MEL Science is a monthly subscription box for ages 5+ who would like to learn more about science and STEM concepts in an exciting way. There are four tracks to chose from with varying recommended age ranges:
- STEM (ages 5 - 10+)
- Physics (ages 8 - 14+)
- Chemistry (ages 10 - 16+)
- Medicine (ages 14 - 99+)
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 Science costs $39.90/month; $29.90 per month with an annual subscription.
This month we received the "Liquiosity" box from MEL Physics, which is for ages 8+.
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 Science: Liquiosity
This physics box includes 3 experiments about liquids. Let me quickly make a note about the box name: "Liquiosity" is not a known term to me, but seems to be a portmanteau of "liquid" and "viscosity", which is an apt name since that is what the experiments are about.
Experiment #1 - Non-Newtonian Fluid
As usual, the packages were clearly labeled, so it was clear which items went with each experiment. The jars, gloves, and syringe immediately caught my son's attention, and he couldnt wait to dive in!
The first activity is making a non-newtonian fluid (a liquid that has variable viscosity). We needed to look ahead in the directions to understand what the end goal was. Luckily, we have had experience with non-newtonian fluids (in science classes we call this mixture of water and cornstarch oobleck), so we weren’t discouraged when it was hard to mix.
This mixture was fun to play with even after the experiment was complete.
Experiment #2 - Looong Molecules
Experiments #2 and #3 each went together, with #3 building upon #2 using both acquired knowledge and supplies.
Experiment #2 involved adding coloring to two more substances, then trying to draw them up with and dispense them from the syringe to learn about viscoelastic fluids. Drawing up these substances in the syringe was a bit frustrating and required some adult assistance. But the point was made about the blue molecules being super long.
Experiment #3 - Liquid Flower
The final experiment used these two substances created in Experiment #2 to make a piece of art using fluids of different viscosities.
While our "flower" was not quite a pretty as the one shown in the manual, it was really cool to see how the liquids with various viscosities interacted.
Final Thoughts - Was This Box Worth It?
Yes! The Liquiosity box kept my son's attention. As an added plus, everything in this box got thrown away after use. This was not a bad thing for our household.
Adult assistance was definitely needed this time to open the bottles with well sealing lids (more challenging than child safe pill bottles). My son is a tinkerer and seems to be able to get into everything, so I consider the difficulty as a safety feature.
To Wrap Up:
The Cost: $39.90 per month, $29.90 per month with an annual subscription.
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this box is still available. From MEL Science:
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 Science? Let us know below!
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