Mini Project 1 - Sticking Toothpicks in Balloons

Today, i did something cool.
I stuck a toothpick into a balloon...without it breaking!!!
It was great how i got it on the first try :D
I drew a face on it!
Doesn't it look like hassam? :3

PHOTOCREDITS: Michael Zeichick

It's really easy to do!
Here's what i did:

1. Put petroleum gel on the thickest part of the balloon (the tip)
2. Lubricate the toothpick with gel too
3. Slowly twist and turn the toothpick until it goes through into the balloon

SCIENCE:
The gel keeps the rubber from expanding and unwrapping. As the toothpick is inserted, it causes the gel on the sides of the toothpick to rub off onto the rubber that was just penetrated, allowing the gel to cover all of the hole, keeping it together.