Little Passports is a subscription box that helps kids explore the world through fun and educational activities. They offer Early Explorers (recommended ages 3-5), World Edition (recommended ages 6-10), USA Edition (recommended ages 7-12), Science Junior (recommended ages 5-8) and, Science Expeditions (recommended ages 8+). Along with monthly subscription options, Little Passports also offers "Individual Activity Kits" that can be ordered along with any subscription at the time of purchase.
This review is of the Little Passports: Science Expeditions Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Stuff Box for $27.95.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Little Passports: Science Expeditions
The Subscription Box: Little Passports: Science Expeditions
The Cost: $27.95 per month + free shipping (save with longer subscriptions)
The Products: Science experiments, plus a comic book related to the monthly theme, designed for children ages 8+
Ships to: U.S. for free, Canada for $4.50, and Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and the U.K. Find more international shipping info here!
Little Passports: Science Expedition Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Stuff
Hank was impressed with our Little Passports Science Expedition last month and he thoroughly enjoyed the line forensic science theme, so he had really high hopes for this month. As an avid slime lover, he was literally squealing with delight when he opened this month's envelope. See below to read how this months projects turned out!
1 of 6
Little Passports: Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Stuff Comic and Activity Book
Each monthly kit comes with a beautifully illustrated and educational comic book that pertains to the month's theme. This month we learned all about polymers. With a basic introduction on the first page, we were then greeted with a wonderfully engaging comic that took real life scenarios to teach us about Non-Newtonian fluids, and cross-linked bonds. Along with our comic, we also received instructions for a DIY project (making plastic from milk) and a slime word search. We found this book quite impressive, and although some of the information was a little beyond my 8 year old (and even me) it was presented in an interesting and easy to understand manner that kept it fun!
Hank really enjoyed this comic, and has come to look forward to reading more of them!
1 of 6
Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Stuff, Guide
After we made our way through the comic book, we made our way to the instruction guide. This illustrated, and detailed guide tells us everything we need to know to complete our activities. Everything was laid out well, but please note that supplies from home will be needed.
1 of 2
Warning Label
Because we are dealing with chemicals, this month we received a warning label that includes first aid info, advice for supervising adults, and rules.
Experiment #1: Bouncy Ball
1 of 3
Our first project was to create a bouncy ball. The included supplies this month were a bouncy ball mold and three powder packets of polyvinyl alcohol granules. Materials needed from are hot water, scissors, paper, paper towel, and a large cup.
1 of 8
The kids were super excited to start this months project. They tend to have a really hard time passing by one of those quarter machines containing these bouncy ball guys, so they couldn't wait to make one on their very own. They split the instructions up into 11 steps, and it honestly was a little intimidating at first, but turned out to be easy peasy. We first put together our mold, then poured the granules in layer by layer. Once the mold was full, we tapped it to make sure it was settled, and heated up our container of water in the microwave. Gently swirling the mold, we then dropped it down to the bottom of the cup, fully submerging for 5 minutes. Once the timer went off, we pulled it out of the water and let it sit on a paper towel for another five. Then we carefully pulled the two halves apart and had our very own bouncy ball! It has quite the zip to it, and the kids were tossing it to each other in the living room to get ready for tee-ball. I also had it whiz by my head while heading to their bedrooms... I guess we need to work on those catching skills more before the season starts!
Experiment #2: Sticky Science
1 of 6
For our second project, we moved onto the creation of slime. If you thought the bouncy ball steps were intimidating, these were 4 pages long! Don't worry though folks-- they have options if you are using laundry detergent or contact lens solution. And check out that glitter! For this project, we were supplied with glue, glitter, a stir stick, and resealable bag. From home you will need liquid laundry detergent OR contact lens solution, baking soda, a cup, warm water, 1/4 teaspoon, and scissors.
1 of 10
Is there anything more fun than creating slime? My kids will tell you absolutely not! We have tried a few recipes, and have had varying luck with different ingredients. I have tried using laundry detergent in the past, and it didn't turn out, so I made a trip to the grocery store to pick up the contact lens solution. The first step was to fill a cup with glue. Once you've squeezed as much glue out as you can, fill the bottle halfway up with warm water and shake well. Next, add the glitter and stir. After the glitter is added, add the 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and stir some more. We then added the contact lens solution 1/4 teaspoon at a time, (about 7 times to get our preferred consistency.) This didn't take nearly as long as one would think, but beware... the glitter gets EVERYWHERE! Our table, hands, floor, and even upstairs had little blue specks of glitter around for days.....but it's soooo shiny!!!!
Experiment #3: Oobleck
1 of 3
For our final experiment, we received a few of the necessary ingredients to make oobleck. Included was cornstarch and stir sticks. Needed from home was warm water, 1/4 cup, small bowl, scissors, tablespoons, and food coloring.
1 of 4
Oobleck has been a staple in my kids' life. We have made this multiple times, and actually had the opportunity to run across a large container of this at a science fair in the past... super cool! Anywho... this strange wonder is simple to make and fun to play with. We added our cornstarch to a bowl and then the warm water 1 tablespoon at a time, actually using 2 tablespoons. Stirring, we mixed in yellow food coloring, eventually with our hands. When you squeeze this crazy substance, it forms a solid, and when you release it, it oozes like a liquid. Craziness!!
Badge
After we completed our activities we were then awarded with the "Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Stuff" Badge, as a tribute to our hard work.
Verdict: As an educator and mom, I have to say I always look forward to receiving this box. Because my kids are all about things ooey, gooey, and sticky, this month's theme was a perfect fit. We found the material and experiments to be engaging, educational, and fun. Hank's favorite project this month was creating the bouncy ball, while Charlie enjoyed the glitter slime. I am always fascinated with ooblek, so it was well rounded out! The only downside of this box was the amount of supplies that were needed and not included. I was hoping for $27.95 a month we would have had everything included, especially the contact solution, food coloring, and baking soda to balance out of the cost of this box. I can't wait to see what next month's theme may be, and am hoping for a slight increase in value with spectacular experiments.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Possibly.
Check out all of our Little Passports reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What do you think of this box?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.