Little Passports is a subscription box that helps kids explore the world through fun and educational activities and is one of the best subscription boxes for kids as voted by MSA readers. They offer a range of subscription options for ages 3-8+, as well as "Individual Activity Kits" that can be ordered along with any subscription at the time of purchase.
This review is of the new subscription line Little Passports: Space Quest (recommended ages 5-8) for $24.95. This box includes a comic item, poster, and activity kit pertinent to each month's theme.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes
Space Quest: Alien Encounters!
As an educator, science is one of my all time favorite subjects, so when I heard about the "Space Quest" line that Little Passports recently debuted, I was ecstatic. My boys are extremely interested in space themes and couldn't wait to see what this subscription entailed. Read below to see what we discovered this month.
"Alien Encounters" Poster
Most of the kits Little Passports creates come with pamphlets including directions, project information, and trivia. Switching it up a bit, the Space Quest version sends a brightly colored informational poster instead, featuring pictures and facts about the month's space theme. This month features adorable Lilo and Stitch looking creatures with some interesting bacteria and mineral trivia.
Instructions
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On the backside of the poster, we received the instructions for one of this month's projects: The landscape, Bioluminescent Volcano Experiment, Alien Garden Experiment and Alien Worm Incubator. Not only did it include a list of necessary materials, but also trivia and the scientific background to all of this month's projects. With well-written instructions, and step-by-step photographs, this was easy to follow and fun.
Project 1: The Landscape
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To create the landscape, we received a landscape base and clear stickers. The instructions were extremely easy to follow and went together nicely. Once assembled, Charlie poked out his alien creatures and placed them in the landscape. Easy and cute, we loved the graphics and bright colors.
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Charlie is 8 and had an easy time assembling the landscape base. The sticker tabs are a little difficult to peel off without long fingernails, so I did give him a little help, but otherwise he did it all on his own.
Project 2: Bioluminescent Volcano Experiment
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When Charlie read the words "volcano" he was beside himself with excitement! To create this experiment, we received air-dry clay, neon blue glow powder, a clear cup, baking soda, and malic acid. We did discover that we should have read the instructions before starting because some of the wait times were a little longer than we were expecting. Charlie was so fired up about creating the volcano, but we learned the clay needed to sit overnight before you can add the chemicals. Shucks!
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To create the volcano, Charlie added a pea size piece of clay to the bottom of the plastic container and created the volcano form around the top. We talked about volcano formations and the roles of ridges, slopes, and boulders, but he decided he didn't want to add any because he was so excited to mix his chemicals. Once we got to step 3, we discovered this clay had to dry overnight and he was bumming, but was looking forward to watching the reaction the next day. Although we received glow in the dark powder, we opted to sit outside on the patio for this experiment for easy cleanup, and were impressed with the bubbles!
Project 3: Alien Garden Experiment
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For the alien garden experiment we received 2 plant pieces, a landscape container, crystal solution, two colored markers, and a container. The instructions were easy to read and easy to follow, and this turned out to be Charlie's favorite project!
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While Charlie loves volcanic eruptions, he liked this crystal tree even better. Easy to create, all he had to do was color his tree front and back with the included markers and place it in the plastic container. Once in the holder, we poured the crystal solution in the bottom and waited a few hours to watch the crystals grow. It was a big, colorful fuzzy tree, and Charlie was obsessed.
Project 4: Alien Worm Incubator
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For the final project we received the ingredients to create alien worms. These supplies included a worm pool landscape, syringe, sodium alginate powder, a container, clear stickers, two sticks, calcium chloride, and a dye tablet. This too needs quite a bit of time, so please be sure to read the instructions prior to starting to avoid the predicament we landed in.
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Sadly, this experiment was a bit of a flop. We mixed the calcium chloride with water and let it sit, and then did the same with the blue dyed water. After we added the sodium alginate powder, we followed the directions to a T and let it sit for an hour. The directions stated if it doesn't work to let it sit for two more hours. We did this, and it just was a glob when squirted into the calcium chloride that turned into a big mess. Charlie pulled the blobs out and placed them in the plastic container for his landscape, but they definitely didn't look like worms. Oh well!
Verdict
After a little prior experience with the Little Passports: Space Quest box, I can say, this subscription is always a surprise. With a theme like "Alien Encounters" we had no idea what to expect, but Charlie was definitely excited about the chemical reactions, the crystal formation, and the volcano. Between the well-designed, exclusive supplies, and educational aspect, we enjoyed this box, even if the worms didn't turn out quite right. Overall, we loved the supplemental aspect this box added to our at-home curriculum, and can't wait to see what next month's theme might be. What did you think about this subscription line? Have you given it a try yet?
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To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Possibly. Your first activity kit will include the Glowing Galaxies kit, followed by five other themes.
What do you think of this month's box?
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