MEL STEM is a monthly subscription box for kids 5-10+ who would like to learn more about science and STEM concepts in an exciting way. Through hands-on kits, kids can learn about topics such as aircraft, light, hydraulics, and earthquakes, while experiencing real-life applications. Each month contains a new experiment and STEM lesson for kids to dive into, and will contain everything they need to safely and easily complete at home. MEL STEM costs $39.90/month; save with longer plans.
This month we reviewed the "Sound Waves" from MEL STEM.
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 STEM: Sound Waves
1 of 3
So much for a rock solid summer curriculum! If I'm totally honest, I had some really great things put together for my boys, but completely ran out of time. With only 26ish days left until I head back to work, I am so thankful for the MEL STEM kit that I just received because that means my kids will learn something! Not only are the kids excited to see what project they will receive, but getting mail is just plain fun. Paired with the app, we have learned so many new things and couldn't wait to see where this month's theme would take us. Read below to find out what we discovered.
Organized neatly by project, all components are all packaged separately and laid out in a really nice way. Charlie was impressed with the amount of supplies, and couldn't wait to dive in!
MEL STEM "Sound Waves" Project
Project Booklet
1 of 4
Included with this month's project was a beautifully illustrated instruction booklet. This brightly colored booklet featured a list of included components, along with a short theme-relevant comic. Charlie was very intrigued with this inclusion and enjoyed reading through the comic with the cute characters, especially because the actual project we were to build was featured right in the storyline!
1 of 3
The following pages of the booklet feature well illustrated instructions for the month's project. Similar to the layout of a Lego instruction guide, Charlie had a pretty easy time following the directions.
1 of 4
Once the first part of this month's project was finished, there was a few pages discussing the scientific background on sound. Not only that, but we learned a ton of new trivia facts, and received some awesome science experiments we can try at home. How cool is that?! Finishing up with the end of the comic, a collectible card, and some fun activities, we also received a QR code for more science fun. This amazing little booklet packs an informational punch, and we found it very necessary and helpful. Well done, MEL STEM, well done!
Components
1 of 6
As I mentioned before, the beginning of the booklet lists all of the included components, and thankfully, we didn't need to provide anything from home. As you see in the photos we received a grommet, o-rings, a rivet, rubber bands, keys, metal plates, and a slew of wooden pieces. All materials fit together perfectly and were of the highest quality, so no sanding or harsh words are necessary!
The Build
1 of 5
After reading the comic, Charlie got straight to work on this month's build. He wasn't quite sure what this project would entail, but liked the comic and was excited to see how this turned out. Because there were no written instructions, he followed the illustrations and started creating his dragon sound machine. The wooden pieces fit together nicely and worked exactly as the instruction guide stated it would.
1 of 3
There were a couple of steps that you really had to look at the illustration to see how they fit together. With my help, Charlie had an easy time, but did get stuck on a couple steps just because the pieces had to be jostled around a bit.
1 of 5
Once the base of the sound machine was complete, Charlie created his sound board. Placing the plastic tabs into the wooden base, he was able to create a variety of sounds which were lovely to the ears! Watching Charlie create this project almost all on his own was really heartwarming, especially because when it was finished, he brought it into the living room to play a melody for our puppy. What a fun project!
Final Thoughts - Was This Box Worth It?
Yes! The Sound Waves box was really a fun build and created a machine that Charlie keeps going back to. Changing the plastic tabs creates a new sound, and he has loved turning and jingling that thing everywhere he goes. Because Charlie was able to finish this project almost all by himself, he was very proud, and learned a lot. These types of projects are definitely not the ones being done in the classroom, and the scientific background paired with the fun is exactly what I want my kids to experience. This subscription is a great fit for my family, and we can't wait to see what theme they send next month!
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 per month
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this box is still available. From MEL STEM:
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 STEM? Let us know below!
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.