Science in a box for ages 9 and up ~ Written by Jamie C. Martin of Simple Homeschool
Just a few years ago, everything for homeschoolers began to arrive in a box.
You could get crafts in a box, geography in a box, history in a box, preschool in a box, and more! They’d arrive in the mail once every month, and voila: something easy and educational to do that day with the kiddos, leaving you feeling like a homeschool parent champ.
Of all the monthly boxes/subscriptions we tried over the years, Little Passports ended up being our favorite. (Those of you who have read Give Your Child the World probably won’t find that too surprising!)
Each month we traveled–via mail–to a different country. I loved that these packages weren’t overwhelming. They didn’t force me to spend hours preparing anything; they contained just enough to help us learn and to keep it fun for both the kids and me.
Over the years we visited more than two dozen new lands. But then something sad happened.
My children kept growing up.
And they slowly aged out of all these cool monthly boxes–Little Passports as well. After all, most monthly subscriptions are geared toward elementary aged kids.
So when I found out that LP had developed a new Science Expeditions subscription for older kids and tweens, I couldn’t wait to give it a try.
You guys should know that at this point in Simple Homeschool’s life I receive about ten promotional opportunities each day. (My favorite laugh-out-loud one to date was from someone offering to pay me to write about beef jerky. Yes, beef jerky.)
I say “no” to over 90% of these, so when I say “yes,” you can trust that I believe it’s a fit for this blog, you as readers, and my family, too. Authenticity is my biggest guiding value when I promote anything.
I knew that from our wonderful experience with Little Passports in the past, this new offering would be worth taking a peek at. And I was right!
Here’s an overview:
“Little Passports’ Science Expeditions packages include hands-on activities that encourage interdisciplinary thinking — widely thought of as STEAM — which includes science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Every month, your child will receive a package full of science experiments related to themes like rockets, forensic science, vision, caves and crystals, northern lights and magnetism, hydrology, and so on.
Recommended for ages 9 and up, each month of the Little Passports Science Expeditions subscription includes:
- Hands on-science experiments (instructions and supplies)
- A 16-page comic book with glossary and bonus activities
- A new mystery to solve with Sam and Sofia
- Achievement badges for each monthly theme
- Access to bonus online videos and science content
- Science case bag & lab notebook (arrive with your first package)”
Our experience
The biggest complaint I’ve had with science kits in the past is that the experiments are too complicated, requiring too many components that we may or may not have on hand. And after attempting an entire experiment, it can be such a bummer when they don’t turn out the way they’re supposed to.
(This has happened A LOT over the years, yet I’m not bitter. Grrrrr.)
But the experiment we tried from LP’s Forensic Science box completely won me over–you guys?! We made DNA! Like that we could physically see! The process was so simple and the results left the kids and me completely in awe.
See that DNA? Wow, amazing.
The graphic novel style comic book included in our package was also a perfect fit for the older elementary/tween age group, featuring a mystery that characters Sam and Sofia have to use science to solve.
I also appreciated the note reminding kids to keep all the box’s supplies, as they will be used again in upcoming months, helping to cut down on waste.
Are grandparents or other relatives asking what to give your kiddos this year for the holidays?
Any of the Little Passports subscriptions would make an excellent educational pick that keeps giving all year round.
The choices go from preschool up to tween:
Special Offer
It’s the PERFECT time to try out Little Passports–head here to see their current special offers!
This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.
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My kids are 6, 9, 12, and 12. My 12s would love the Science Expedition!
My kids are 5 and 3 and we would love the Early Explorers subscription!
My children are 9 and 7 and the Science Expedition would be the favorite.
My son is 9 and would love the science kit!
My daughter is 10 and would love the new science ikit
My DD is 9 and loves science! Science kit would be awesome!
Jamie, I’m so glad you reviewed this. I have been planning on getting it for Landon. We have done the world and usa editions of little passports and really enjoyed them. The younger one I may try for Harkin. This would be a welcome win here!
I would love to try the science.
The Science Expedition kit looks amazing! My 11 and 12 year-old daughters would love this.
This looks so cool! My kids are ages 1-9; my oldest would love this science kit.
The world edition looks great! My kids are 7, 5, and 1.
My kids are 8, 6, 4, and 1, and we would love the USA edition!
11 years old
Would try science
My kiddos are 11, 7,6,3, and 1. All of these kits would be great for different children, but I think we would try the USA kit.
My kids are 12, 11, 8 and 6 and would love the science expeditions, though the world edition of Little Passports would be a close second!
I have two elementary age kiddos that I would LOVE this for! We have had the USA edition of LP and really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the chance!
I would love to try the World Edition or Science Explorers with my son. He’s 7.5YO but other boxes we’ve ordered have been too simplistic to engage him!
My daughter is 11 and loves to receive mail. She would love the new science kit. This looks really good!
My children are 11, 10, 8, and 3. After leaving our science curriculum for the year in the dust in favor of experiments found on YouTube (most of which I’m constantly ordering or searching for weird ingredients), they (and I) would love the new Science kit!!!
My kids are 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 17. We would love the science kit!
I have a 9 & 11 year old. We have loved the LP countries and states programs, and now am so excited for science! I never expected this from LP but I am thrilled as science is challenging for me to find a program that is hands on but also exciting and fun!
Thank you so much for sharing this! As a former science teacher myself, I’d love to have some quality science experiments to get my kids interested in how the world works. They are 8.5 and 10 and would LOVE the science expeditions!
My boys are 5, 7 and 9. My *almost* 10 year old would love the science kit as Science is his favorite subject and comics are a new interest.???? Thanks for the chance and helpful review!
My oldest is almost 9 and would love the science kit!
My kids are 9, 7, & 2. I would love the science kit for my older girls!
My kids are 5 1/2 and 7 – they would probably like the World Edition. What a great giveaway! Thanks!