This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
As a parent who values the importance of science education, I am always on the lookout for ways to make learning engaging and fun for my children. That’s why I turned to Mel Science Kits over three years ago, and have been a loyal subscriber ever since. Not only have the science experiments provided unique, hands-on experiences that replicate what you might see in a real chemistry lab, but the accompanying app and videos have kept my children entertained and interested in learning more. In this honest review, I’ll share my thoughts on the Mel Science Kits (spoiler alert: We love them!)
![Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (1) Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (1)](https://i0.wp.com/teachyourkidscode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Copy-of-728x90-1.jpg)
What is Mel Science?
Mel Science is a monthly subscription service that delivers science experiment kits to your doorstep. Each kit contains all the materials that you need to conduct at least two to three science experiments at home. Depending on your region, there are different options for subjects including STEM, math, chemistry, physics, space, and medicine. The kits are designed to be educational and fun, and the experiments are not your run-of-the-mill baking soda and vinegar. Most of the kits are designed for kids age 8+ however, there are some options geared towards younger or older children.
Mel Science Kit Themes
Mel Science provides an array of science kits designed to make science education more accessible and engaging for children of all ages and interests. These kits offer a fun and interactive way for children to learn about science and explore various topics in a safe and controlled environment.
We have the Chemistry and Physics kits. We live in Canada and some of the kits listed below are not offered in our region. Hopefully, we will get some of the newer options in Canada soon (hint hint Mel science!!)
STEM Kit
The STEM kit is geared toward younger children between the ages of 5-10+. It includes eco-friendly microscopes, digital space rockets, and other hands-on experiments that encourage learning through play. These activities are designed to stimulate children’s curiosity and inspire them to explore the world around them.
Math Kit
For slightly older children aged 8-12+, the Math kit provides an engaging way to learn about different mathematical concepts. This kit uses interactive tools to help children visualize abstract mathematical ideas and make the subject more accessible and enjoyable.
Space Kit
The Space kit is intended for children aged 8-14+ and encourages them to explore the universe from the comfort of their own homes. With this kit, children can launch rockets, discover planets, and engage in other exciting activities that foster a love of science and exploration.
Physics Kit
The Physics kit is designed for children aged 8-14+ and enables them to create models of everyday devices, understand how they work, and learn about physics through virtual reality. This kit makes the subject more interactive and interesting, even if your child hasn’t had exposure to physics before!
Chemistry Kit
Finally, the Chemistry kit is intended for older children aged 10-16+. It provides a safe and enjoyable way to conduct experiments and explore the world of chemistry through a chemistry lab and virtual reality experiences. This kit helps children gain a deeper understanding of the chemical reactions and develop a lifelong love of science.
Subscription Options
There are several subscription options available for Mel Science. You can choose to subscribe on a monthly basis or for a longer period of time. The longer you subscribe, the cheaper the monthly cost becomes. The annual subscription has the most affordable per-month cost.
Mel Science Free Trial
Ready to explore science with your kids? Get a FREE TRIAL of MEL Science subscription boxes! Pay only $6 for shipping and discover a new way to spark your kids’ interest in science!
Grab your free trial HERE (offer subject to change).
![Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (2) Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (2)](https://i0.wp.com/teachyourkidscode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Copy-of-728x90-1.jpg)
What’s inside a Mel Science Kit?
Inside the kit, you’ll find everything you need to conduct a fun and safe science experiment.
Firstly, you’ll receive an instruction card that guides you through the experiment step-by-step. This is designed to be easy to understand, so you can follow along without getting lost. You can also use the app to guide you step-by-step through the experiment. We prefer using the app as it will even set a timer for you during the experiment!
Next, you’ll find a variety of materials you’ll need for your experiment. For example, you might find set of safety gloves, cotton swabs, chemicals, raw materials and test tubes. The chemicals in a Mel Science kit are carefully selected to be safe with kids however it’s still important to follow the safety instructions and wear your safety gloves and goggles at all times while handling the chemicals.
Finally, each Mel Science kit comes with access to the Mel Science app. This app provides virtual reality and 3D animations to help you better understand the scientific concepts you’re exploring. The app also includes detailed explanations and videos that help you learn more about the experiment you’re conducting.
Here’s a view of the contents of our latest Chemistry and Physics kits:
![Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (3) Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (3)](https://i0.wp.com/teachyourkidscode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2644-1024x1024.jpeg)
![Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (4) Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (4)](https://i0.wp.com/teachyourkidscode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2650-1024x1024.jpeg)
![Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (5) Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (5)](https://i0.wp.com/teachyourkidscode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2654-768x1024.jpeg)
One of the things that sets Mel Science kits apart from other science kits on the market is the unique and exciting experiments you’ll find inside. These experiments use real chemical reactions and materials, and are designed to engage and inspire young scientists. You won’t find these experiments in any other kit, which makes Mel Science a great choice for families looking for a fresh and exciting approach to science education.
Here is a screenshot of a selection of the Chemistry kits available:
![Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (6) Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (6)](https://i0.wp.com/teachyourkidscode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image-12-1024x627.png)
Safety Precautions When Using MEL Science Kits
Safety is a top priority at Mel Science, and they have taken every precaution to ensure that their hands-on projects are as safe as possible. Each project is carefully designed and tested to ensure that it meets the highest safety standards. In fact, all of their hands-on chemistry projects comply with The European Committee for Standardization’s (CEN) special list of substances allowed in children’s chemistry sets (EN 71-4). This means that you can feel confident that your child is using materials that have been rigorously tested and approved for safety.
In addition, Mel Science kits comply with the US CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) requirements for educational sets, which sets standards for safety in educational products. None of their projects include explosives, and all of them have been tested with kids and include detailed, visual step-by-step instructions.
That being said, it’s important to always follow safety precautions when using any type of scientific kit. Parents should supervise their children while conducting experiments, and make sure that safety equipment, such as safety gloves and goggles, are used as directed. With these safety measures in place, you can enjoy the fun and educational benefits of Mel Science kits with peace of mind.
Benefits of Using MEL Science Kits
Here are some of the benefits I’ve noted using MEL Science Kits:
- No more stressing about planning science experiments for my kids, the kits come with everything we need.
- The experiments are safe and have been tested with kids, so I don’t have to worry about anything blowing up in our faces.
- The instructions are easy to follow, and the app has videos that keep my kids entertained and engaged.
- The experiments are unique and not like anything we’ve seen in other science kits, which makes them even more exciting for my kids.
- We’ve learned about a variety of science topics, including chemistry, physics, and space, which has sparked my kids’ curiosity and encouraged them to explore more.
- The kits come with all the necessary materials, so we don’t have to go out and buy anything extra.
- We can choose different subscription options depending on our budget and the interests of my kids.
- We can take a break from the subscription or switch to a different kit whenever we want. We’ve paused our subscription a few times when we haven’t had a chance to complete all our kits!
- The kits are a fun and educational way for me to spend time with my kids, and we’ve made many memories while doing the experiments together.
- Most importantly, my kids are learning and having fun at the same time, which is a win-win for all of us.
Mel Science App
I was excited to discover the Mel Science mobile app. In addition to the hands-on science kits my kids love, the app offers an immersive experience that really brings the experiments to life.
One of my favorite features of the app is the video guides. Instead of just reading instructions, my kids can watch step-by-step videos that show them exactly what to do. It’s a much more engaging way to learn.
But the real highlight of the app is the virtual and augmented reality experiences. With virtual reality, my kids can dive deep into scientific concepts and feel like they’re actually in a lab. And with augmented reality, they can explore the STEM kits in even more depth, making learning feel like a game. It’s a great way to get them excited about science and inspire a love of learning.
Features
The Mel Science App is a science lab app that provides a unique and interactive experience for students of all ages. The app is designed to supplement the monthly subscription boxes that Mel Science offers, providing users with access to additional experiments and projects.
Ease of Use
The Mel Science App is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to students of all ages and skill levels. The app includes clear and concise instructions for each experiment and simulation, as well as helpful hints and tips to guide users through the process. The app also includes a variety of tools and resources to help students better understand the concepts they are learning.
Pros and Cons of Mel Science Kits:
Pros:
- Unique and engaging experiments that are not found in other science kits
- High-quality materials and safety standards ensure a safe and educational experience
- The mix-and-match subscription option allows for flexibility in choosing subjects each month – this is a unique subscription box feature!
- The mobile app and online resources provide additional interactive learning experiences
- Suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels
Cons:
- The experiments may be too challenging for younger children without adult assistance. Most children will need active supervision and help with their kits.
- The subscription cost may be considered expensive for some families
- As with any subscription, you may forget to cancel and get charged for a box you didn’t want
- The virtual and augmented reality experiences may not be compatible with all devices
![Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (7) Mel Science Kits: A Parent's Honest Review (7)](https://i0.wp.com/teachyourkidscode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Copy-of-728x90-1.jpg)
Conclusion: Why You Should Try MEL Science Kits
In conclusion, I can’t recommend Mel Science kits enough. These kits have been a lifesaver for me when it comes to keeping my kids engaged and excited about science. I find them especially great during the winter months when there isn’t as much to do outdoors. The experiments are unique and challenging, and the app and videos are entertaining and informative. The mix-and-match subscription option and the availability of kits for various age groups and skill levels make it easy to find something that suits your needs.
Of course, like any product, Mel Science kits have their drawbacks. However, the benefits of the hands-on learning experience and the opportunity for my kids to explore STEM subjects in more depth far outweigh any minor issues.
Overall, I am grateful for the experience that Mel Science has provided for my kids. Not only have they learned a lot about science, but they have also developed a passion for it. And as a mom, there’s nothing better than seeing your children’s eyes light up with excitement and curiosity.
Kaitlyn Siu
Kate is mom of two rambunctious boys and a self-proclaimed super nerd. With a background in neuroscience, she is passionate about sharing her love of all things STEM with her kids. She loves to find creative ways to teach kids computer science and geek out about coding and math. She has authored several books on coding for kids which can be found at Hachette UK.