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 box includes science experiments, plus a comic book related to the monthly theme.
This review is of the Little Passports: Science Expeditions (recommended ages 8+) kit which when purchased monthly is $29.95, but is discounted with 6 or 12 month commitments.
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: "Bones"
Because I have a degree in Medical Technology, this month's "Bones" kit was right up my alley. Science is obviously one of my favorite subjects, and supplementing my boys' public educations with kits like Little Passports: Science Expeditions is a fantastic way to share my passion. 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 dig into this month's box to see just what could be in store for this "Bones" box. Read below to find out what we discovered!
Bones 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 "Bones" curation, we read an exciting comic and learned all about ossification and synovial joints. This booklet is not only informative, but really teaches specific content using colorful and engaging story lines and activities.
Hank loves graphic novels and was very intrigued by the information in this month's comic book. Not only did it include an excavation of a dig site, but it also included information on how a broken leg heals, and the fact that babies are born with around 300 bones, while adults only have 206!
Bones Science Instruction Guide
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After reading through the comic book, Hank couldn't wait to tear into the model skeleton package and get to work. Included this month were two experiments that had everything to do with physiology and human anatomy, along with biomechanics, robotics, and orthopedics. Yay! The projects have easy-to-follow instructions, and Hank was able to muster his way through both without much assistance. I do want to note that these projects may require a few materials from home, so you probably want to read through the instructions fully before beginning.
Hank is a great reader and learned a lot from the given information. It does go into quite a bit of detail, so younger kids might have a hard time processing all of the info, but should still take away the basic logistics.
Project 1: "Model Skeleton"
To create our very own model skeleton, we received an entire kit with all of the necessary materials included.
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Hank was really excited to get building his model skeleton, and did a great job reading the instructions and figuring it out. He learned the scientific terms for shoulder blades and collarbones, and easily put this together with the well written instructions and pictures. Naming our model "Buddy" he went to put it in his bedroom, but later I found it in my room as he felt it was "too creepy" to sleep by. Guess "Buddy" will be making his way to my classroom instead of our house!
Project 2: "Robotic Hand Model"
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Our second experiment used robotics to create and mimic some of the complex movements of the human hand. Included were 5 colored strings, 5 colored straws, 5 rubber bands, a right hand punch-out and a right hand sticker. Needed from home was tape, scissors, and a ruler.
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After blowing through the skeleton model quite quickly, Hank had a bit of a change of pace when it came to this robotic hand model. Following the instructions, he removed the stickers and placed on the cardboard punch-outs. This created a hand that could bend at the joints. Once complete, Hank cut the straws for each phalanx, and taped them onto the appropriate spots. Because of all of the joints, it did involved quite a bit of cutting and taping! Tying the string to the rubber band, he threaded the string through the straws and taped it onto the back side. Pulling each string bent the fingers down, mimicking a human hand! Really thoughtful and really neat!
Bones Science Badge
After we completed our activities, we were awarded the Bones Science Badge as a tribute to our hard work and play.
Verdict
I have to say Little Passports Science Expedition kit has been breaking out all of the stops, and we are loving it! With fantastic themes all around, Hank loved the Bones projects, and learned a lot about the human body. Like I mentioned before, this kit is a great way to supplement "school science" and learn along with your kids through play. This month's skeleton model and robotic hand model were both super cool and informational, but at the $29.95 price point, I would like to see another component added in to round out the box. Overall, we had a great time learning about these fascinating 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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