What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently characterize MEL Science as a comprehensive resource for hands-on laboratory education. Farmhouse Schoolhouse highlights that the kits provide a real chemistry experience with high-quality equipment that requires student responsibility. A Healthy Slice of Life notes that the subscription is convenient, offering an open-and-go format where every necessary component is included in the box. For parents who feel intimidated by teaching science, Mombrite recommends the kits for their clear instructions and accessibility. Homeschool Ways observes that the experiments are effective at illustrating complex topics like electron transfer for older students. Homeschool of 1 finds the mobile app and VR lessons highly engaging, though the same reviewer notes that delivery delays can be a minor drawback. While the kits demand responsibility due to their realistic nature, the materials remain accessible for various age groups.

How It Works

Every month, families receive a kit containing two to three experiments along with all necessary reagents and professional-grade lab equipment. A typical session begins with the parent opening the MEL Science app to access step-by-step video instructions, while the child sets up the labware on the kitchen table. Most experiments take 45 to 60 minutes to complete, during which students perform actual chemical reactions or physical builds and then use the included VR goggles to explore the science at a molecular level. The parent primarily acts as a safety supervisor and co-explorer, ensuring chemicals are handled correctly while the digital platform handles the heavy lifting of instruction and scientific explanation.

Switching to This?

MEL Science does not offer a formal placement test because it is a modular subscription service organized by age range and subject interest rather than a linear grade-level curriculum. Parents should choose a track based on their child's current interest and age: STEM for ages 5-10, Physics for ages 8-14, and Chemistry for ages 10-16. Families can start at any time of the year since each box is a self-contained unit, meaning there is no risk of missing prerequisite knowledge from previous months. If you are transitioning from a 'kitchen science' program, be prepared for a significant step up in the quality of materials and the requirement for parental supervision, as the Chemistry line uses genuine laboratory reagents rather than household substitutes.

Curriculum Details

Price

$29 - $448

Pricing typically ranges from $29.90 to $39.90 per month depending on the subscription length (monthly vs. annual). A 'Starter Kit' with reusable lab equipment is often included with the first chemistry box.

Grades

K - 12

Available As

Hands On Digital Video App

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Science

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

30-60 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Secular

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Parents often weigh MEL Science against KiwiCo’s Tinker or Eureka Crates; while KiwiCo focuses on engineering and building mechanical toys, MEL Science prioritizes experimental chemistry and physics with a heavier emphasis on the scientific method. Compared to Mystery Science, which uses common household items for its activities, MEL Science provides specialized professional equipment like beakers and solid fuel burners, making it feel like a high school lab rather than a craft project. When compared to traditional boxed kits like those from Thames & Kosmos, MEL’s unique value lies in its VR and AR integration, which allows students to visualize the invisible world of atoms in a way a static kit cannot. Against full curricula like Science Shepherd, MEL is clearly a supplement; it provides the 'doing' part of science but usually requires a separate resource if you want to cover broad academic standards across a full year. Finally, families choosing MEL over more affordable subscriptions often do so because they want 'real' chemistry involving actual chemical changes rather than simple vinegar-and-baking-soda reactions.

Getting Started