This subscription turns you into MacGyver

 
 
Photo: Shutterstock

Photo: Shutterstock

 

MEL Chemistry subscription brings you a new set of components and instructions for experiments every month. Even for rocket propulsion.

 

Unwrap a stick of gum. It doesn’t matter what you do with it but keep the silver foil wrapper and cut it lengthways into three strips. Take one strip and make cuts from both sides to form a 2 mm thick arc. Place a ball of cotton wool against the candle wick. Take an AA battery. Holding it next to the cotton wool, close the battery circuit by touching the silvery side of the wrapper on both ends. The cotton wool will instantly catch fire and ignite the candle.

 
 

Obviously, there are simpler ways to light a candle, but they are not nearly as exciting. Especially because you also find out why each chemical reaction actually happens. So why does the cotton wool catch fire in the experiment described above? Because the wrapper is coated in aluminium, which conducts electricity well.

Naturally, anyone can try this experiment. What about something more complicated, but still simple enough that you don’t have to visit a science institute and borrow their laboratory in order to try it? The makers of the MEL Chemistry surprise kit want to show you that it is possible. Not just possible, but very easy. All you need is a healthy dose of curiosity.

 

The MEL Chemistry science kit keeps surprising you with a monthly helping of science and fun.

 

Every month, subscribers receive a box with everything they need to perform two to three science experiments. The starter kit is free of charge, providing everything a budding chemist needs for conducting experiments, such as safety glasses, a cardboard VR headset, two syringes, a funnel, a burner, a borosilicate glass and flask, a manual, etc. The kit is suitable for children over 9 years of age.

Each subsequent monthly experiment set costs €39.90. For now, the longest period you can subscribe for is 38 months – the number of chemistry sets designed by MEL Chemistry. Subscription can be cancelled at any time.

 
Photo: MEL Science

Photo: MEL Science

 

The important thing is that each set is well thought-out and put together, containing all the key components, accessories, and information you need for the experiment. To make sure the set is used properly, MEL Chemistry also provides interactive instructions. Another way for subscribers to discover the world of chemistry is by using the app, where lessons are shared in the form of fascinating VR experiences.

Whether you are an enthusiastic student just discovering chemistry at school, or a parent with hazy memories of chemistry lessons, the learning-by-doing approach made possible by MEL Chemistry kits is sure to enhance your knowledge. Every month, you are just a few steps away from a carbon snake, a glowing marble, invisible ink, colour-changing milk, zinc-carbon batteries, or even your homemade rocket propulsion.  

 
Photo: MEL Science

Photo: MEL Science

 

As a parent, the thought of having home-made rocket propulsion in your house might not inspire confidence, but MEL Science guarantees that all experiments are safe and in line with European standards. No chemistry kits contain explosive materials and all experiments have been tried and tested in a controlled environment of chemistry lessons or in school chemistry clubs.