MEL Science

MEL Science brings the excitement of real science experiments into your home with monthly kits designed for curious kids and teens. Each box includes everything needed for 2-3 experiments, plus access to VR lessons that explain the science behind each activity. From chemistry sets to physics projects, MEL makes learning engaging and memorable.

MEL Science was founded by scientists who believed that hands-on experimentation is the best way to learn. Since 2015, they’ve shipped millions of experiments to kids worldwide, making real science accessible and exciting for the next generation of innovators.

Pricing Plans

Plan	Price/Month	Savings
Monthly	$39.90	-
6-Month	$36.90	Save 8%
12-Month	$34.90	Save 13%

Available Kits:

• MEL Chemistry (10+)
• MEL Physics (8+)
• MEL Kids (5-10)
• MEL STEM (14+)

What’s Included

Every MEL Science box contains:

• All materials needed for experiments
• Professional-grade equipment
• Safety goggles and protective gear
• Detailed instruction cards
• Access to VR/AR lessons
• Parent/teacher guides

How It Works

MEL Science’s monthly subscription cycle combines hands-on experimentation with immersive digital learning:

1. Choose Your Kit Type: Select the appropriate subscription based on your child’s age and interests:

• MEL Kids (ages 5-10): Colorful, simple experiments introducing basic scientific concepts through play
• MEL Physics (ages 8+): Mechanical experiments exploring levers, electricity, magnetism, and motion
• MEL Chemistry (ages 10+): Real chemical reactions using lab equipment and genuine reagents
• MEL STEM (ages 14+): Advanced interdisciplinary projects combining multiple scientific fields

Each kit type is specifically designed for the cognitive and motor skill development of its age range, ensuring experiments are challenging but achievable.

2. Monthly Box Delivery: Receive your box around the same date each month, containing:

• All materials for 2-3 complete experiments
• Professional-grade equipment (test tubes, safety goggles, measuring tools, etc.)
• Safety gear appropriate to experiment complexity
• Detailed instruction cards with clear step-by-step guidance
• Parent/teacher guide explaining concepts and safety protocols
• Access codes for VR/AR lessons

Boxes typically arrive within 7-14 days for domestic shipping, with international delivery taking 2-4 weeks.

3. Access VR/AR Lessons (Optional but Recommended): Before or after conducting experiments, use the MEL Science app to explore immersive lessons:

• View 3D molecular structures and chemical reactions at atomic scale
• Watch animated explanations of physics principles in virtual environments
• Use smartphone VR (with cardboard viewer) or dedicated VR headsets
• AR mode lets you visualize concepts overlaid on physical experiments
• Lessons are 5-15 minutes, perfectly paced for attention spans

While VR is optional, users report it significantly enhances understanding by visualizing invisible concepts like molecular bonds or electric currents.

4. Set Up Experiment Workspace: Before starting, prepare:

• Clear, flat surface (kitchen table or dedicated science area)
• Adequate lighting for reading instructions
• Safety gear donned (goggles, gloves if provided)
• Adult supervision present for chemistry and complex physics experiments
• Clean-up materials nearby (paper towels, waste container)

MEL experiments are generally low-mess compared to DIY science projects, but preparation prevents accidents.

5. Conduct Experiments: Follow step-by-step instructions, which include:

• Clear photos showing what each step should look like
• Warnings about potential hazards or tricky steps
• Explanations of what’s happening scientifically during the experiment
• Questions prompting critical thinking (“What do you think will happen next?”)

Most experiments take 20-60 minutes, though some complex chemistry sets may require 90+ minutes. Kids typically work with minimal adult intervention once setup is complete, though younger children (5-8) need more guidance.

6. Observe and Document Results: Experiments are designed to produce impressive, observable results:

• Chemistry reactions create color changes, gas production, or temperature shifts
• Physics projects result in working models demonstrating principles
• MEL Kids experiments deliver satisfying sensory experiences

Encourage kids to document observations in a science journal, take photos, or explain what happened to reinforce learning.

7. Explore Further (Extension Activities): Many boxes include suggestions for extending experiments:

• Modify variables to test different outcomes
• Combine concepts from multiple months’ experiments
• Research real-world applications of principles learned
• Design your own experiments using remaining materials

The parent/teacher guide includes discussion questions and extension ideas for deeper learning.

8. Manage Subscription: Through your MEL Science account:

• Pause deliveries during busy periods (exams, vacations, sports seasons)
• Switch between kit types as your child ages or interests change
• Access library of past experiments and lessons
• Order replacement materials if supplies run low
• Cancel without fees (monthly plans)

MEL encourages families to move between kit types - a 9-year-old might start with MEL Kids, transition to Physics at 10, then add Chemistry at 11 as interests develop.

9. Build Scientific Literacy Over Time: Monthly experiments gradually build:

• Lab skills and equipment familiarity
• Scientific method understanding (hypothesis, observation, conclusion)
• Confidence in STEM abilities
• Vocabulary of scientific terms
• Safety awareness and responsibility

After 6-12 months, most kids show measurably increased science confidence and academic performance in school science classes.

10. Connect to School Curriculum: For homeschoolers and parents supplementing school science:

• Experiments align with common core and state science standards
• Parent guides explain how experiments connect to grade-level concepts
• Kids can bring photos/results for show-and-tell or science fair projects
• Teachers sometimes use MEL as classroom demonstration supplements

Who It’s For

Best For:

• Natural Questioners: Kids who constantly ask “why?” and “how does this work?” - those who aren’t satisfied with surface-level explanations and want to see principles in action
• Hands-On Learners: Children who struggle with textbook learning but thrive when physically manipulating materials and conducting experiments themselves
• Homeschool Families: Parents seeking curriculum-aligned STEM content that provides structured learning without requiring them to source lab equipment or design experiments
• Future Scientists and Engineers: Kids showing early interest in STEM careers who benefit from early exposure to real lab equipment and scientific methodology
• Screen-Time-Conscious Parents: Families wanting educational activities that compete with video games while providing offline, tactile learning experiences
• Science-Curious Beginners: Children with little previous science exposure who need engaging entry points into STEM topics
• Gifted Students: Advanced learners who find school science too basic and crave more complex, college-prep level experiments
• Teachers: Educators looking for supplemental hands-on demonstrations to bring textbook concepts to life in classrooms or tutoring
• Parent-Child Bonding Seekers: Families wanting structured quality time conducting experiments together and discussing scientific concepts
• Visual and Kinesthetic Learners: Kids who learn best by seeing (VR/AR) and doing (experiments) rather than reading or listening

Not Ideal For:

• Very Young Children (Under 5 Without Constant Supervision): While MEL Kids targets ages 5-10, children under 5 lack the fine motor skills and safety awareness for even simple experiments without constant adult intervention
• Families Uncomfortable with Real Chemicals: MEL Chemistry uses genuine reagents (acids, bases, reactive metals) - if you’re uncomfortable with actual science chemicals in your home, this isn’t suitable
• Parents Unable to Supervise: Many experiments require adult presence, especially chemistry sets. If you need completely independent activities, simpler craft boxes work better
• Kids Who Dislike Following Instructions: Experiments require precise measurements, careful step-following, and attention to detail - impulsive children who rush through steps will struggle and potentially create safety issues
• Extremely Budget-Conscious Families: At $34.90-39.90/month, MEL is premium-priced compared to $20-25 craft/STEM boxes. For tight budgets, library science books plus Dollar Store materials cost less
• Those Wanting Only Safe, Simple Crafts: If you want zero-risk activities, MEL’s real chemistry experiments may feel too advanced or scary compared to craft-focused STEM boxes
• Impatient Children: Experiments take 30-90 minutes and require patience for setup, precise execution, and cleanup - kids needing instant gratification will lose interest
• No Storage Space: Lab equipment accumulates (test tubes, beakers, tools), and some materials need safe storage away from younger siblings or pets
• Families Without VR Access: While optional, VR significantly enhances learning - if you lack smartphones or VR viewers, you miss 40-50% of the educational content
• Those Needing Specific Curriculum Alignment: MEL aligns broadly with science standards but isn’t tailored to specific state curricula or testing requirements - if you need exact alignment, textbook-based programs work better

MEL Science works exceptionally well for curious 8-14 year olds with supportive parents willing to supervise experiments and provide space for scientific exploration. The 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating (605 reviews) reflects generally satisfied customers who appreciate the genuine scientific rigor, though some find the price point high compared to simpler STEM alternatives. Starting with a month-to-month subscription helps determine fit before committing to discounted long-term plans.