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: "Architecture"
Hello summer vacation! A week and a half in, and I tell you what, though we are busier than ever, I am already feeling relaxed! While we are just getting into the swing of a new daily routine, you can bet we incorporate a bit of homework into our leisurely days. The summer slide is real, and I am looking for all kinds of fun ways to prevent that. Little Passports: Science Expeditions has been a great addition to my home school summer curriculum, and we couldn't wait to check out this month's "Architecture" theme. Read below to find out what we discovered this month.
Architecture 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 "Architecture" curation, we read an exciting comic and learned all about architecture, blueprints, thermodynamics, and acoustics. This booklet is not only informative, but really teaches specific content using colorful and engaging story lines and activities.
Charlie decided this month's theme was a good fit for him, so he spent the morning reading through the comic. With additional projects, he was fired up to try designing a paper town, but was really anxious to dive into the included building project.
Architecture Instruction Guide
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After reading through the comic book, the boys couldn't wait to dive in and see what kind of projects this month's theme would include. This month, we received the supplies for two different projects that had everything to do with engineering, math, and artistry. This month the only supply we needed from home was a pencil, so you can start right away!
Project 1: "Build a House"
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To create our very own wooden house, we received 22 precut wooden pieces, and a bottle of glue. No supplies from home were required, and the shapes popped out of their places easily which was a huge plus!
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Using architecture, structural engineering, and materials science, Charlie created a wooden house. To start, he punched out the individual pieces as he completed the steps. This was a recommendation listed at the front of the instructions and kept everything organized. Following the step by step written instructions, he was able to easily place the pieces in their correct spots, utilizing the glue when necessary. There were a couple pieces that fit pretty tight, so I did give him a hand, but for the most part this was completed on his own and turned out really neat! He now is thinking about painting this work of art to add it to his farm display!
Project 2: Draw a Floor Plan
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In our second project, we utilized a little architecture, structural engineering, and mathematics in a floor plan project. Included in this box was a piece of graph paper and a tracing stencil. Needed from home was a pencil with an eraser.
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Charlie decided he was done learning about architecture when I brought out the ruler and graph paper, so Hank decided to take over. We completely renovated our 1920s farmhouse inside and out, but never had a floor plan, so this project was something new for the kids to see. Hank is super into drawing so this project was a good fit for him, as he was excited to design his dream house. While he wants an indoor basketball court and pool, Charlie wants to live in a two room cabin and become a bush pilot in Alaska. What varying personalities we are dealing with here! Utilizing the included ruler, Hank started drawing out his house, and loved tracing the furniture for the rooms. I can't wait to see it when he finishes!
Verdict
Little Passports Science Expeditions has an extensive list of fun and interesting themes, and this "Architecture" box was different, but well received in our household. With two fun projects, this was a great introduction to structural engineering and architecture, without being too complicated. This kit is a great way to supplement "school science" and learn along with my kids though play. Both of this month's projects had high quality supplies and were put together remarkably well. The $29.95 price point is pretty steep, but I did like the component's this month, though would like to see more projects included in the future. 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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