CrunchLabs is an STEM subscription box specially crafted for makers. The innovative brand was founded by Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer turned YouTuber, boasting more than 24 million subscribers and 130 million views on his videos, captivating audiences worldwide with his ingenious engineering and storytelling.
There are two boxes to chose from with different recommended age ranges:
Per their website, all CrunchLabs boxes include:
- Exclusive Mark Rober videos
- materials and project components
- a booklet with picture-based instructions
- STEM concept explanations
- activities and challenges that take the toy to the next level
- a gear badge that celebrates featured engineering superpower
This review is for a Hack Pack. While it is recommended for ages 14+, our reviewer is a 13 year old boy who is mathematical and a mechanical thinker - he loves legos and building computers. He has previously had a year long CrunchLabs subscription (recommended age 8-13). That ended about two years ago.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Hack Pack - Sand Garden
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We were really excited to open this box. My son immediately knew what a sand garden was and thought it was a cool project. Before even opening it I know what we are going to build as well as what items to expect inside.
The box was well packed, everything inside fit nicely. While the items in the box were grouped in bags, the bags themselves were not labeled.
Inside the box contains a QR code for a build along video, but he chose to do it on his own with the printed directions.
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Printed booklet is broken into sections of: build, play, think, and share.
Build directions are mostly visual (think Lego directions) with a few “Pro Tip” boxes here and there. Directions are clear and specific.
Build
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The build took 1 hour and 45 minutes, longer than we had anticipated, but there were plenty of points he could have paused if we needed to break it up into several sessions. However, when he gets into a build he likes to finish it right away. His contectration is impecable when he knows that he will have cool results.
There were a few steps where I heard a little frustration at a tedious task, like tightening 15 nuts, but nothing that was hard or confusing. The prior build took about 15 minutes to assemble, so I think he was surprised by how much longer this one took. But he was determined to finish without slacking on any step.
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The build had two sections, the first part was more mechanical - putting together the frame; the second part was more electrical - connecting the electronics. I like that this box focused on multiple engineering skills and he was able to see how the different disciplines work together.
Use
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The end result was so fun. Smooth out the sand on the drum, turn it on, pick a program, and drop in the metal ball. The gears move the magnet, which moves the ball through the sand to make different patterns. It’s mesmerizing.
Final Thoughts - Was This Box Worth It?
Yes! We had a year-long subscription in the past, and took a break. It was still an engaging project as he’s gotten older, and a good rainy day activity. The directions are clear, and the booklet contains information in the “think” section to explain the technology and mechanics. There is also a “Hack” section with ideas to enhance or level up the build.
This particular build was cool, because it’s something we plan to keep out on display, not just play with.
I think this would be a great gift for teens who like tech, without adding more screentime.
To Wrap Up:
The Cost: $79.95 per month, $66.65 per month with an annual subscription.
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this box is still available as Box 4 in the subscription series. Thus you won't get it right away if you are just starting your subscription.
What do you think of Hack Pack? Let us know below!
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