MEL Physics is the newest subscription box for kids ages 8-14+ from parent company, MEL Science. Each month you'll receive all of the materials you need to successfully complete physics experiments in the comfort of your home. This is perfect for kids who are interested in science or for homeschool students!
This is a review of MEL Physics (for ages 8-14+), which costs $34.90 per month.
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code FREEBOX to get your first box free w/new subscription
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This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
This month looked like it would be a fun box for my kids with all of the glowing projects! These boxes come so neatly organized making it easy to locate all of the parts too, so I knew we could jump right in!
What's Inside the Box
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The back of the box has a contents list for us that opens up to reveal our safety information.
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They always include a bonus experiment that we can access via the MEL Science app.
This one was super easy and just involved drawing on the paper included with our UV light pen that we received!
Speaking of the app, if you prefer to use technology, you can access everything you need on the app including safety and disposal information. The directions are sometimes animated, and they provide scientific descriptions and further educational materials which I definitely recommend checking out!
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Our materials came packaged up in separate bags marked with a number for each experiment. There were also some loose wooden pieces and a paper circle.
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Inside the baggies were a plastic bottle, a syringe, a UV light pen, a cup, some riboflavin, and various other little parts we would need.
Experiment 1: Luminescent Ink
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Our first project involved luminescent ink with all of the information and directions needed on its own card. They also provided a piece of paper and some paper money.
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Our UV light pen had a light in the cap and then the pen part was invisible ink. It even came with an extra plain red cap so that we could use the light for one of our experiments.
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First, we checked out the light, then we practiced writing with the pen on the plain paper and the money. The kids were amazed to see what happened when the light hit the invisible ink.
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Next, we tested out the phosphorescent paper. I placed my hand over it and then put the light over it and when I removed my hand the print was there. Then we "drew" on top of it with just the light.
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Everyone was eager to have a turn with the pen!
Experiment 2: Liquid nightlight
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Our second experiment was to make a liquid nightlight. This involved getting some water and using our Riboflavin.
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First, I assembled the stand.
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Then I used the cup of water and syringe to fill up my water bottle before placing it in the stand with the UV light shining from underneath. I added 10 drops of Riboflavin and placed the cap on the bottle. How pretty is the yellow liquid?
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Then we waited for the liquids to mix and become our new nightlight. We are eager to see what it will look like at nighttime when it's really dark!
Experiment 3: Lissajous curves
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Our last experiment was Lissajous curves which involved making patterns using light.
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I built the larger stand and then used one of the little plastic pegs they included to attach it to the yellow string. I added the clamp to the string and then used the remaining begs to secure the ends of the string in the holes on our stand. Then I placed the phosphorescent paper underneath.
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We turned out the lights, turned on our UV light, and gave the string a swing. It was so fun to see the patterns that it made as it swung back and forth in different directions.
After we had tried out all of the experiments, the kids had some fun playing with all of the new materials! The pen with the money and the Lissajous contraption were both big hits with them!
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $34.90 per month
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code FREEBOX to get your first box free w/new subscription
CODE: FREEBOX
I thought this was a great box and my kids were completely enthralled by it! I love that it was so easy to set up each of the experiments and that there was more than one way to explore the idea of luminescence. The materials were high quality and reusable for the most part, so I think this box was a great value!
Key Takeaways
Everything was neat and organized, the experiments were engaging and fun, and the lessons that we learned were meaningful! I'd say that makes this a great box!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add MEL Physics to your subscription list or wishlist!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, it is possible that you will receive this set. From MEL Science:
"The topics are looped such that the start date of your subscription does not matter; you will eventually receive all the experiment sets."
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code FREEBOX to get your first box free w/new subscription
CODE: FREEBOX
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