Curiosity Box is a subscription box from VSauce - a popular YouTube channel featuring topics such as science, philosophy, technology, gaming, and culture. As of 2022, they have joined forces with MEL Science, maximizing their impact on brain health. This limited-edition box ships quarterly, and once it sells out, you can't get it again.
ACTIVE DEAL: Limited Time Only! 25% off the first box on quarterly plan OR $15 off the annual plan!CODE: MSA25
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First Impressions
I am a complete science nerd. With a degree in medical technology, I sought out all of the science classes I could as a student, and still do as an educator (even during summer vacation!) Because I have such a passion for science, I am always on the lookout for ways to incorporate it into my daily life (along with my boys' lives). So when I stumbled upon Curiosity Box I just had to see what it was all about! Awesome for adults, a typical box includes premium science toys, experiments, and collectibles. What did I think about this curation? Read below to see!
What's Inside The Box
Up first, we received a postcard with all of this month's contents presented. Utilizing real life photos of each item, it includes a short descriptive blurb and funny phrases.
Also included was a booklet containing in-depth info on each of the included items. With short bursts of information followed by scientific explanations, this guide is packed with really good stuff!
Picture Pie
I love pizza (who doesn't??!) so I was very intrigued to see this mini pizza box included in this month's Curiosity Box. While an actual pizza was obviously not inside, we did receive this really awesome "Picture Pie." If you are unfamiliar (as I was), it is a set of stencils that is made by deconstructing images rotationally. With four double-sided disks, we were given eight different drawing options. To create, you select a picture disk and place it on a piece of paper. Securing the disk with the included pin and cardboard, you make a small reference point at the number "1" on the edge of the disk and then trace the design labelled "1" in that exact location. You then rotate the disk so the number "2" is aligned at the reference point, and then trace the matching number in that exact location. Once complete you will find yourself with a fun little piece of artwork!
While this set looked complicated at first, my 9-year-old was able to easily figure this out. My disk created a kangaroo munching on some grass, while Charlie's turned out to be the Curiosity Box mascot, Inq!!
Martian Soil
A few years ago, my youngest son, Charlie, discovered his first agate, and since he has been rock/dirt/sand obsessed. This kid is also my little engineer and is always spending time in his sandbox creating dams, moats, and bridges. Dirt fascinates him in a way that is unmatched, and I'm okay with that! As you can imagine, the next inclusion was an exciting one for him, as it is a sample vial containing 50 grams of Martian Global Simulant 1, also known as "Martian Soil." The tin canister containing the soil features the Mineralogy list, the chemical properties, and how it was created. When opened, you will find a vial filled with the brownish-red soil, that is based on the mineralogy profiles of Mars. What does one do with this strange soil you ask? The pamphlet suggests trying to grow a small plant, or using it as a raw material for project, so we now have to decide which way to go with it!
Shadow Alphabet Puzzle
Puzzles are always a treat to receive, and we loved the wooden octopus puzzle we received in the spring curation, so we couldn't wait to check out this quarter's version. With two sheets of magnet pieces, we punched out the 67 shapes, and played around with them on the refrigerator. A little trippy at first, it was hard to see the shapes take form, but we found squinting helped! Also, from the side, the letters really seem to pop and look 3D. The shapes form one of each letter, so we had all sorts of fun spelling all of the heterograms. What a fun and entertaining inclusion!
Knot Book
Back in the days of the book-mobile, my kids would choose knot tying books, but never really tried them out. This particular book is written and illustrated by Philippe Petit, a high-wire artist, and teaches you how to tie more than sixty ingenious, useful, beautiful, lifesaving, and secure knots. While it teaches you these knots, it also features real life pictures, tips, tales, and a host of other information - along with a piece of string to practice knotting! With the illustrations, Hank was able to figure out the square knot quite easily, and is ready to move on to more difficult knots. Charlie got frustrated with the square knot, but we are working to persevere! Knot tying is a pretty important skill, and one that I need to work on. This book was a great tool to teach and made for some fun (and frustrating) tech-free family time!
Knot Shirt
Pairing with the included knot book perfectly, we received a t-shirt showcasing the "15-crossing Amphichiral knot". This mirror image knot is the only known 15-crossing one, and it is the only known amphichiral knot with an odd number of crossings. While way too complicated for my knot skills to figure out, it made for a sweet shirt that was soft and thick in materials and fun in design. Made exclusively for Curiosity Box, this shirt also features a tag on the bottom with the octopus mascot - Inq. Giving off Slip Knot vibes, I am totally into this tee, and am happy for the inclusion.
Knot Stickers
The last item we received was a page of prime knot stickers. These little stickers are very cute, and make for a fun addition to a laptop, notebook, or phone case. Charlie's favorite was of course Inq, but I like all of the fun designs!
The Cost: $60
ACTIVE DEAL: Limited Time Only! 25% off the first box on quarterly plan OR $15 off the annual plan!CODE: MSA25
Curiosity Box is a deep-thinker's dream, and I have to say, I really loved the fun inclusions this month. Curated with 6 items, everything included was high quality and thoughtful. While heavy on the "knot" theme this month, I enjoyed the book paired with the shirt, and stickers. The picture pie and alphabet were really cool too, as I could share them with my kids and continue to use them over and over again. Overall, this was a great curation, and I appreciate the items, especially when coupled with the scientific background. This box is a really fun experience, and can't wait to see what's included in the Fall quarter. Bring it on, Curiosity Box!!
More You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Possibly. Only a certain number of boxes are created, so once they are gone, they are gone!
ACTIVE DEAL: Limited Time Only! 25% off the first box on quarterly plan OR $15 off the annual plan!CODE: MSA25
What do you think about Curiosity Box?
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