MEL Space is a monthly subscription box for kids 8-14+ who would like to learn more about space in an exciting way. Through hands-on space kits, kids can learn about topics such as gas giants, energy in space, and space rockets, while experiencing real-life applications. Each month contains a new experiment and space lesson for kids to dive into, and will contain everything they need to safely and easily complete at home.
This month we reviewed the "Gas Giants" from MEL Space.
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MEL Space: Gas Giants
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With only 5 weeks left of school, I am frantically creating lists of fun things to do with my kids this summer, while keeping them in learning mode. As an educator I am always on the look out for fun ways to incorporate education into our day-to-day lives and scour the internet for fun ways to do this. Recently I discovered the MEL: Space subscription box, and I have to say, it is a keeper! Read below to find out what we learned and if we will keep this as a component of our summer school studies!
Organized neatly by project, all components are packaged in separate baggies and laid out in a really nice way. Hank was impressed with the amount of supplies, and couldn't wait to dive in!
MEL Space "Gas Giants" Experiments:
Liquid Planet
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The first experiment came with a bottle, cap, safety underlay, measuring spoon, yellow glitter, and gloves. All supplies were high-quality and in pristine condition.
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With a time allotment of 10 minutes, this was a speedy project that turned out pretty neat. To create this liquid planet, Hank first laid out his safety tray. After gloving up, he added two spoonfuls of yellow glitter to the bottle, and added water. Placing the cap on top, he was able to swirl the glitter around creating a model gas giant. Because I have the MEL app downloaded, we were able to use that to follow the directions and even read a more scientific description of what is actually happening. Though simple, Hank loved this activity and has placed his liquid planet next to his bed for safe keeping.
Convection Cells
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The second experiment came with written instructions, but we opted to use the app instead. A little more time consuming than the last project- we received a Petri dish, safety underlay, nitrile gloves, gold glitter, glycerol, and a small measuring spoon. All that we needed to supply was a mug of hot water!
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To complete this activity, Hank first boiled water and placed it in a coffee mug. Then, using his gloves, he added 2 spoons of gold glitter to the Petri dish. Next, he squirted two tubes of glycerol into the petri dish. Once complete, he placed the Petri dish to the top of the mug to watch the magic unfold! Similar to the sun, when the bottom layers of this liquid are heated up more than the top layers, you can observe flows that strive to equalize the temps by mixing the layers and that is exactly what we saw! We really enjoyed this project, and found the scientific description very helpful. Hank was definitely impressed.
Kalliroscope
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The last project included in this month's box was a kalliroscope. The purpose of this project was to simulate Jupiter's atmospheric swirls at home, and after seeing one of these at the Science Museum of Minnesota not too long ago, Hank was excited to make his own! Receiving a ton of supplies including a safety underlay, absorbent napkins, plastic jar with cap, plywood clamp ring, gloves, a spoon, blue glitter, rubber bands, plastic bolts, plastic nuts, and a wooden wrench, we had everything needed (besides a little water) to complete this cool project!
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To create this kalliroscope, Hank first added the blue glitter into the plastic container. Using water, he slowly filled the container to the brim. Next, he placed the lid on the container and snapped it shut. Note: This is really messy and water will overflow, even according to the directions. Make sure you do this step when the container is on the absorbent pad on the tray, or you will have a huge mess to clean up! Using the other absorbent napkin, Hank wiped the edges of the container and set it aside.
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With the container set aside, it was then time to create the base. Using the wooden top, he added the nuts and bolts, following the easy directions laid out on the app. Flipping the container over, he placed it on the wooden piece and added the wooden circle. Inserting the bearing he then added the wooden triangle, tightening the nuts to keep it in place. Creating the base pieces, he put it together and inserted it next to the bearing. Once complete, he flipped it over and gave it a spin, which caused friction to cause the liquid inside to start whirling and creating a beautiful vortex. This same behavior can be observed at a much larger scale in the atmospheres of the gas giants such as Jupiter! Neat!
Poster and Stickers
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As a token of remembrance for this ultra cool box, we also received a poster of Jupiter and some planet stickers. Hank rushed upstairs to tape it to his wall, and is already looking forward to next months box. I bet you can guess that this was a hit, and will definitely be a component to our summer school studies!
Final Thoughts - Was This Box Worth It?
Yes! The Gas Giants box was awesome! With three well put together activities, Hank had a great time following the instructions to create the amazing experiments all while learning about Gas Giants. Going into this box he wasn't quite sure to expect, but he loved every component from the digital instructions to the actual materials themselves to the scientific descriptions. This was a great fit for my son and a fun project for us to experience together, while learning about science at the same time!
I also want to note that there are always additional experiments that you can do online with these boxes if your child is so inclined. I have downloaded the app and have found a ton of extra experiments, awards, AR and VR opportunities and more! Check it out!
To Wrap Up:
The Cost: $39.90
ACTIVE DEAL: FREE one-month trial. No coupon needed - just use this link.
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this box is still available. From MEL Space:
"Your first package will arrive within 2 weeks of registration. Subsequent monthly packages will be delivered within 2 weeks of each monthly charge."
What do you think of MEL Space? Let us know below!
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