Table of contents for Issue 340 - December 2023 in MiniMag

As the holiday season draws near, the enchanting magic of Christmas is all around us. One way to experience this magic is through the movie “Wish.” This heart-warming story reminds us that the spirit of Christmas is not just about presents, but the wishes and dreams that bring us closer together. Elves, Santa’s cheerful helpers, play a crucial role in making dreams come true. They work tirelessly in their North Pole workshop, crafting toys and spreading joy to children worldwide. Christmas is a time to share laughter and create lasting memories. Whether it’s decorating the tree, sipping hot cocoa by the fire, or exchanging gifts, the warmth of family bonds is at the heart of the holiday season. We wish you the best Christmas ever, be kind to your friends…

Once upon a time, in a world filled with enchantment and wonder, there lived a mystical race known as Elves. These magical beings have a fascinating history that spans across centuries, and they play a vital role in bringing the magic of Christmas to life. Xmas Xword SOLUTIONS: 1. snowman; 2. gingerbread; 3. candle; 4. clock; 5. mitten; 6. pie; 7. gift; 8. reindeer; 9. nutcracker; 10. Christmastree; 11. hare; 12. elf; 13. letter; 14. wreath; 15. postbox; 16. santaclaus Find 10 differences Elves are small, nimble creatures. Their diminutive size allows them to hide and move quietly, making them excellent at spreading Christmas cheer. Remember to be kind to one another, help those in need, and share your love and laughter. Elves possess magical abilities that help them complete…

It’s fun and gooey when wet – then it’s called mud. If you step some of it into the house, your mom calls it dirt. When it makes you sneeze while cleaning your room, you call it dust. When it’s sticky and dense it’s called clay, and when it runs through your fingers at the beach it’s called sand. But usually, this vital material that nourishes life is simply called soil. This ancient substance may seem dead but it’s teeming with life you never dreamed existed and need more than you know. Biotechnology could be used to add the right organisms like mycorrhizae or PGPRs to soil and make life as comfortable as possible for them. This can decrease the amount of chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides that are needed,…

Similes are a fun way to make comparisons between two things. They use the words “like” or “as” to show how one thing is similar to another. Similes help us create vivid and imaginative images in our minds, making language more colourful and interesting. They are like puzzle pieces that fit together to make our stories and descriptions more exciting! Animals are often used in similes. When we say something is “as fast as a cheetah” or “quiet as a mouse,” it helps us imagine how fast or quiet it is because we know what cheetahs and mice are like. Animals have special qualities and behaviours, and comparing things to them helps us understand and picture those qualities in a creative and interesting way. Simile As unique as a zebra’s…

What action will you take today? For each of the 17 Goals there are many positive actions you can take to make a real change. Support campaigns collecting items for victims of emergencies. Donate your clothes, food supplies, etc. to support those in need. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference! This list was made by: THE UNITED NATIONS an International Organisation that counts virtually every country in the world as a member! The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of targets relating to future international development. They are created by the United Nations and promoted as the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. They replaced the Millennium Development Goals that expired at the end of 2015. The SGDs run from 2015 to 2030. There are 17 goals…

On the move! Migrations are long journeys that animals make from one place to another in search of food, a better climate, or a safe place to have babies. These journeys can take them across deserts, mountains, oceans, and even through cities! Migration is an important part of an animal’s life, helping them survive and thrive. Mallard geese are among the many fascinating bird species known for their remarkable migrations. These elegant waterfowl breed in the northern regions of North America and then make their way south for the winter. Some mallard geese travel impressive distances, often utilising established flyways and stopping at various wetlands and bodies of water along their route to rest and refuel. Their journey not only showcases their adaptability but also their ability to navigate vast…

There are many different types of soil, and they can be classified based on various factors such as texture, composition and pH level. Here are some common soil types and brief descriptions of each: SANDY SOIL has large particles, which allow for good drainage but can lead to poor water and nutrient retention. CLAY SOIL has tiny particles that retain water and nutrients well but can become compacted and drain poorly when wet. LOAM SOIL is a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay, offering good drainage, nutrient retention and ideal growing conditions for many plants. SILT SOIL has fine particles, providing good nutrient retention, but it can become easily compacted and may have drainage issues. PEAT SOIL is rich in organic matter and is acidic, making it ideal for…

Get ready for a merry adventure, as you help Santa Claus navigate through a maze of snow-covered rooftops to deliver presents to the right homes. Santa’s sleigh is loaded with gifts and he needs your assistance in finding the correct chimneys to drop them down. Are you up for the challenge? Join Santa on this exciting mission to spread joy and bring smiles to children all over the world! Why did Santa get stuck in the chimney? Because he wanted to “sleigh” it with style, but he didn’t “chimney” his own size! The modern Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his kindness and gift-giving. According to one legend, Saint Nicholas dropped bags of gold coins down the chimney of a poor man's house…

Here’s a recipe you can use to grow bacteria at home and find out what’s lurking in your soil. Experiment checklist □ 6 Petri dishes or 6 small disposable tin-foil bowls□ 6 different soil samples, collected from different places□ Masking tape/cling wrap□ 1 packet of unflavoured gelatine□ 1 cube of beef stock□ 2 teaspoons sugar□ 1 cup of water□ Stove or microwave□ Spoon□ Black marker□ Refrigerator Please do the experiment with adult supervision! 1. Combine the beef stock cube, sugar, gelatine and water in a saucepan.2. Bring everything to a boil, stirring constantly.3. Allow the mixture to cool, but not thicken.4. If you are using tin-foil bowls, bake them at 220°C for fifteen minutes. Be careful not to touch them on the inside when you take them out.5. Pour the…

Recycle cardboard tubes to add a lovely and safe lantern to your holiday decorations! Make sure you do not place any lantern over any lone-standing flame! These lanterns are only safe to use with tree lights or tee lights. MATERIALS • Hole punch• Cardboard tubes (toilet paper or paper towel)• Ribbon or pipe cleaners• Battery-operated tea lights (optional)• Scissors• Glue• Paint• Glitter (optional) DIRECTIONS 1 Cut tubes in half if you’re using toilet paper rolls or thirds if you’re using paper towel rolls. Use a hole punch to punch holes in them.2 Paint the outside and inside of the tubes any colour you wish. Optional: While your tube is still wet, sprinkle glitter on it. If the paint has dried, cover the tube with a thin layer of glue and…