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Home / Family & Kids / STEM Kits for Kids / MEL Science
8.4 Tested Aug 25, 2026 by Team RankingRight

MEL Science (MEL Chemistry (10–16) / MEL Kids (5–10)) review 2026

Real chemistry and physics experiments with lab-grade equipment and VR lessons — the most science per box in the test, for older kids

PriceFrom $34.90 · checked Sep 11, 2026
Ages10–16
Hours of activity2.5 per box

Is the MEL Science Worth It?

Best for real science. MEL is the kit for a child who has outgrown baking-soda volcanoes: real reactions, real equipment, and explanations that made our 11-year-old want the next box. It costs more and needs a parent in the room, which is why it sits behind KiwiCo overall.

MEL Science Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Experiments our 11-year-old could explain afterwards — tin dendrites, chemical clocks, a zinc-carbon battery
  • Starter kit with real goggles, beakers and a phone macroscope
  • App and VR lessons explain the chemistry at molecular level
  • Safety data and disposal instructions for every reagent
Cons
  • $35 a month; the most expensive subscription here
  • Needs an adult alongside for most experiments
  • Too advanced for our 7-year-old on the Chemistry line

MEL Science at a Glance

8.4 Editor Score
Learning valueWhat the child could explain about the science or code afterwards, and whether the kit teaches or just entertains.
29/30
EngagementWhether the child returned to it unprompted and how long a session held attention.
17/20
Build quality & safetyComponent quality, missing parts, small-part and chemical safety, age accuracy.
15/15
Parent effortSetup time and how much adult help each activity needed at the stated age.
10/15
ValuePrice per hour of activity, and whether it keeps giving after the first use.
13/20
Reader ratingNo reader ratings yet — not part of the score
–
Own one? Rate it:

Rubric v1: Learning value 30 · Engagement 20 · Build quality & safety 15 · Parent effort 15 · Value 20. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.

Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026

Impact.com — $34.90

Best priceVisit Site

MEL Science — $34.90

Also sold atVisit Site

Amazon — $34.90

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MEL Science specifications

Ages5–10 (Kids), 10–16 (Chemistry, Physics)
SubjectChemistry, physics, biology
FormatMonthly subscription
PriceFrom $29.90/mo on the annual plan; starter kit with goggles and equipment included
Needs a screenOptional (app and VR lessons)
Projects / experiments2–3 experiments per box
ReusableEquipment yes; reagents no

Why it scored 8.4

MEL is the kit for a child who has outgrown baking-soda volcanoes: real reactions, real equipment, and explanations that made our 11-year-old want the next box. It costs more and needs a parent in the room, which is why it sits behind KiwiCo overall.

Where it loses

Parent effort and price.

Still the right pick for

Science-keen 10–16-year-olds.

Changelog: Sep 11 — rank 2 → 3; Sep 11 — rank 3 → 4 · all changes

MEL Science8.4 · $34.90
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