MEL Science

MEL Science has earned a strong reputation among families for its high-quality science kits that combine hands-on experiments with digital technology. With an overall satisfaction rating around 4.4 out of 5 stars across hundreds of Trustpilot reviews, parents and educators have shared detailed insights about how these kits perform in real homes and classrooms.

What Parents Love

The highly engaging experiments consistently stand out as MEL Science's greatest strength. Unlike typical science kits, these experiments create genuine excitement:

"As a lifelong chemist... I'm really impressed with these kits." Science Educator - Honest Brand Reviews

"The BEST subscription box we have ever had!" Homeschool of 1

Parents appreciate that every kit includes all necessary materials in well-organized packaging:

"We loved... how prepared all of the supplies were." Honest Brand Reviews

The app-based instructions receive high praise for making complex science accessible:

"The instructions were simple to follow and [we loved] how prepared everything was." Honest Brand Reviews

Many homeschooling families value the educational depth of the experiments:

"Nice hands-on supplement for homeschooling." Two Mama Bears

The AR and VR technology features are frequently highlighted as exceptional additions:

"This [VR headset] alone is worth the entire subscription!" Homeschool of 1

Common Challenges

The subscription cost is the most frequently mentioned concern:

"You get more value from KiwiCo crates vs. MEL STEM box." Two Mama Bears

However, the same reviewer noted for the Chemistry and Physics kits:

"I do think the Chemistry and Physics boxes are worth the cost [as they're] impossible to put together on your own." Two Mama Bears

The level of parent involvement required can be challenging for busy families:

"I would not recommend MEL Science if you get easily frustrated or don't like reading through instructions." Two Mama Bears

Some experiments don't always work perfectly on the first attempt:

"One of the three experiments didn't work for us... we kept trying to no avail, which was a bummer." Two Mama Bears

The physical construction of some kits can be difficult:

"The wooden pieces were very difficult to assemble and started to splinter in certain spots." Two Mama Bears

Best For

Based on parent feedback, MEL Science works particularly well for:

• Families willing to invest time in hands-on science activities
• Children who learn better through visual and tactile experiences
• Homeschoolers seeking lab-quality science experiences
• Tech-savvy kids who enjoy the AR/VR integration
• Parents looking to spark genuine interest in STEM subjects

MEL Science might be less ideal for:

• Families on tight budgets who need a more economical option
• Very busy parents who prefer independent learning activities
• Younger children who need simplified activities (though the STEM kits are suitable for ages 5+)
• Those who prefer purely book-based or digital-only learning

Parent Tips

Experienced MEL Science users suggest:

• Set aside dedicated time for experiments rather than trying to squeeze them in
• Take advantage of prepaid annual subscriptions to reduce the monthly cost
• Have a dedicated space for experiments to minimize cleanup concerns
• Fully explore the app content before and after experiments to maximize learning
• Try the 50% off first month promotion to test if it's right for your family
• Consider switching between different MEL Science subjects as your child's interests evolve

Despite a few drawbacks, parents overwhelmingly see MEL Science as a valuable educational investment. Even those who encountered minor issues typically rated the kits positively overall, with one reviewer aptly summarizing: "MEL Science kits are smart, age-appropriate, fun, and informative. Kids look forward to receiving their experiments each month, and so do parents."