Mel Chemistry kits are an innovative way for children to learn about science through hands-on experiments and activities. These subscription-based kits deliver all the materials and step-by-step instructions needed to carry out exciting chemistry projects at home.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the benefits of Mel Chemistry kits, how they work, the types of projects included, and how to choose the right kit for your child’s needs. Read on to learn why Mel Chemistry is becoming a favorite STEM learning tool for kids and parents.
What Are Mel Chemistry Kits?
Mel Chemistry kits are a new take on the classic chemistry set. They go far beyond traditional kits by incorporating technology like augmented reality and smartphone apps into the lessons.
Here’s a quick overview of what makes Mel Chemistry kits unique:
- Hands-on experiments: Each kit contains all the laboratory equipment and chemical ingredients needed to perform real science experiments at home.
- Digital lessons: Step-by-step video lessons, 3D models, and augmented reality features enhance the learning experience.
- Safety first: All chemicals and projects have been lab-tested and certified safe for home use.
- Subscription format: New kits are delivered monthly, so kids can continue discovering new scientific concepts.
- Mobile app: The Mel Science app supplements lessons and lets kids document their discoveries.
Designed by experts and tested by kids, Mel Chemistry aims to make science fun and accessible for children ages 7 and up.
The Benefits of Mel Chemistry Kits
Here are some of the key benefits Mel Chemistry kits offer kids:
Engaging Hands-On Learning
Mel Chemistry puts real science in kids’ hands. Instead of just reading about concepts in a book, children get to experience chemistry first-hand through interactive experiments. The hands-on lessons stick better than theoretical learning.
Kids have a blast mixing chemicals and observing reactions. The ‘wow’ moments build science enthusiasm and get kids hooked on discovery.
Educational Value
The kits enable kids to gain practical knowledge about real chemistry concepts like acids and bases, oxidation, polymers, and more. Theoretical lessons are paired with physical experiments so kids can better understand the scientific principles.
Mel Chemistry is designed to align with national STEM education standards. Educators helped develop the materials to have strong educational value.
Child-Friendly and Safe
Safety is the number one priority with Mel Chemistry. All the materials and chemicals are specially selected to be safe for children to handle at home.
Kits are rigorously tested by safety experts at the Scientific Club for Kids. The projects have kid-friendly language and clear instructions for safe usage.
With adult supervision, kids can explore hands-on chemistry without being exposed to any dangerous substances.
Promotes Interest in STEM
Early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can put kids on the path to pursuing these fields.
Mel Chemistry fosters an early interest in STEM subjects through fun learning experiences. It gets kids engaged in science exploration and shows them how fascinating it can be.
The hands-on projects make abstract concepts more tangible. Kids gain confidence in STEM disciplines through first-hand investigation and problem-solving.
Subscription Model Provides Ongoing Learning
With a Mel Chemistry subscription, the learning continues with new kits delivered each month. It takes kids through a progression of chemistry concepts versus being limited to a one-time kit.
The recurring kits give kids a chance to replicate experiments and dive deeper. A subscription can fuel a lifelong passion for science.
Key Features of Mel Chemistry Kits
Mel Chemistry kits incorporate both physical and digital features to educate and excite kids about chemistry. Here are some of the key components:
Real Hands-On Experiments
Each kit revolves around an engaging chemistry experiment using real lab equipment and chemical reagents. Kids get to conduct experiments like growing metal crystals, making glow-in-the-dark jelly, and synthesizing nylon.
The hands-on approach makes abstract concepts tangible. Kids learn science by manipulating materials and observing chemical reactions first-hand.
Virtual Reality Lessons
While kids conduct physical experiments, the associated Mel Science app takes them on a virtual reality journey to explore scientific concepts.
VR lessons let kids inspect 3D molecular models, join lab simulations, and visit places like a particle accelerator. The immersive videos make learning interactive and boost engagement.
Mobile App Integration
The Mel Science mobile app works seamlessly with the kits to supplement lessons. It provides digital features like:
- Step-by-step interactive guides for experiments
- Augmented reality with 3D models
- Fun science games and quizzes
- Journaling features to record observations
The app encourages kids to take an active role in the learning process for deeper retention.
Follow-Up Activities
After completing the core project, kids are provided with follow-up activities to extend learning. Extension ideas include testing variables, troubleshooting problems, and designing their own experiments.
Follow-ups give kids a chance to apply the scientific method and deepen their understanding. It turns science into an ongoing investigation.
Quality and Safety Standards
Mel Chemistry undergoes extensive quality testing to ensure excellent educational value and safety. Some of the steps include:
- Lab testing by chemists to create safe experiments
- Trial runs by kid test groups to perfect instructions
- Safety certification from independent scientific bodies
- Compliance with toy safety regulations from the EEC and CPSC
You can feel confident letting your child explore real chemistry with Mel Chemistry kits.
How Mel Chemistry Kits Work
Mel Chemistry kits deliver exciting hands-on learning experiences to kids with minimal prep work for parents. Here is an overview of how the kits work:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Each kit comes with an experiment guide that walks kids through every step needed to carry out the project from start to finish.
The instructions use kid-friendly language and feature color photos for easy following. Kids can work semi-independently with parental supervision.
Quick Engaging Results
Mel Chemistry experiments are designed to produce dramatic visible results relatively quickly to hold kids’ attention. Reactions like color changes, bubbling liquids, and crystals forming happen within minutes.
Instant gratification gets kids hooked on science. Lengthier projects also have milestones along the way to maintain engagement.
Blending Physical and Digital
The included equipment, chemicals, and guides provide a hands-on experience, while the mobile app augments it with digital content. The blended model engages multiple learning styles.
Kids use the app to follow interactive guides, view 3D models, play games, and journal their observations. It brings the experiments to life digitally.
Discovering Real Scientific Principles
The kits don’t just wow kids with cool reactions. They are designed to demonstrate real scientific concepts like polarity, oxidation states, polymers, and more.
With guidance, kids discover the principles at work behind the experiment phenomena. It fosters critical thinking skills along with science knowledge.
Chemistry Projects for Kids with Mel Science
Mel Chemistry offers a vast range of chemistry projects to engage kids of all interests and skill levels. The kits are designed for children ages 7 and up.
Here are some examples of the types of projects found in the kits:
Classic Chemistry Reactions
- Elephant toothpaste – colorful foaming reaction
- Lava lamp – oil and water density layers
- Film canister rockets – chemical reaction propulsion
- Slime and putty – exploring polymers
- Chromatography – separating black marker dyes
These fun reactions demonstrate basic chemistry concepts like catalysis, polarity, and capillary action. The starting kits feature many classic experiments.
Materials Science
- Growing crystals – crystallization process
- Making nylon-polymerization
- DIY snow-polymer absorption
- Glow powder – luminescence
- Metal plating – electrochemistry
Kids get to synthesize advanced materials like polymers while learning about their properties and molecular structure.
Applied Chemistry
- Making soap – saponification reaction
- Developing photos – photochemistry
- Testing pH – acidity and alkalinity
- Analyzing chemicals – spectroscopy
- Making ice cream – states of matter
Real-life applications show kids the relevance of chemistry to things they use every day. They discover how chemists develop products and solutions.
Environmental Science
- Oil spill clean-up – absorption
- Water filtration – separation methods
- Simulated volcanic eruption – chemical reactions
- DIY bioplastic – sustainability
- Solar power – photovoltaics
These projects teach kids about chemistry’s role in ecosystems, energy, and environmental issues. They learn how chemists address challenges like pollution.
With each new kit, kids are introduced to new concepts, reactions, and materials. A subscription provides year-round, progressive science learning.
Key Chemistry Concepts Covered in Kits
Mel Chemistry kits expose kids to advanced scientific concepts in an easy, engaging way. Some of the main concepts covered include:
Matter and Materials
The states of matter – solids, liquids, gases, and plasma – plus the properties of each. How materials can change between states. The molecular structure of different substances.
Chemical Reactions
The basics of chemical reactions and how to identify them. Acids/bases, oxidation/reduction, endothermic/exothermic reactions. The role of catalysts and energy.
Lab Methods
Using lab tools like pipettes, beakers, and chromatography paper. Experimental techniques like distillation and spectroscopy. The scientific method and documentation.
Applied Chemistry
How chemistry applies to real-world things like cooking, photography, and sustainability. How chemists develop materials like medicines, solar cells, and more.
The hands-on kits put complex concepts into action so kids can truly grasp them. Mel Chemistry builds a solid science foundation.
Is Mel Chemistry Safe for Kids?
Parents rightly have concerns about children handling chemicals. Safety is the top priority for Mel Chemistry.
All the materials and ingredients are carefully selected to be completely safe for kids under adult supervision. Here’s how safety is ensured:
Child-Safe Chemicals
The kits only use chemicals that are non-toxic and gentle enough for kids to handle. Some examples are:
- Weak acids like citric acid or dilute HCl
- Mild bases like washing soda
- Safe polymers like guar gum
- Harmless salts like sugar, salt, baking soda
There are absolutely no dangerous or highly reactive chemicals included.
Extensive Safety Testing
Mel Chemistry prototypes go through rigorous lab testing to identify any potential hazards. The safety of each kit is certified by scientific bodies like the CPSC.
Detailed Safety Guidelines
Instructions explain proper handling and safety precautions for kids. All chemicals come in child-proof packages with warning labels. With adult guidance, experiments are completely safe.
The educational value is balanced carefully with safety. Kids get to do real chemistry with no exposure to toxins.
How to Choose the Right Mel Chemistry Kit
Mel Chemistry offers kit subscriptions tailored for different age levels and schedules. Consider the following when selecting the right options:
Science Interest and Skill
Does the child want to explore advanced concepts or stick to basics? Are they ready for more complexity? Select kits that match their science skill and curiosity.
Schedule Flexibility
Monthly kits work well for consistent learning. The 3-months-on/1-month-off plan allows for vacations. Get just 1 kit for a trial. You can switch plans anytime.
Child’s Age
Kits are designed for specific age groups like 7-9 or 10-12. The projects align with a child’s developmental capabilities at each stage. Pick the right age bracket.
Budget
Budget Monthly kits start under $30. Larger quarterly kits go up to $60. Consider one-time purchases or subscriptions. Manage costs while ensuring a consistent science supply.
With flexible options, you can tailor Mel Chemistry to your child’s unique needs and schedule. Change kits as their skills progress.
Mel Chemistry Kits vs. Traditional Kits
Mel Chemistry represents a major evolution from old chemistry sets. The combination of hands-on projects and digital lessons provides a superior educational experience.
Mel Chemistry
- Digital app with VR lessons
- Real experimental equipment
- High-quality illustrated guides
- Monthly science supply
- Developed by science experts
- Tested for safety and quality
Traditional Kits
- Static text-based instructions
- Lower grade materials
- Generic kits not designed by experts
- Limited supplies – one-time use
- Questionable safety standards
- Activity quality varies widely
Mel Chemistry’s ongoing subscriptions provide today’s tech-savvy kids with a dynamic STEM learning experience parents can feel good about.
Mel Chemistry Kits for Homeschooling
For homeschooling families, Mel Chemistry is an excellent way to build hands-on science lessons into your curriculum.
The flexible subscriptions work well for individual learners. Kits start with basic concepts and increase in complexity over time, following a child’s progress.
The UK-based company offers kits aligned with the Key Stage 3 and 4 chemistry syllabus. Students can conduct the same experiments they’d do in a school lab.
Here are some of the benefits of incorporating Mel Chemistry into home education:
- The fun engaging way to supplement lessons
- Guaranteed quality and safety
- Cost-effective compared to full lab supplies
- Helps you stick to national curriculum standards
- Builds enthusiasm for science
- Promotes independence and critical thinking
- Can be done at your own pace with support
With Mel Chemistry, you can give your child an amazing real-world science education at home. Experiment kits turn learning into a fun bonding activity.
Conclusion
Mel Chemistry kits provide an invaluable hands-on chemistry learning experience for children. Kids have a blast while gaining a real understanding of scientific principles.
These kits go far beyond messy play to teach actual chemistry. With vivid educational materials and built-in safety features, kids can explore real experiments with minimal risk.
A Mel Chemistry subscription fuels ongoing STEM learning. Kits empower kids to make scientific discoveries at home and develop a lifelong passion for science.
Key Takeaways:
- Mel Chemistry kits blend hands-on projects with digital content for next-level learning.
- With kid-safe chemicals and clear instructions, children can conduct real chemistry experiments at home.
- The kits promote STEM enthusiasm through fun, dramatic reactions, and discoveries.
- A subscription model provides expanding science education matched to a child’s developing skills.
- Digital lessons like VR and mobile app turn abstract concepts into interactive experiences.
- As an educational tool or gift, Mel Chemistry kits unlock a world of scientific exploration for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is appropriate for Mel Chemistry kits?
Mel Chemistry kits are designed for children ages 7 and up. The hands-on experiments are tailored to specific age levels so kids can develop science skills at the right pace. Reviews show that kids as young as 5 enjoy the kits with parental guidance. The chemistry projects align with upper primary through early secondary school education.
Are the chemical reactions safe?
Absolutely! Safety is the number one priority. All chemicals are child-friendly and non-toxic. Lab testing ensures safe use at home. With adult supervision, Mel Chemistry kits enable real scientific discovery without any serious hazards. The detailed step-by-step instructions explain proper handling.
How much does a Mel Chemistry subscription cost?
Mel Chemistry offers flexible subscription options. The starter kit is $39, then you choose monthly, quarterly, or longer plans. On average, the recurring subscription boxes cost less than $30 per month. You can adjust the frequency and cancel anytime. For the educational value, Mel Chemistry is very cost-effective.
What if my child finishes an experiment early?
The kits encourage further hands-on learning with follow-up activities. Kids can repeat experiments while testing new variables. Or extend principles learned into designing their own projects. Mel Chemistry fosters ongoing scientific exploration beyond the core kit.
Can Mel Chemistry replace science class?
While Mel Chemistry provides an excellent STEM education, it should supplement, not replace, a comprehensive science curriculum. The hands-on lessons motivate kids to learn more about key chemistry concepts. Used alongside science instruction at school or home, the kits reinforce and apply knowledge through real-world experiments.