MEL Math is a monthly subscription box for kids 8-12+ who would like to learn more about math in an exciting way. Through hands-on math kits, kids can learn about topics such as Probability, Statistics, Physics, and STEM, while experiencing real-life applications. Each month contains a new experiment and math lesson for kids to dive into, and will contain everything they need to safely and easily complete at home.
This month we reviewed the "Beyond Infinity" from MEL Math.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 10% off discount to the first box
CODE: PART10
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 Math: Beyond Infinity
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As an educator and mother of two boys, you can bet I am always on the look out for fun ways to incorporate education into my kids' day to day lives. My 10-year-old loves school and does really well. My 8-year-old does well too, but isn't quite as invested as my older son, and gets bored pretty quickly. When Charlie caught a glimpse of this month's box cover, he immediately called dibs, and got straight to work. How did this box go for a just turned 8-year-old you ask? Read below to find out!
Organized neatly by project, all components are packaged in separate baggies and laid out in a really nice way. Charlie was really excited to dive in (and thought the sticker sheet was adorable)!
MEL Math "Beyond Infinity" Experiments:
Infinity Cube
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The first experiment came with an QR code pamphlet, connectors, keychain flashlight, mirror cube faces, and rubber bands. All items were high quality and arrived in perfect condition.
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Because this box is meant for 8-12 year old kids, I didn't think twice about letting Charlie take this one on. That being said, this was a little bit tough! First off, it didn't come with written instructions - we had to scan the QR code to watch the video. While the instructions were well explained and showed great pictures, getting the tabs on the mirror faces was tricky. I had to assist Charlie with that part, and even as an adult struggled a bit. Once the cube was put together, Charlie was able to easily attach the light and rubber bands, which then created the infinity cube. In the dark, you can see the orange light extending back in the mirrors for "infinity". Reminding me of my Infinity candle holder I bought from PartyLite a million years ago, this was a portable version and one he brought for show and tell at school.
One-Year Clock
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The second experiment also came without written instructions, but that was no problem for Charlie, who scanned the QR code to find them on the app. This experiment was much easier for him and he breezed through the instructions in less than the 20 minutes they suggested it would take! Included was a battery holder, gear sticker set, metal rods, motor, motor brackets, gears, and motor bar.
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Like I mentioned above, Charlie blew through this experiment and loved every second. Following the online instructions carefully, he was able to attach the motor to the wooden pieces with no trouble. Wiring the motor was no problem, and he even was able to insert the batteries correctly without instruction. The bottom gear on this one-year-clock makes a full circle in 0.1 seconds, and each subsequent gear turns 5 times slower than its predecessor. The 8th gear makes a full circle in 130.2 minutes. While noisy as can be, this was a neat project and Charlie was again very proud of his creation.
Final Thoughts - Was This Box Worth It?
Yes! The Beyond Infinity box was so cool! While a little different than our first experience with this subscription due to the lack of written instructions, Charlie loved this box! Though this month only contained two experiments, they were both very well thought out and fun to make. The only suggestion I would have is to incorporate more of an explanation of the math themes in each experiment. Other than that, this was a great fit for my son and a fun project for us to do together all while learning about math at the same time!
I also want to note that there are always additional experiments that you can do online with these boxes if your child is so inclined. I have downloaded the app and have found a ton of extra experiments, awards, AR and VR opportunities and more. While we haven't had a ton of extra time to check this out this month, you can bet I will be incorporating some of these components into my at-home summer school for the boys in 9 weeks! (Not that I'm counting or anything!)
To Wrap Up:
The Cost: $39.90
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 10% off discount to the first box
CODE: PART10
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this box is still available. From MEL Math:
"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 Math? Let us know below!
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