MEL Physics is a monthly subscription box for kids ages 8-14+ who would like to learn more about how the world around them works. Through exciting experiments kids can learn all about electrostatic energy, luminescence, reflections, and even invisibility! Each month contains a new experiment and physics lesson for kids to dive into, and will contain everything they need to safely and easily complete at home.
This month we reviewed the Shape Memory box from MEL Physics.
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code FREEBOX to get your first box free w/new subscription
CODE: FREEBOX
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Hi! I’m Judith and this is my first review for MSA. I’m a teacher and mother of two very curious boys here in Indiana. Keeping two young boys entertained can be challenging and I was very excited to have the opportunity to review this MEL Physics box (this box is for Age 8+).
MEL Physics: Shape Memory
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So my son has always been a bit of a tinkerer. At age 11, he always wants to see how things work, which I guess is a natural consequence of having a mom who is a teacher and a dad who is a mechanic.
The packaging was really engaging; once he saw the flame he wanted to open it right away, and he could barely wait for me to take a photo! Besides the lovely visual, this box was very practical and helpful. Even before unwrapping, the back of the box clearly listed what items and preparation were needed in advance. In this case it was matches, boiling water and AA batteries. As a parent, this is something I definitely want to know before opening the box.
Also, the safety directions on the box wrapper were referenced on the first page of directions. And yes, my son (begrudgingly) read through them all.
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Now, onto the project! When we opened the box, I was pleased to find that each experiment had its own bag that was labeled with the experiment number. That allowed us to use one and put the other aside to remove any distractions.
MEL Physics "Shape Memory" Projects
Project Booklet
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While the experiment direction packet was very visual, my son thought it would be helpful to have a supply list per page of directions, since the actual directions were mainly images.
Nitinol Paper Clip
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This experiment used boiling water to heat a surface, after which two different metals (in the form of paperclips) were placed on top to see how the different materials reacted to heat. After heating up items on a surface, we next submerged them in boiling water to learn more about the properties of specific metals (if I sound like a science teacher, that’s because my mom was one).
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He found this to be “very cool” and liked that the supplies are reusable, so the experiment can be repeated. The heat sensing stickers were also really neat.
Nitinol Crane
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This one was even more exciting because he got to play with fire! In this experiment, a simple crane was constructed using a pulley and a metal spring. The spring is then stretched and a bottle put at the bottom of the crane as a weight. When the metal spring was heated, it contracted and pulled our bottle up. This was then repeated using a battery pack rather than an open flame.
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I was really pleased that there were good safety instructions included, as well as a great explanation of the science.
Final Thoughts - Was This Box Worth It?
Yes! The Shape Memory box is a wonderful way to get children interested in science! As a teacher, I liked how my kid wasn’t just doing, but learning. His only complaint was that some of the vocabulary used was a bit advanced for the targeted age of 8+, i.e., "extricate."
Overall this box was a hit. The experiments were engaging and my son could do them with supervision but minimal help from an adult. New science concepts were also introduced. But the thing that won me over the most was that the materials (nitinol paperclip and spring, battery pack) could be reused. He is super excited to show these tricks to his cousins!
To Wrap Up:
The Cost: Subscriptions start at $29.90
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code FREEBOX to get your first box free w/new subscription
CODE: FREEBOX
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this box is still available. From Mel Physics:
"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 Physics? Let us know below!
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