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 "Rocket" from MEL Space.
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This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
MEL Space: Rocket
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As an educator and mother, I am always looking for engaging ways to incorporate more learning in my kids' day to day lives. With summer vacation on the horizon, I personally like to create home school curriculum for the 13 weeks we are off to help prevent the summer slide. In my search, I came across the MEL: Space subscription box, and I have to say it has been a fantastic way to learn about space, all while having fun, making it perfect for our science section! Read below to find out what we learned this month.
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 "Rocket" Experiment:
Rocket Instructions
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This month our kit contained an instruction booklet to complete this month's rocket project. Because I am a hands on learner, I appreciate the printed out instructions. If you would rather follow along digitally, you can find the same instructions on the MEL app.
Rocket Supplies
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This experiment came with a variety of supplies. Included was a bottle, on-way valve, adhesive pad, nose cone, sticker, table leg, pump base, launch pad base, rubber stopper, pump handle, rocket stabilizer, large pump wall, pump flank, plastic tee joint, long silicone tube, short silicone tube, cable tie, and syringe. All of the supplies were high quality and fit together nicely.
Building the Rocket
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Although it says online that the Space themed boxes are recommended for children 8-14, this particular box had 10+ written on it, so Hank decided it was meant for him. Following the pamphlet of instructions, he rounded up all of the necessary supplies and got straight to work. The first step was to assemble the support frame and add the piston pump. Using the zip tie, he was to secure the handle and start on the next step. Hank accidentally secured the zip tie before making sure it was in both holes, so we had to cut it off, but thankfully MEL Space was one step ahead and sent and extra zip tie for these situations.
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Once the zip tie was secure, Hank connected one end of the silicone tubing to the time of the syringe. Next, he found the tee joint and tried connecting the two short pieces of the tubing. This step proved difficult as the tee joint fit very, very snugly. I assisted with this step and had a hard time myself, so I can see why this kit was listed for kids 10+. Once the tubing was attached, Hank added the valves and started assembling the launch pad base.
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Once the launch pad base was complete, he added the stabilizers to the rocket. He then used the included stickers to decorate. Finally, he pulled the protective layer from the nose cone, and attached it to the top of the rocket. Once complete, he pressed the rocket down on the cork, pumped the handle 10 times with air, and watched the rocket blast off! As a note of caution - with high air pressure, this can shoot pretty high - we hit the ceiling a few times, so we were thankful the nose cone was made out of foam!
Poster and Stickers
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As a token of remembrance for this exciting box, we also received a poster of Earth along with stickers, and two space licenses! What a fun way to end an exciting project.
Final Thoughts - Was This Box Worth It?
Yes! The MEL Space Rocket box was wonderful! Though this month only contained one project, it was a high quality and fun version that just can't be beat. Going into this box we had an idea of what to expect, but were really happy with the results, and the fact that this could be done indoors. As a family, we loved every component from the digital and physical instructions to the actual materials themselves to the scientific descriptions we found on the app. This was a great project for us to experience together, while learning about space and science at the same time. This subscription is definitely a keeper!
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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