Imgine getting a science lab delivered to your child right through the post! This is the fun new concept sweeping the UK from Letterbox Lab! Each month children receive a box of science experiments that cleverly fits through their letterbox; each month’s supplies building on the last. Everything they need is included: right down to the gloves and scissors!
When Letterbox Lab contacted me to see if we’d be interested in trying out their new product, I asked my children (after all, if they’re not interested, then it’s just not going to happen) and they gave a resounding ‘YES!’ Then they waited impatiently by the door each day when the saw the postperson making the rounds.
Then the day they’d been waiting for arrived!
Yes, I took a picture of the lab in the door, just to prove to you that it does, indeed, fit.
There are 2 versions of Letterbox Lab available;
Explore Box
Ages: 6+
Number of Experiments: 3
Time to complete: 1 hour
Reusable items: Pencil, scissors, spinning top, markers, petri dish, and the rainbow glasses you’ll make.
Investigate Box
Ages: 8+
Number of experiments: 5
Time to complete: 3 hours
Reusable items: Pencil, scissors, spinning top, markers, petri dish, measuring cylinder, goggles, and the rainbow glasses you’ll make.
The experiments in the Explore Box are also in the Investigate Box, but the Investigate Box also contains additional experiments that use more equipment that you can add to your personal lab.
With each science box:
Before your kit even arrives you’ll receive an email telling you it’s on the way. You’ll also be given a link and password to enter into a protected site where you can watch the how-to videos and download the full-colour instruction booklet (which also comes in the kit – but with kids and scientific solutions, you may need a back-up).
When you open the Explore Box (ages 6+), all of the supplies will be there ready to go.
Because there are more experiments in the Investigate Box, the experiment-specific supplies are each in their own fun bag, sealed with a label that designates which experiment it is for. This helps to keep the items tidy, from getting lost, as well as adding to the anticipation!
For most of the experiments in each box there are enough supplies to complete each experiment. There is the odd exception, such as the rainbow glasses; but these you can keep and use again and again. Having enough supplies means that if you have 2 children they can each do their own experiment, or the experiments can be repeated. In our case, my children worked together on the experiments and now they can do them again when the mood strikes.
Educational Component
From Letterbox Lab, “Although, obviously educational and linked to the science curricula of all 4 parts of the UK our emphasis is more on being fun and colourful.” The curriculum links for each box can be found in the member’s area with the videos.
What Did My Children Think?
This picture sums it up:
The Rainbow glasses added in craftiness to science, which my children are all about. We had a spell of great weather when the first boxes arrived so Tristan and Kallista did many of the experiments outdoors. The sunlight bouncing off windows and cars were just what was needed for to make these glasses really work well!
Here’s a little peak at the experiments as my children worked on them.
Incredible Inks
This is actually 3 experiment for the price of one, and all of them are fun!
Rainbow Glasses
Rainbow Spinners
Liquid Rainbow
We had this experiment sitting on our windowsill for a week watching to see if any changes occurred…you’ll have to try it yourself to find out.
Brilliant Breathless Balloon
My children were amazed at how they could blow up a balloon magically!
Squirmy Worms
Kallista doesn’t usually like messy science, but after seeing what happened when one solution was added to another, she couldn’t wait to get her hands in, too!
Who Is Letterbox Lab For?
Letterbox Lab is for adventurous kids who like to have fun or are interested in science!
Parents, grandparent, childminders, after school programs….this would make a fun addition to your planning! When I was a childminder I had a girl who enjoyed science but she rarely had the opportunity to do it at school so she would look forward to coming over after classes because I often had experiments for the kids to explore. With Letterbox Lab, all the materials are included, so the set-up is easy and prep time almost non-existent. Perfect!
How To Have Letterbox Lab Delivered
Simply go to Letterbox Lab, choose the box(es) you would like, fill in the delivery information, pay, sit back and watch for the postman.
Boxes are available in as a one-time box, a rolling monthly subscription, or for 3-month subscriptions.
And until the end of August, you can receive 15% off your order with the code castleviewacademy.
If you’d like to know more or would like to follow Letterbox Lab, you can connect with them through their website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
