Little Passports is a subscription box that helps kids explore the world through fun and educational activities and is one of the best subscription boxes for kids as voted by MSA readers. They offer a range of subscription options for ages 3-8+, as well as "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 (recommended ages 8+) for $27.95. This box includes science experiments, plus a comic book related to the monthly theme.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Science Expeditions: "Kaleidoscope Science"
Science is one of my favorite subjects, so Little Passports: Science Expeditions has a special place in my heart. When I first became acquainted with this subscription, I was so intrigued to see how effective learning could be when paired with something fun, and I have to be honest: my kids love it! Complete with a comic book, supplies, and educational background, this monthly box is packed with knowledge not only for kids, but adults too. We couldn't wait to discover just what kind of experiments a theme like "Kaleidoscope Science" could include. Read below to find out what we discovered.
Kaleidoscope Science Comic and Activity Book
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Every month, Little Passports sends our monthly activity along with a really fun comic and activity book pertaining to the monthly theme. For the "Kaleidoscope Science" curation, we read an exciting comic and discovering a new style of art known as optical art. This booklet is not only informative, but really teaches specific content using colorful and engaging story lines and activities.
Because Charlie loves graphic novels, these comic books are right up his alley of interest. Each month Sam, Aunt Charlie, and Sophia teach us about each month's theme through real life experiences via comic - pretty dang smart on Little Passport's part!
Kaleidoscope Science Instruction Guide
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After learning about geometry through the comic book, Charlie couldn't wait to build his own kaleidoscope. There were two experiments included this month which had everything to do with geometry, engineering, pneumatics, and optics. The projects have easy-to-follow instructions, but Charlie needed a little assistance this month. I do want to note that these projects may require a few materials from home, so you probably want to read through the instructions before beginning.
Because of past experience, Charlie read through the instructions prior to starting this month's experiments. I can't believe how big my baby is getting!
Project 1: "Build a Kaleidoscope"
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Creating our very own kaleidoscope covered an array of science areas including: geometry, engineering, pneumatics, and optics. We received an air pump, cardboard tube, colored feathers, clay, decorative paper, double-sided tape, 3 mirrors, eyepiece, paper ring, and stopper. From home, the only supply we needed was a pair of scissors! When this experiment is complete, you will have your very own, homemade, customizable kaleidoscope. Cool!
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Charlie wanted to build this kaleidoscope all on his own, and started off doing awesome. The tricky part came when he had to insert the mirrors into the cardboard tube. You have to do this carefully, without smudging the mirrors and let me tell you- those mirrors fit in there TIGHT! Honestly, as an adult I struggled with this step, and we ended up not even being able to get the 3rd mirror to fit perfectly at the bottom. This turned out to not really matter, but did leave us a little bit frustrated. The rest of the steps were simple, and Charlie had a great time cutting his feathers to add to the end cap to create his design.
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Here is Charlie checking out his neat kaleidoscope. These are photos of the feathers inside, but he also tried beads and sprinkles. The air pump worked to blow the design around, creating a new one. This even had my husband fascinated!
Project 2: "String Shapes"
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Our second experiment used geometry to create cool string shapes. Included was string, a plastic needle, a tape sheet, and paper designs. Needed from home are scissors and a tape measure.
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We have done a bit of string work in the past, so Charlie was familiar with this activity, and was happy to see the holes numbered. Following the directions, he used the string and needle to create a geometric shape. The steps really laid it out, and looked much more complicated than it actually was. It only took about 10 minutes, and our new fridge art was complete!
Kaleidoscope Science Badge
After we completed our activities, we were awarded the Kaleidoscope Science Badge as a tribute to our hard work and play.
Verdict
After last month's awesome Little Passports Science Expedition kit, we were very excited to see what was in store for this month, and we were not disappointed. The Kaleidoscope Science kit was well thought out, and created a reusable device that can continue to be customized. We learned a lot about engineering and geometry, all while having fun. My 7-year-old did a great job working on this kit by himself and gained an extensive amount of knowledge. When it comes to activities, we enjoyed both, but would like to see an additional component at the $27.95 price point. Overall, we had a wonderful time learning about these science concepts, and can't wait to see what the next box might hold. What did you think about this box?
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To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You'll start with the Forensic Science box in the first month, followed by a different themed box each month thereafter.
What do you think of this month's box?
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