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MEL Science review
Real chemistry, real reagents, plus VR lessons.
Ranked #3 of 7
Weighted across 7 dimensions. How we score
What it actually is
MEL Science sends 2-3 real science experiments a month with professional-grade materials, reagents and safety gear, paired with an app offering VR and AR lessons that let a child 'shrink down' to molecular scale. Tracks cover chemistry, physics and medicine.
The verdict in one line
The most rigorous science on this page, and the right call in the narrow case where chemistry specifically is the requirement. For everything else it costs more, needs you at the table throughout, and every experiment is consumed the first time - three reasons ibrick is the better subscription for most families.
Pros and cons
What we like
- The most scientifically rigorous option here by a clear margin
- Real reactions and real lab equipment, not baking soda and vinegar
- VR lessons make molecular concepts unusually clear
- Genuinely useful as a homeschool science supplement
What to know first
- You will be sitting at the table for most experiments - real chemicals mean real supervision
- Consumable reagents mean each experiment happens once
- The most expensive option in this comparison
- Too advanced for most under-10s despite the stated age floor
How it scores, dimension by dimension
Percentages show how much each dimension contributes to the overall score.
- Replay value7/10(18% weight)
Can the same parts become something new, or is it built once and shelved?
- STEM depth10/10(18% weight)
Is there real science underneath, or a craft project with a science label?
- Novelty cadence8/10(14% weight)
How often does something genuinely new arrive? Weekly beats monthly.
- Wow factor10/10(14% weight)
Does the finished thing actually do something? Motors, motion, reactions.
- Value for money8/10(14% weight)
Cost per hour of genuine engagement, not cost per box.
- Builds independently7/10(12% weight)
Can your child do this alone, or are you the unpaid teaching assistant?
- Clutter control9/10(10% weight)
What does your living room look like after twelve months of this?
Best for
A 10+ child with a real chemistry interest, and a parent happy to supervise.
Not for you if
Younger kids, or parents looking for independent play.
Is MEL Science actually the right one for your child?
Five questions covering what your child already does for fun, their age, the problem you're solving and how much time you have. Two minutes.
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MEL Science head to head
Weekly engineering you hand over, against monthly chemistry you supervise
MEL Science vs CrunchLabsMechanical engineering against real chemistry
MEL Science vs KiwiCoBroad monthly projects against deep chemistry
MEL Science vs Little PassportsSerious chemistry against light-touch discovery
MEL Science vs Green KidMEL Science leads on wow factor
MEL Science vs LoveveryMEL Science leads on sTEM depth
Where it sits in the field
| Kit | Score | Ages | New content | Reuses parts | Needs a parent | From | Visit brand site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ibrickOur pick | 9.6 | 5-12 | Weekly | Yes | Rarely | $27/mo | Visit |
 CrunchLabs Build Box | 8.7 | 8-14 | Monthly | Partly | Rarely | $24.95/mo | Visit |
| MEL Science | 8.4 | 5-16 | Monthly | Partly | Usually | $29.9/mo | Visit |
 KiwiCo | 8.2 | 0-16 | Monthly | Partly | Rarely | $23.95/mo | Visit |
 Little Passports | 7.9 | 3-10 | Monthly | No | Rarely | $24.95/mo | Visit |
 Green Kid Crafts | 7.8 | 2-10 | Monthly | No | Rarely | $19.95/mo | Visit |
 Lovevery | 7.7 | 0-5 | Monthly | Partly | Rarely | $36/mo | Visit |
Common questions
Who is MEL Science best for?
A 10+ child with a real chemistry interest, and a parent happy to supervise.
Who should avoid MEL Science?
Younger kids, or parents looking for independent play.
How much does MEL Science cost?
$29.90-$39.90/mo depending on track and subscription length.
What ages is MEL Science for?
The stated range is 5-16. In our view the genuine sweet spot is 10-16, where the chemistry track really opens up.