MEL Science Review [2023]: Everything You Need To Know

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If you’re looking for a MEL Science review, trust me you’ll love our today’s article. Since I have already experienced its kits earlier, I can give you a better guide and review about it.

In this article, I’ll be discussing everything about it including all MEL Science pros and cons that will help you to make the right decision if you’re sitting on the fence.

Let’s start with a basic question…

What is MEL Science?

MEL Science is a learning platform designed specifically for kids and teenagers who love science and conducting experiments. It’s a UK-based education company founded in 2014 by Vassili Philippov.

By the way, if you’re wondering what MEL stands for, it’s “More Efficient Learning”.

With its subscription plan, you will receive new science kits every month, including all the necessary materials, right to your doorstep. The company offers different kits for different age groups of students.

For example, if you’re looking for MEL Science kits for your 6 year old child, you’ll find Montessori-approved kits that allow them to learn how to code without a screen, as well as STEM kits that enable you to help your child assemble a microscope, launch digital space rockets, and play other educational games.

It’s important to note that these kits are not just toys to play with. If you’re a parent, you must provide support during each experiment your child tries.

Each box includes exciting and safe science experiments every month, tailored for children of all ages. Additionally, you’ll have lifetime access to 70+ Virtual Reality lessons, 400+ Do-it-yourself experiments, and science-related news.

Later, we’ll delve into its science experiments and VR experiences.

Who is MEL Science Ideal for?

If your kids are interested in science, learning new things, conducting experiments, and practicing hands-on activities, and you want to provide them with a fun and educational experience at home, you may consider MEL Science.

MEL Science offers different subjects for different age groups of students. Here is what you can see on its site:

So if you want your kid to learn and engage in Coding or Chemistry, you better know which subject you should opt for.

I’ve encountered many students who have no interest in studying math. If this is the case with your child and you want to improve their math skills, you may opt for the math subject.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the MEL Science subjects and provide you with a review of each one.

1. Coding:

I’m not proficient in Coding but I know the nitty-gritty of it as I have taken a few lessons in Java programming on CodeGym and watched a video tutorial of HTML and CSS on Udacity.

However, learning how to code without a screen was something beyond my imagination. Then I figured out with some hands-on activities do really help kids to get a sense of how coding works in real life but it has no relationship with programming languages.

This coding subject is more likely a learning game that your 4-7-year old kids would love to play. Its starter kit contains six adventures like 3D puzzles, a Storybook, Story Map, and a few other things. It’s fairly good.

The price is also reasonable for this kit as ‘Learn With Mochi‘ offers the same kit at a higher price. You may check that as well.

2. STEM:

This is something that you must find captivating. STEM kits (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are designed for 5-10+ year old kids.

For example, through the Green Flashlight project your kids can learn about dynamo flashlights, green energy principles, Ultraviolet lights, Solar panels, and more.

If your kids are into Aircraft and flying things, then Aircraft Projects could be fascinating for them. I’ve also pursued an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course in Avionics. I know learning about how Aircraft such as airplanes, and helicopters fly in the air is always intriguing.

In Aircraft Project, your child can easily learn about airfoils, and basic aerodynamic properties by launching disks, boomerangs, and propellers. However, you have to also provide support to them. In my opinion, all STEM kits are worth paying for.

3. Math:

Honestly speaking, like STEM projects I don’t find it’s all Math projects are great for learning. Currently, MEL Science offers limited math projects for the ages 8-12+ that include…look at the below image.

I explored each math kit and being a math student myself I can say a few math kits are great for learning and developing your child’s interest in math.

For example, the Beyond infinity kit can help your child to explore Infinity, and ‘Explorer’s math kit’ would be great for learning some measurement stuff as it provides instruments like sextant and opisometer.

The Mathematical bridges kit is also excellent for learning some geometrical concepts while discovering different types of bridges, their load capacity, and others.

However, The art of fun and one more kit is good for playing and enjoying.

4. Physics

Now this subject’s all kits worth it. It offers many projects. Each project is based on a physics concept that you or your child is going to learn by doing experiments.

If you’re looking MEL Science review for your child and if he’s got interested in physics then I’d highly recommend it. You see, in our primary schools and middle school we study physics but we don’t do any experiments.

But, here with projects like Electrostatics, you could actually learn about Van de Graaff generators, static electricity, hair-rising science, and how to generate electricity.

With Mic and Speaker kit, they will learn and understand how sounds generate, how microphones and headphones are built, and all by doing practicals. Similarly, you can explore each physics kit.

Note: You must provide full support when your child does these experiments.

5. Chemistry:

In this subject, you must read all the safety rules or if you’re a parent then you better observe each step that your child takes while experimenting with some experiments may involve chemicals that can cause injury and damage to health in incorrect usage.

Like the physics kits, all chemistry kits are intriguing but not easy to do. You must read all the instructions or watch the video guide before trying. The recommended age for chemistry subjects is 10-16+ and if your child already has a chemistry book that covers those experiments topics then nothing would be better than it.

Well, I never took any interest in chemistry but while researching I found lots of parents have written good comments about its projects.

6. Medicine

If you or your child wants to be a doctor or pharmacist, you may consider its Medicine kits. Here at MEL Science offers a couple of kits designed for dentistry, ECG, Pharmacy, and others. Moreover, in a few kits, you also get the opportunity to meet and diagnose patients.

These medical kits are recommended for students ages 14-99+ which also makes sense after seeing the kits.

For example, If you take a look at its Surgery kits, you learn and use different types of surgical needles, how to make incisions in artificial skin with a real scalpel, and more. You must find it fascinating if you’re into medicine.

Is MEL Science projects safe to use at home?

This is a common concern when it comes to science projects and experiments. Some of the projects may involve electrical currents and chemicals, which can pose potential risks to safety and health.

However, MEL Science states that all their projects meet the requirements set by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). They also claim that none of their projects involve explosives and are safe for use.

From my research and experience, some chemistry experiments require extra caution when handling chemicals, but the rest of the kits are generally safe to use and explore. Any project containing hazardous substances comes with a WARNING badge and requires careful attention to the instructions, video guides, and VR experience.

On the other hand, many kits in the coding, STEM, and math subjects are more like educational toys that your child can easily operate.

As a parent, it’s always a good idea to provide support and supervision while your child is learning and conducting experiments.

How good are MEL Science apps?

MEL Science provides three mobile applications: MEL Science, MEL VR Science Simulations, and MEL STEM for Kids. The best part is that all these apps and their lessons are available for free download and use.

Let’s explore each app…

MEL Science:

This application is similar to its website where you find different subjects and their different topics. On this app, you get a couple more subjects like the Curiosity box, Science4you, and more that you may not find on its site.

On this app, you earn coins as a reward and earn trophies to perform experiments and complete actions. Moreover, you also get some achievements for completing certain tasks. For example, if you finish 3 optics-related sets you’re going to get the Eagle Eye trophy.

If you complete 3 liquid-related sets, you may achieve a water bender as a trophy. You also earn some achievements for performing an experiment on the MEL Science app and posting a photo on social media through the app.

This app is dedicated to offering you a step-by-step guide to experiments, safety & disposal instructions, and scientific description.

Remember that Mic & Speaker experiment in Physics, here is how it guides on its mobile app.

The right-hand side image shows you a step-by-step video guide from an instructor to make your experiment easy.

Isn’t this app helpful?

MEL VR Science Simulations:

This app is limited to only physics and chemistry subjects since MEL Science delivers VR goggles only in these two subject starter kits. Learning science with these VR goggles works amazingly. You or your kids will feel like they have moved to a different world and can touch screen objects.

For example, if you take a look at its Electron configuration kit, watching electrons, proton, and neutrons configuration in an orbit for an element with VR sets is unimaginable. An instructor in the background would also explain the concepts.

Once you complete a few lessons then you get a DIY task in the next similar lesson.

In my opinion learning science with these VR experiences is worth the money that you must try.

Though I didn’t find any issues while using the VR sets and connecting with my phone, still many users complained about this app that they are not able to access anything. In case you face these issues, you can directly contact MEL support through the app itself.

After just hitting the contact button an email will automatically be typed from your side including the device name, app info, and others. You just need to hit the send button they can help you for sure.

If your kids are new to these kits and similar types, you must sit with them and support them.

MEL STEM: Science for kids

Now, this app is dedicated to kids who have taken STEM subscriptions. You get video guides of all the kits in the STEM subject. It works amazingly as it provides fun interactive video guides in 3d and AR. An Instructor is also there to explain to your kids all the concepts.

Let’s consider again the same example of the Aircraft kit in a STEM subject. When you open its video guides, it offers you two interactive ways of learning 3d and AR. Remember in AR mode, you have to on your mobile camera.

In this Aircraft kit, your kids going to learn different shapes and designs of aircraft, airfoils, and how aircraft fly.

The 3d view is just intriguing that never lets your kid put the skip or home button while watching and learning.

How much MEL Science costs?

Now if you like MEL Science and found it useful for you or your kids then your next question would be how much it costs and whether it is value for money. Right?

Let me first tell you about its pricing…

If you look at its pricing and subscription chart, you will get to know it has a pretty straightforward price. Its yearly subscription is quite cheaper compared to all plans and costs you $29/month i.e. for one kit no matter which subjects you choose.

And if you look at its monthly subscription, it costs you $39/month. However, you may also modify your subscription at any time. Remember it’s for one box subscription which could be enough for your 2-3 kids to share. You may also change your subject at any time.

The annual billing for one box costs you $358 and you will be receiving up to six kits at an instant and one kit every month in a subject you choose. While billing, you may select multiple subjects as well but you’ll get only one kit every month. So, you better choose a specific subject.

One important point to note here is the medical kits’ price is quite expensive from other subjects i.e. $48.70/month. Maybe it is because this subject targets students from 14-99+ ages and adds more value in content such as interacting with patients.

Are MEL Science kits worth the money?

Well, if you’re considering purchasing the Coding or Math subject at $29 for one kit, I would say it might not be worth it as these subject doesn’t deliver all valuable kits. The disappointing thing is you can’t purchase their kits separately.

While looking at STEM, Physics, and Chemistry subjects and their amazing experiments kits, their prices are worth paying.

In fact, the price increased a little bit from $26.20 to $29 in one year still I’d say, it’s worth it for these subjects.

It can be a great investment for your kids who love learning science and doing experiments. If you’re still not sure about MEL science, then you must take its free trial.

MEL Science support:

If you want to know how good an online platform is, check out their SUPPORT. If they offer great support, quick response, and help you with your issues, you can trust the company.

As far as I experienced, MEL Science offers pretty good support. It provides you with two contact numbers based in USA and UK and one email address support@melscience.com. Alternatively, you can use the HELP button to contact them.

After sending your issues, you receive an auto-generated email from their side like the below one…

As they say, you will surely get a response from their side within 24hrs.

My views about MEL Science:

So I experienced the MEL Science kits a year ago and to give you the best MEL Science review I have done extensive research.

All in all, MEL Science is an amazing platform for students who love to do science experiments, explore science concepts and have fun while learning. If you’re a parent and want to develop your kid’s interest in science, you may also try its kits.

I personally liked its STEM and physics projects more. Their apps are also great to understand science while doing practicals. Doing chemistry projects with VR goggles is also an incredible idea.

The price of $29 for one kit may look expensive to you but in my opinion, it’s worth it. The Coding and Math subjects could be improved and more valuable kits could be added.

It’s up to you which subject kits you’d like to try first, but I recommend only its STEM, Physics, and Chemistry projects.

To finish this MEL Science review, below I’m going to highlight the Pros and Cons of it so you can make a better decision.

My overall rating: 4.6/5

As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons, but you must review those cons and some MEL Science alternatives before making your final decisions.

MEL Science Alternatives:

You’ll be surprised to know that MEL Science is not the only platform that offers Science and STEM kits. Here I’m going to put a couple of alternatives to MEL Science that you may also check out.

KiwiCo:

In my opinion, MEL Science may not be a good option for babies and toddlers to play and explore. That’s where KiwiCo comes in.

Like MEL Science, KiwiCo is a monthly subscription box that offers a wider range of options for younger children, including art and craft projects, puzzles, and games. KiwiCo has a broader range of subjects, including geography, history, and culture.

However, If you are looking for a more hands-on, science-focused experience for your older children aged 10 and up, MEL Science might be the better option because its kit comes with detailed instructions and a virtual reality (VR) component to enhance the learning experience.

And, If you have younger children or are looking for a more diverse range of educational activities, KiwiCo might be a better choice.

Spangler Science Club:

This platform is limited to the United States only. It offers a wider range of experiments covering various science topics, such as biology, physics, and chemistry compared to MEL Science. Their kits come with all the materials needed for the experiments and are designed to be hands-on and interactive.

In terms of cost, both Mel Science and Spangler Science Club offer similar pricing options but the best thing about the Spangler Club is you may purchase their kits separately and on sale.

If you’re from the United States and sitting on the fence about these two platforms, I would recommend you also check out the Spangler Science Club review.

Little Passports:

Now, this monthly subscription-based platform ships its kits in four countries Australia, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand.

Little Passports offers a service that aims to inspire children to learn about different countries, cultures, and customs. Each monthly shipment includes a passport, stickers, activity books, souvenirs, and more, designed to help children learn about a new country and its culture.

It also offers online games, puzzles, and videos to further enhance the learning experience. While this platform also offers Science and STEM kits but they have expertise mainly in geography and cultural education. However, the choice between the two depends on the interests and needs of the child and the parent.

Now It’s Your Turn:

I hope you enjoyed this MEL Science review and found it useful. Now I’d like to hear from you…

Do you find MEL Science kits worth it for your kids? And, Are you going to take its free trial?

If you face any issues with MEL Science, feel free to ask me. I will be always happy to help you. Now let me know your thoughts.

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