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| Everyday Life

DIY Father’s Day Ideas Try this fun homemade Father’s Day gift that we have sourced from one of our favourite activity blogs!

Footprint Lion

This one is perfect for the dads who love a good braai and enjoying being the braai master!

To start, you can print a handy template at www. funhandprintartblog.com or if you are a whiz on the computer, you can make your own, or just hand write the message on your paper or card.

including the thumb) with orange or brown paint.

• Whether hand-written or printed out, your card should read “My Dad is King of the Grill (or Braai) – and I’m not Lion” at the top.

• Paint a yellow tail.

• Make a yellow footprint in the centre of the card with the toes pointed down.

• Paint just the fingers (not

• Press them down around the heel of the foot to create the lion’s mane. Repaint the fingers as needed.

• Make an orange/brown thumbprint at the end of the tail.

• Draw on the lion’s face when dry and add googly eyes.

Source: www. funhandprintartblog.com

Try this sweet personalised DIY gift for Dad this Father’s Day. MY DAD ROCKS

You will need to search for different shaped pebbles with this craft in mind – perhaps the next time you visit the beach! if you can’t find rounded rocks you can always buy a bag of polished river stones from your local garden nursery.

Materials: • You can use the printable Father’s Day frames at www. nontoygifts.com or draw your own borders and message by hand.

• White cardstock • Scissors • Rocks • Markers or paint • Glue www.mumsmail.com

Steps: • Arrange rocks in the shape of a person • Use markers or paint to colour the rocks • Print the Father’s Day frames on white cardstock and cut out the two frames • Glue the rocks onto the cardstock.

Another fun idea is to spell out the words “My Dad Rocks” with painted pebbles and glue them onto a card or frame them.

You could even decorate a photo frame and include a photgraph of the family so Dad is always reminded of you! If you use your imagination, the possibilities are endless!

Source: www.nontoygifts.com.

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Everyday Life |

Father’s Day Recipe: Breakfast Burgers for Dad Spoil your dad this Father’s Day with a man-sized breakfast!

This recipe makes 4.

black pepper • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter Ingredients: • ½ cup shredded Cheddar Dressing: cheese • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 4 English muffins, split and • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard toasted • 1 Tbsp drained prepared • 1 ripe tomato, thickly sliced horseradish into 4 pieces Burger: • 1 cup peppery greens, such • 340g ground beef (80% lean) as rocket, mustard greens or • 225g bulk Italian sausage watercress • Kosher salt and freshly ground • 4 large eggs

Directions: For the dressing: Stir the mayonnaise, mustard and horseradish together in a small bowl and set aside.

For the burgers: Gently mix together the ground beef, sausage and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Divide the meat into 4 pieces and form each into a 4-inch patty. Melt the butter in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the patties. Cook until well browned, about 3 minutes, and then flip.

Top with some of the cheese and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the burger is just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread the toasted muffins with some of the mustard dressing and top with a slice of tomato and a burger patty. Crack the eggs into the skillet with the sausage drippings and cook to your preference. Place an egg on each burger and finish with some watercress and top with the English muffin.

Source: www.foodnetwork.com.

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| Healthy Life/Beautiful Life

Shining a Spotlight on LUPUS

Nicole Maistry, age 32, is not only a mum, wife and businesswoman - but so much more! She’s also a motivational speaker, public figure, community builder and model - who was crowned Mrs India South Africa 2017!

She is a brand ambassador for Mrs Uniworld and is currently the reigning Mrs Inter-Nations she was crowned in Singapore in October 2018 where she represented South Africa. Nicole is also a media personality and an advocate for living with lupus.

disease did affect me adversely but I had an incredibly strong support system. It began my need to empower myself with as much knowledge surrounding this disease as possible. After undergoing vigorous treatment, I relocated to Johannesburg.

Having a great team of physicians and rheumatologists and other people to assist in my management of this disease, I grew stronger and more adjusted. I have undergone many surgeries and still do have setbacks from time to time.”

“I hail from the small town of Tongaat, the daughter of exteachers. My two elder brothers and I were raised by a single mum as my dad passed when I was nine years old. Being the youngest and the only girl, I grew up protected and a little spoiled on occasion,” says Nicole.

“At the age of 19 I was diagnosed with lupus. Back then it was almost unheard of and very few people were affected by it. This autoimmune www.mumsmail.com

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Life with lupus A flare-up can occur at any time, brought on by the slightest infection, stress, allergies, too much exposure to sunlight, an injury, pregnancy, and some medication. A flare-up cannot be avoided completely, but if not managed and dealt with immediately it can result in hospitalisation and the administration of steroids and aggressive medication to stabilise the symptoms.

“I have used my titles and the limelight as a platform to create

Healthy Life/Beautiful Life | awareness for lupus - the number of people affected by it is constantly increasing. This disease mimics a lot of other illnesses and is highly misunderstood, hence my quest for reaching as many individuals as I can,” explains Nicole.

“My aim is to empower other ‘lupies’, inspire and encourage them and to ensure they do not feel alone and belittled. There is a lot of work to do regarding lupus awareness - many people to encompass and many issues to address. But engaging a wider platform allows me to have my voice heard by more and more people - a voice of awareness and embracing each other.”

Nicole’s other community initiatives include mentorship for young girls in high school - working with self-esteem and building confidence. She also focuses on giving back to the community, especially the elderly.

“My motto and affirmation in life is this; we are placed on earth to help others, and if we cannot help, at least don’t hurt them,” concludes Nicole.

Understanding Lupus Facts about lupus: It is a chronic illness.

Symptoms may come and go, but the disease must be managed long-term. There is currently no known cure for lupus.

It’s an autoimmune disease.

‘Auto’ means ‘self’ in lupus - the immune system gets overactive and works incorrectly leading to your body attacking itself.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all disease. Lupus can look like many other diseases and have similar symptoms, yet the symptoms vary for different people, which make it difficult to diagnose.

levels may influence both the development and activity of lupus.

Genetics: Lupus has a tendency to appear in some families more than others.

Environment: UV rays from the sun or fluorescent light bulbs, medications that make you sensitive to the sun, infections, colds and viral infections can all play a part.

Physical & emotional stress: Exhaustion and stress to the body such as surgery, physical injury, pregnancy or giving birth.

The Lupus Foundation of South Africa is the only national force devoted to solving Factors that may play a role the mystery of lupus, one of the world’s cruellest, most in lupus Gender and sex hormones: unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring Women get lupus much more support to those who suffer from often than men, as oestrogen

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its brutal impact. They envision a life free of lupus.

Their mission is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programmes of research, education, support and advocacy. We will greatly step up our fundraising efforts to ensure we reach their diseasespecific goals: • Build a solid database for Africa • Provide education and advocacy.

• Connect professionals & patients.

Contact the Lupus Foundation SA on 082 508 0197, info@lupusfoundation. co.za, www. lupusfoundation.co.za.

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| Healthy Life/Beautiful Life

Dr Des@Home: Men’s What about Dad? As keepers of the house, female patients often confess in our rooms that they put themselves last and their children first. This is one of the characteristics of a good mother according to most mothers. Us general practitioners usually then sort out the children, but also encourage the tired moms to look after themselves too! We encourage them to book an appointment to do the basic bloods, a breast examination and gynaecological check-up and remind them that if the mother goes down - the whole ship goes down! But what about the dads? They are usually too busy to even set foot in a doctor’s room…

It is crucial for mothers to motivate their husbands to

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Health Month

come in at least once a year for a thorough check up. The following test should be done annually for men: Age: 25-39 Physical Measures: Blood pressure, Pulse rate & rhythm Chemical(bloods): Full blood count, Cholesterol, Glucose, Testosterone, Thyroid function, Iron profile, Semen screen (infertility) Mental discussion: Focus and concentration, Stress management, Depression Specific: Smoking/alcohol, Drug cessation, Allergic sinusitis Age: 40-49 Physical Measures: +Stress ECG Chemical(bloods): +Liver

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and Kidney function, +Prostate Antigen Mental discussion: +Insomnia Specific: +Ear wax removal, +Weight issues Age: 50+ Physical Measures: + Bone density, +Urology assessment, +Colonoscopy Chemical(bloods): +-Arthritis profile, +Vit B and D Mental discussion: +Urology/ relationship issues.

Prevention is better than cure!

These tests can be done or referred for by your general practitioner.

By Drs Desere Ferreira, Ingrid van Heukelum and Laura Troskie.

Visit www.umhlangagp.net.

Healthy Life/Beautiful Life |

Spruce up your Beauty Routine Dry Lips: this is normal in winter, but not if you follow these two steps: • Add a little bit of sugar with a pea size amount of tooth paste on your toothbrush and gently rub your lips in a circular motion; this helps to exfoliate your lips, getting rid of all the dry dead skin, leaving you with super soft kissable lips.

• Always moisturise your lips with a lip balm or Vaseline before applying lipstick (the trick here is not to apply a lot but just enough).

Foundation: during winter it is best to use a creamy foundation so your skin does

this Winter

not look and feel tight or dry - creamy foundations help to moisturise the skin (if you have oily skin, use a waterbased foundation instead). • Remember to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to get rid of all the dead skin cells so your foundation does not look flaky.

Sunscreen: always wear a sunscreen or a moisturiser with an SPF of at least 15 - yes, even in winter!

• Use a non-greasy sunscreen under your foundation; if you find it to be too greasy then try using a BB cream which has a sunscreen. A tinted moisturiser also gives you coverage and

has anti-ageing properties (perfect for the lady on the go who just doesn’t have time for a full foundation and moisturiser application).

Makeup Removal: NEVER ever go to bed with makeup on, no matter how tired you are.

• In the winter I use coconut oil to remove my makeup, then a makeup wipe to remove the residue. This works wonders in removing makeup, especially mascara!

By Claudette Lingerfelder, Beauty Beyond

By Claudette, www. beautybeyondkzn.com.

Factory shop – open to the public

13 Bundo Road, Sebenza, Edenvale

011 452 1083 Happy Father’s Day

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factoryshop@ brunational.co.za

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| Kids’ Life

Why Climbing a Tree is Better than Watching a Screen It is all over the news! How much screen time is too much for young children?

What is it about this age of technology and the need to understand the dynamics of our changing world? Are we bringing up a generation of children who are comfortably able to live in a world of humans and computers? Are we allowing little bodies to develop fine and gross motor skills, critical thinking and problemsolving skills, imagination and creativity? Or are we choosing to remain blind to the negative effects that screen time is having on the physical and cognitive development of our children? Or is it just easier to give in and ignore the very real possibility that too much time on electronic devices is stifling our children’s ability to learn effectively?”

According to Cindy Glass, Founder and Owner of Step Up Education Centres these are critical questions and, unfortunately, the answers are not particularly favourable.

She offers the following important points for consideration:

emotional intelligence skills.

Self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills are learned to a great Children learn by doing, not extent, through interactive play.

Parents who spend time playing by having things done for games or making things with them. their children enjoy positive Building puzzles, creating relationships and wonderful imaginative games, playing connections that cannot ever be in the sand or climbing a tree require active involvement from experienced on a computer. children. They need to think, Children who spend time solve problems and use their outdoors enjoy the benefits innate creativity to enjoy these of natural light, the warmth activities. Furthermore, they of the sun, exercise and develop important motor skills.

In a nutshell, children learn how heartfelt laughter.

Their developing bodies can to use their bodies and minds enjoy the freedom of running, effectively. Sitting for hours climbing, riding bikes or sitting in front of a screen involves in the shade of a tree observing mindless pressing of ‘buttons’ and instant gratification. This is the little creatures that make clearly not ideal for growing and up their world. There is no computer- generated game or developing children. activity that can mimic these essential, healthy lifestyle We live in a world of other activities. human beings.

Playing games with other children, be it siblings or friends, We live in a world of increasingly demanding technology – that involves learning essential is a fact that we cannot ignore.

But Cindy argues that it does not mean that we should deprive young children of essential life and developmental skills by allowing technology to override their natural and innate need to learn through active engagement with their world and all that it offers.

Visit www.stepuped.co.za.

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Kids’ Life |

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| Kids’ Life

WIN a Limited-Edition ‘Fantastic Love’ Hamper The Fantastic Love range of goodies from Chicco is a new, trendy range of unicorns, pandas and ponies on an assortment of baby goods.

This limited-edition range is just gorgeous! Mum’s Mail has two sets of the Fantastic Love range to give away – one pink and one blue. Each set contains two bottles, a pacifier holder, a pacifier clip, a teether and a Physio Soft soother in a limited edition colour in a clear heart case with a satin ribbon and is valued at R780. The Fantastic Love range is available at Takealot and Loot and Babies R Us for a limited time.

Visit www.chicco.co.za.

WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has two Fantastic Love hampers to give away. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.

Limited-Edition Scruff-a-Luv Bunnies Need a Home colour bunny is inside the box.

Will it be Lemon Drizzle, Posie or Peppermint? Plus, each bunny includes an exclusive accessory as well as a flower headband, brush and an adoption certificate. The bunnies are cuddly and cute and children are sure to be smitten even before they open the box!

Scruff-a-Luvs are adorable fur balls, abandoned pets that are in need of love and care. The toys untangle in water to reveal the cutest of collectible pets.

This year new Scruff-a-Luvs Scruff-a-Luv Blossom Bunnies have joined the Rescued Toy are ideal for ages three plus and Pet range – three adorable, limited-edition blossom bunnies! are available at toy stores and retailers for a recommended retail price of R399.99.

The limited-edition range features three floppy-eared For more information visit bunnies to collect; with the www.primatoys.co.za. surprise reveal being which www.mumsmail.com

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WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has a Scruff-a-Luv hamper worth R1200 to give away.

Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.

Kids’ Life |

Science Experiments: DNA Models

Science Question: What does DNA look like?

DNA is an acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid. These molecules tell the body how to develop and function. But what does DNA look like? We will make a model of a DNA strand using candy.

Supplies needed: • At least 40 assorted gummy candies in 4 different colours • 20 toothpicks • 2 pieces of liquorice The Experiment: Divide the candies into piles by colour. Then pair up the colours (for example green with red and blue with yellow).

Slide one pair of candies onto the centre of each toothpick.

Then, holding the liquorice pieces, stick one end of the toothpicks into each piece of liquorice – like railroad tracks. To make the double helix shape, simply give it a twist.

The outcome: The liquorice represents the backbone of the DNA. The gummy candies represent the nucleotides.

The special shape of the DNA is called a double helix. On the

outside of the double helix is the backbone that holds the DNA together. There are two sets of backbones that twist together.

Between the backbones are nucleotides, which are always paired. A different nucleotide connects to each backbone and then connects to another nucleotide in the centre.

BalloonPowered Car

Science Question: How does propulsion work?

Rockets lift off with a principle called propulsion (or thrust). In this experiment, we will explore propulsion making out own ‘jet’ from a balloon to power a LEGO car!

Supplies needed: • LEGO bricks • Balloons • Small tape measure The Experiment: Build a car out of LEGO bricks, but leave an opening in the back of your car for your balloon jet.

Give your car a little test drive to see how fast and how far it can go. Blow up the balloon and insert it into the hole at the back of your toy car, so that the bottom of the balloon is facing the rear of the car. Put the car down, let go of the balloon and watch it go! Check the distance with the tape measure.

The Outcome: The car went further when it was propelled by the balloon.

Why it worked: When you let go of the balloon, air rushed out of it, causing the car to move in the opposite direction. It is propulsion.

Rockets work in a similar way.

Exhaust gas comes out of the rocket’s engine so fast that it propels the rocket up.

Source: The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Rachel Miller, Holly Homer & Jamie Harrington.

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