AD – GIFTED | One of the great joys of this blog is when I get to review something that isn’t actually for me, it’s for Flora, our daughter – like her fabulous KS2 kids science subscription boxes from Letterbox Lab. Tailored to the KS2 National Curriculum for STEM and STEAM, these fun science experiments are a brilliant way of supplementing what she learns in school, and provide much enjoyment to boot. It’s also a learning experience for me, as well as some lovely mother-daughter time, and her newest box, Inner Space* has been much anticipated!
Letterbox Lab
For those who are new to my blog and who haven’t seen our previous reviews, Letterbox Lab is a series of 12 linked science kits with full instructions and tools (you only need to add water for some of the experiments). Online resources and videos accompany every box, plus some suggestions for further fun science experiments and extension activities. The Explore box (for age 6+) and the Investigate box (for age 8+) both support the UK primary school curricula, and one off boxes start at £11.00 including P&P.
Inner Space
Inner Space is the sixth in the Investigate box series. This time we had a very manageable seven different fun science activities, with the traditionally helpful Messiness star rating at the beginning of each one. Flora loved her previous box, Let It Glow, she’s had endless hours of fun with the UV pen/torch ever since, and couldn’t wait to get started on this new box. So what was inside and how did we get on?
- Break it Down – a bag of oats, a bag of enzyme powder, an empty bag, sticky labels, a pencil, a pocket microscope, the measuring cylinder and safety goggles from Box 1, and some water.
- Dark as Starch – a bottle of iodine, a bag of cornflower, a sugar sachet, a pipette, a tube of vitamin C powder, a tube of lemon juice, a tube of squash, some safety gloves, the metal spatula/scoop, the test tube rack and three test tubes from Box 3, the measuring cylinder and safety goggles, and some water
- Root to Success – two pieces of kitchen roll, blue food colouring, red food colouring, the test tube rack and three test tubes, and some water
- It’s a Corker – a piece of cork, and the microscope
- Pop goes the Potential Energy – the yellow popper
- Robo Hand – straws, glue dots, string, beads, ruler, the box (!), pencil, scissors
- Reach for It – split pins, glue dot, sticky magnets, ruler, the box (!), pencil, scissors
- Wind up Flutterby Butterfly – an extra gift
- A 24-page instruction booklet, a safety sheet, an Energy Expert badge, and her Silver Investigator Certificate.
Break it Down
When we first saw the porridge oats we thought we were going to be conducting an eating experiment but, alas, that was not to be. Flora had to empty half the oats into the spare bag, add some water to both, and then the enzyme powder to one bag.
And I’m proud to say all her time in the Beavers and Scouts is clearly paying off, she had the forethought to label both bags BEFORE she tipped everything into them. Anyway, after massaging both bags for about 10 minutes, she had a look through her microscope to see what was going on.
It’s a bit difficult to see but the oats on the right were mushier with little greenish and white bits in them, which we assumed was due to the enzyme powder doing its job of digestion. Digestion starts with your teeth grinding up food and then enzyme chemicals (stomach acid) get to work breaking your food down into even smaller bits. Oddly enough, Flora didn’t fancy having porridge for breakfast that morning though…
Dark as Starch
This science project took a closer look at starch, which you find in rice, bread and potatoes, for example. Flora filled up three test tubes with water and a few drops of iodine then carried out various tests involving sugar, cornflower (starch) and Vitamin C powder. Iodine + water = yellow water. Adding sugar turned the water clear. Adding cornflower turned the water purple. BUT… adding Vitamin C powder to cornflower, water and iodine removes the starch element so the purple colour disappears.
The next experiment was using this reaction to test stuff and see how much Vitamin C it contained. After washing all her test tubes, she filled them with water and a scoop of cornflower. Leaving the first tube as a control, she added lemon juice to the second, and lemon squash to the third. Next, she added five drops of iodine to the first tube. Then it was a case of adding a drop at time to get all three tubes the same colour and see how much Vitamin C the juice and squash contained. Which liquid do you think had the most Vitamin C? If you said juice, well done!
And the last part of this experiment was about our saliva. Spit has a digestive enzyme in it to help break starch down into sugar to fuel our bodies. So Flora spat into one tube of water, cornflower and iodine and left the other as a control (please ignore the middle tube, we forgot to take it out of the rack). After about an hour, the left hand tube was a lighter purple, meaning the saliva had acted on the cornflower and there was no starch left. Remember the very first part of this experiment, when adding sugar turned the water clear? That’s more or less what happened here.
Root to Success
The next of the fun science experiments in Flora’s box was learning about capillary action, something plants do via their roots to suck up water from the soil. Simply take two test tubes filled with water, add red food colouring to one and blue to the other, and insert into the rack either side of an empty tube. Then roll up two sheets of kitchen roll and put one end into each coloured tube and the other end into the empty tube. You can see what happened after only a couple of hours.
It’s a Corker
Did you know that cork is a waterproof layer in some tree bark, protects them from damage, and helps to move sugars around the plant? Me neither – that’s what I mean about these boxes being a learning experience for me too. Anyway, Flora had to look at her cork through the microscope to see all the air pockets, which she duly did.
And then she had to look at other structures as well, to see how they are put together. Below you can see the cork (“like a dry river bed”), a leaf skeleton (“like a beehive with cellular structure”), and the yellow of the Letterbox Lab booklet (“like comics with lots of dots”) 🙂 Fascinating stuff, no? Apologies for the picture quality but it turns out it’s actually quite difficult taking a photo of something through a microscope.
Her favourite discoveries were the close ups of her skin, which she thought looked like crazy paving, of a daffodil, whose petal looked like a sponge, “that’s so cool,” and of my mobile phone screen, “Oooooh, wowwwwww, aaaaaaah, it looks like a car headlight!” And the most intriguing discovery? Everything appeared upside down!
Pop goes the Potential Energy
We thought this would be the easiest of her fun science experiments but oh my, it was absolutely not. The wretched popper was just about impossible to turn inside out and stick to the table, it took several goes.
But we had a lot of fun while we discovered how stored energy is released as movement (which is what our bodies do with the energy we extract from food). And we made another discovery, that the popper worked much better and was more malleable when it was warmed up first.
Robo Hand aka THE CLAW
(Toy Story reference, anyone?) Flora had actually already tried this experiment at the end of Year 4 but she was happy to give it another go. I drew around the outside of her hand on the base of the box and she cut it out, creasing the cardboard at the “knuckles”.
Then she had to cut the straws into pieces, stick them on the fingers, and thread the string through them. The threading was the hardest part, apparently, but in the interests of her appreciating the full learning experience, I left her to it. And after tying beads on one set of ends, she tied the other ends onto her fingers. So the string acted like our tendons do, connecting our bones and muscles and allowing movements. Fun fact: there are nine different muscles that move each of our thumbs!
As you can see, initially Spooky wasn’t too sure about this new head scratching device, but he very quickly decided It Was A Good Thing 😉
Reach for It
Following on from the success of the Robo Hand aka THE CLAW, Flora had to use the lid of the box to cut some strips of cardboard, poke holes in them, and use split pins to attach them together in a concertina shape.
Ta-dah, one grabber, complete with sticky magnets on the end that mimicked the friction in her fingertips to help grasp things. In reality, the cardboard grabber wasn’t able to pick up as much as a metal grabber due to weight issues vs. the strength of the cardboard. But she still had a lot of fun, as you can see 🙂
Final thoughts
Although we didn’t take the experiments in order this time, we completed them over the course of one exceptionally rainy weekend. I think her favourite of all the science activities were Robo Hand aka THE CLAW and the Grabber. She’s been playing/experimenting with both on a semi-regular basis ever since, as well as having lots of fun with her microscope. So, once again, a big thank you to Letterbox Lab for our sixth Investigate box. And we’re very much looking forward to going Over The Top to see how things flutter, fly and fall next time.
Have you learned anything new about how our bodies work? Do you know any kids who’d love to journey into Inner Space – or dive deeper into science in general – with one of these fabulous subscription boxes?
* This post features gifted items but all opinions are our own.
What a fun experiment set! I think if I had these when I was younger I would have enjoyed them, making me feel more grown up! Such a great way for kids to learn. What a great product especially at the moment with all kids off school! A great way to learn and have fun. Thank you for sharing your experience Lisa xxx
That’s exactly how I feel too, Flora is very lucky, haha. And yes, these boxes are ideal at the moment, they’re such fun and to be able to tick the learning box as well is brilliant. Thank you for your lovely comment, Lauren xxx
I would have loved to have done this as a child. Its especially great with parents who are struggling to home school their children at the moment. Such a lovely concept, and a great review
I’m not sure who looks forward to these boxes more, Flora or me. But yes, the timing couldn’t have been better this month, hopefully they can help other parents and kids too 🙂
I’ve been on the lookout for this exact thing! My daughter loves science at school so I thought I’d find her some science things to do during this lockdown. What a really great price too! I love it when these sets only require minimal additional ingredients too! Thank you for sharing and helping! xxx
Oh that’s so good to hear, thank you! And yes, it is a really good price, especially when you consider you get everything included except the water. Flora keeps revisiting certain activities from previous boxes, so it’s the subscription that keeps giving! xxx
This literally looks like the best boredom buster ever!
Ha, it sure is!
Wow, there is a lot to do in that box! My daughters have been having fun with science projects at home, I think this is a great idea 🙂
The boxes really are packed, they’re such good fun to do as well, time really does fly! 🙂
Root to Success looks like something that will be fun for ME 😍 if I had kids in the house I’d probably do every single one of these fun experiments!
Ha, you got it in one, these are FUN for adults as well! 🙂
Looks like fun! Adults might enjoy these experiments, too.
As an adult (!) I can confirm that yes, we do 🙂
Letterbox Lab is always full of fun and interesting experiments, I love that you and Flora have such a good time doing these together! This is absolutely the perfect subscription box for kids right now, especially with all the homeschooling that is going on, it’s such a great way to keep learning varied, enjoyable and interactive. My favourite is ‘The Claw’ (yay for Toy Story!) – it’s adorable that Spooky got involved too, he’s like, ‘oh hang on, this is new, I like this’, haha! Brilliant review Lisa & Flora, looking forward to see what experiments you get in the next one <3 xxx
They really are, we absolutely LOVE these boxes, there’s always so much to do and learn. And the timing really is spot on at the moment too. I think you can probably guess that The Claw was a huge hit, although I must admit, I was very surprised that Spooky was so engaged, I thought he’d run a mile! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Bexa xxx
My daughter would love the younger set! She always says she wants to be a scientist! Thanks for the review, sounds fun!
Oh, well the Explore box would be perfect for her then!
I have a couple of budding young scientists at home who would absolutely love this!
I’m sure they would, these boxes would be ideal 🙂
Wow this is such an awesome product! And what a great time to do it since we are all stuck at home. This is perfect for kids since it is fun and they learn so much from doing it! Thanks for sharing this!
It’s a wonderful subscription box, honestly, we look forward to them so much. And yes, it’s especially good timing right now – fun and educational 🙂
What fun – I used to love this stuff as a kid!! Thanks for sharing!
They’re great fun and educational too – win, win 🙂
This is so fun and creative. Definitely good for those that have kids and lack activities for them. Thanks for sharing, really enjoyed reading your post 🙂
xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com
Oh thank you so much, that’s so kind of you, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! 🙂
This looks like a fun experiment and a great way to keep the kids entertained during this time! We’ll be sending this to our friends with kids, as I’m sure they’d appreciate the recommendations!
Jessica & James
Oh thank you so much, that’s so kind – I’m sure your friends’ kids would be thrilled (and very lucky) to receive one of these 🙂
I know this is for kids, but man, I want a set. Sounds like a great thing to do during lockdown!
x Envy
https://verdwaaldinvertaling.blogspot.com
Well, I can confirm that big kids enjoy this every much as the real target audience! x
What a lovely way to keep kids occupied and expand their imagination and knowledge. Maybe my five year old niece would love one of these as a Christmas gift. Or perhaps for the next quarantine haha!
Stay safe xx
They’re a great way of learning outside the classroom – a gift subscription would be a wonderful idea 🙂
I know this says for kids but I would love to give this a go haha! Either way, this is perfect for people who have kids at home – particularly now when they are stuck at home and can’t go to school at the moment! Great post!
I think these boxes are perfect for families right now (I mean they’re great at any time but especially now) and thank you!
This looks amazing! definitely would have been right up my street as a child. I used to have a science experiment kit when I was younger and I loved it 🙂 This is amazing that it comes through the letterbox like that too!
Ashleigh x
I never liked science at school but if I’d had a kit like this coming through the letterbox I think it would have been a whole different story. These boxes really are fab! x
This is definitely an activity i will do my baby boy ! Thanks Lisa
You’re very welcome – maybe the Explore box would be best for him 🙂
Wow, this is so cool! I feel as though this would have been so handy to have when I was growing up, since this kind of visual and hands-on learning really helps things stick, especially when it comes to systems of the body. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome – and yes, it’s super cool, such a brilliant way of encouraging experimentation and learning, which is especially helpful just now 🙂
Those are such fun activities to do while stuck at home. I love that there are all these different options all in a single box, delivered right to your door – isn’t that the perfect option with everything going on right now? I’ve seen a lot of the science experiments done at home before but I’ve never seen the robot hand – that was fun!!
They really are, and they’re all so well thought out as well. We love seeing all the different activities each month – can’t wait for our next box!
This literally looks like so much fun, I used to love things like this when I was kid!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It really is, I don’t know who looks forward to the boxes more, Flora or me!
What a fun little set this is! I love the oat experiment, even if it does give an inside look at what goes on after you eat something . . . this is such a great way to teach kids about some of the basic structures in food without getting into fine details, and the clever names each experiment have reminded me of puns. 🙂
It’s so much fun, Jaya, honestly! And the names are great too, they always make me laugh 🙂 x
The expression on Spooky’s face is amazing, it’s almost like you can see him trying to decide if he likes it. I love when your blogger mail is actually for Flora too and seeing her experiment with these boxes is always fun. Using basics like oats to teach about digestion is such a great way to show the process. I love how they can learn so many things from such simple things to start with. I’m going to be sad when she gets too old for these…😂 x
Sophie
I know, I couldn’t stop laughing, he was so funny – it’s the first time he’s been involved in one of our reviews, haha. And don’t worry, I don’t think Flora is ever going to be too old for activities like this, but if she is, I’ll just rope in Alan! x
Looks like great fun!
They sure are 🙂
Great activities for kids, thanks for sharing!
They really are 🙂
This looks so fun and like the perfect isolation activity to do with a child! I really love the look of the experiments, and it looks like you both enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing x
We both had soooooo much fun with these, and you’re right, now is the perfect time to do these, roll on Box 7! x
My kids love science kits. We haven’t tried these ones yet but it looks like we need to. Nice review.
Thank you, and I’m sure your kids would love these too, they’re huge fun! x
This is such a cute idea! I love it! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
What a lovely idea for doing with your kids while stuck at home!
xo J
http://www.dolledupbyj.com
They really are, we love them! x
Love this idea! Will definitely keep you busy x
They sure do! x
What amazing ideas, which are fab for those home schooling science lessons 🙂
Emma.
They are indeed, and perfect for us at the moment!
This is so much fun especially during this time. I really like the oat experiment
That was a lot of fun, if a trifle smelly, haha!
What a fantastic idea, especially for children if they ‘re bored whilst not being at school. All sounds like a good bit of fun
They’re great fun, and not just for kids either, I love them too!
These are great activities for kids and I think they will definitely keep them occupied! These are also great ways to keep them distracted from the current state of events around the world right now.
Yes, they really are, we love them, they’re so much fun as well as educational. And you’re right, now is great timing too.
Oh my God, using the Robo Claw as a cat scratcher! That’s just the best. Another fab post Lisa. These boxes would be SO useful for parents right now who have to home school! xxx
I know, it’s genius isn’t it? Spooky was so good, bless him! Thank you so much, and yes, these boxes are absolutely IDEAL for emergency home schoolers! xxx
Wow, this looks like such a great box. My youngest loves experiments, and we have all kind of experiments sets from volcano lab to 101 electricity experiments. But I’m always on the lookout for more to o with him.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s such a good box, in fact the whole series is amazing, I’d really recommend them! 🙂
This looks really fun, it would be great for my nephew for him and my brother to do together 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
I’m sure they’d love it – lots of hands-on stuff to do 🙂
I love your cat! The claw is so funny, and I 100% read it in the voice of the aliens from Toy Story
He is a bit special 😻 and thank you, I thought of TS as soon as Flora finished making it!
What a great review! I especially liked all the photos of the experiments in various stages of completion! This looks like the perfect subscription for kids who are now at home instead of in school due to COVID19. It will certainly keep them engaged!
Oh thank you so much, that’s so kind of you! And yes, we’ve been doing these boxes for a while but they’re especially welcome right now 🙂
This is so fun and perfect for time like this to keep kids busy all day and enjoy some time with them. I like how it comes with different ideas of science experiments.
These boxes are amazing, so much fun and so educational at the same time, highly recommended!
It is so cool that there are some experiments that kids can do at home! The space ones are always cool. I like break it down too. It teaches kids the basics of science, as well as the results when ingredients differ. Pretty cool that there are lots of opportunities for kids to learn! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥
There are indeed, Flora is very lucky (as am I)! Thank you, Nancy 🙂
Wow what a lovely set of fun experiments … so much learning and fun… my kids would definitely love these…. really enjoyed those short video clips… that claw robo hand looks fantastic…. thanks for sharing Lisa… stay safe and positive…❤️
https://geniusenough.com/2020/04/03/spring-outfit-ideas/
Aw, thank you, that’s very kind, we do enjoy our videos! And yes, we both learn such a lot from these boxes 🙂
These look like fun and I’ sure both my niece and nephew would love them 🙂
They are huge fun, I’m sure any kids would love them, especially right now 🙂
The box is full of surprises. Seems lots of activities to do. Kids would really love them.
It’s a great box and perfect for kids of all ages, even big ones!