Are you looking for an engaging and educational way to inspire your kids? The CrunchLabs STEM Box, designed by popular YouTuber and engineer Mark Rober, could be just what you need.
My kids and I have reviewed dozens of STEM boxes, from KiwiCo and Mel Science to Raddish Kids. I have to say Cruch Labs makes one of the most engaging STEM boxes we’ve ever tried!
It’s aimed at kids aged 8-12. These monthly boxes deliver exciting engineering projects straight to your door.
Each box encourages children to think creatively and solve problems through hands-on activities.
Plus, every project is paired with a video from Mark Rober, guiding your child step by step.
So, let’s get into this review of CrunchLabs!
I encourage you to read my review, but if you’d like to see everything CrunchLabs offers and its current pricing, you can follow this link.
Highlights
- CrunchLabs STEM Box makes learning fun with hands-on engineering projects.
- Every box includes a video guide from Mark Rober.
- Subscriptions are priced competitively with the competition, with discounts for annual plans.
What is a CrunchLabs Subscription Box?
A CrunchLabs subscription box is an educational and fun monthly STEM kit for children.
Created by Mark Rober, it is designed to inspire creativity through play and engineering projects! With all the engineering projects being front and center, kids learn science and technology along the way.
Overview of CrunchLabs
Each box includes materials for a hands-on project along with exclusive videos from Mark Rober to guide the build step-by-step including new ideas that were not included in the box. These are variations on what to test like the vacuum chamber we built.
Mark tested shaving cream, marshmallows, and packing air bubbles to watch them expand.
The projects are both fun and educational, helping kids to think, build, and solve problems like engineers.
The kits also encourage family interaction. This isn’t a necessary step, but I had fun taking pictures and working on problem-solving as my son built the projects. This can also be a great way to bond while fostering a love for learning.
The Genius Behind the Box: Mark Rober
Mark Rober, the creator of CrunchLabs, is a former NASA engineer and well-known YouTuber. His passion for science and engineering shines through in every box.
My family had already been a fan of his through his YouTube channel before deciding to try the subscription. You can really feel Mark’s energy through his videos, and the kits reflect this.
With years of experience in the field, Rober crafts each project to be engaging and educational. Having worked on the Curiosity Rover mission, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the kits.
Why CrunchLabs Appeals to Kids and Parents
I know this might come off as a puff article with me glowing about how my kids loved CrunchLabs. But as I said, we’ve tried over a dozen STEM kits throughout the years, so I have a good baseline of what makes these STEM boxes shine or lame ones that my kids weren’t getting much out of.
STEM boxes bring excitement into learning by combining hands-on projects with educational content. This makes them appealing to both kids and parents, providing benefits like building confidence and creativity.
Benefits for Parents
For parents, CrunchLabs offers a way to get children engaged in educational activities without screens. Now a day, we’re so stuck on screen and handing them off to our kids. STEM subscription boxes are a great way of breaking out of that routine.
The subscription is also designed with convenience in mind, with all materials included in each box. I can go on and on about this (and I have lol). You can build your own kits and find projects for them to do. But, it’s nice and convenient to have everything laid out for them, not running back to the store because you need one straw but now you have to buy a pack of 50.
I appreciate the quality and educational value of the boxes.
Moreover, the focus on recycling and eco-friendly materials means you can feel good about your purchase.
Exploring the CrunchLabs Build Box Contents
Each month, CrunchLabs Build Box includes interesting items that teach STEM principles and are fun to build. We have two project boxes to start with: the vacuum chamber and spinning disc projects.
It also includes video instructions from Mark Rober, with him going step-by-step on putting them together.
CrunchLabs Unboxing Experience
When you open the CrunchLabs Build Box, the first thing you notice is the colorful packaging. As you start to pull everything out, you’ll notice all the material is great quality. Nothing feels cheap or just thrown in there.
Each box contains a new DIY gadget to assemble. These gadgets can range from mechanical toys to simple electronic devices.
The components are well-organized. Everything is labeled, so no guessing; your kids will just follow the instructions from the manual.
This makes building the gadget straightforward and enjoyable, even for younger kids.
There are also additional fun elements. Sometimes, there are small surprises like stickers or mini-challenges.
Another interesting thing is the “Gear Plaque” that was included. Each activity includes a gear to add to this plaque. The more they do, the more gear they receive with the project name on it. It’s something cool they can keep on their dresser to display their achievements!
Exclusive Videos and Instructions
If your kids are on the younger side, I recommend that they start off with the video. My son (11 years old) didn’t watch the first video before putting everything together, and it went smoothly.
On the second kit, he was having a little trouble with one of the discs. We took a step back and watched the internal video that Mark made. The disc was not supported to go the other way; it was upside down. We looked at the manual again, and it did show it correctly.
This means that even a kid who has done a lot of STEM kits like this can still misalign a piece here and there. I’m glad the videos are so well made!
Once the gadget is built, it’s time to experiment with it.
The combination of well-produced videos and clear, detailed instructions provides a comprehensive learning experience that is both educational and enjoyable.
Subscription Options and Pricing
CrunchLabs provides various subscription options that cater to different budgets and preferences, ensuring value for money with competitive pricing.
Subscription Plans Comparison
CrunchLabs offers multiple plans, including monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions.
The monthly plan provides flexibility with no long-term commitment, which is ideal if you want to try it out first.
The quarterly plan offers a slight discount compared to the monthly option. You can find those options here on their site.
The most cost-effective choice is the annual subscription. That’s the one we signed up for. This comes with 2 months free, providing considerable savings compared to other plans.
This long-term commitment ensures continuous learning and fun for the entire year.
CrunchLabs allows for one-time purchases as well, great for gifts or special occasions.
Understanding the Value
CrunchLabs’ pricing is competitive, especially considering the content and quality of what you receive in the kits and videos.
Each box is designed by Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, and contains high-quality materials and engaging projects that combine learning with enjoyment.
Remember, the investment in a subscription is more than financial; it supports your child’s development in STEM fields, which is what we’re all about.
Whether it’s the monthly flexibility, the quarterly savings, or the annual value, CrunchLabs delivers a subscription that’s worth every penny.
CrunchLabs Vs. KiwiCo
I wanted to compare CrunchLabs and KiwiCo. If you have followed me for any length of time you know my family loves KiwiCo and has subscribed for years.
You might wonder how they compare, so let’s get into the details.
Age-Appropriate Designs
CrunchLabs projects are usually geared toward older kids who enjoy hands-on building and learning.
KiwiCo, on the other hand, provides boxes for a wider age range. They really have everything a family can ask for. This makes sense; they have been providing STEM kits for a long time and have built trust with parents for years. They have different options for toddlers up to teenagers.
Subjects Covered
CrunchLabs focuses mainly on engineering and science. The kits are designed to spark interest in how things work and how to build them.
KiwiCo covers a broad range of subjects. These include not only STEM topics but also art, geography, and more. This makes learning more diverse. KiwiCo offers so much, they can grow with your children all the way to adulthood.
Pricing
The pricing for these subscription boxes varies.
CrunchLabs starts at $29.99 per month. This price includes the buildable toy and the accompanying educational content.
KiwiCo offers more affordable options, starting at $19.95 per month. They provide a variety of plans depending on your child’s age and interests.
Contents
I’ve gone over what CrunchLabs offers, but the quality of the project is higher. I think this is one area they can carve out in the STEM box nitch. From any plastic peise to the wood they use. Everything just feels robust and heavier than what KiwiCo offers.
KiwiCo boxes come with everything needed for a complete project. Depending on the box, you might find art supplies, science experiments, or geography-related items.
To conclude this section of CrunchLabs Vs. KiwiCo you can’t go wrong with either one. Your kids are going to be happy with whatever choice you make. I would say that if your kids are more engineering-minded, they should go with CrucnLabs. If your kids are interested in art or the other offerings that CrunchLabs doesn’t offer, then KiwiCo is the clear choice.
You can find my full review of KiwiCo here. It will have everything you need to see if you should go with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
CrunchLabs offers engaging STEM boxes for different age groups and a variety of fun, educational activities. Here’s everything you need to know about these boxes.
What age group are CrunchLabs boxes designed for?
CrunchLabs Build Box is tailored for kids ages 8 and up. There’s also a Hack Pack subscription that started in April 2024, which is aimed at anyone 14 years and older.
What can customers expect in terms of pricing for CrunchLabs boxes?
A one-year subscription to CrunchLabs costs $299.40, which breaks down to about $24.95 per box. If you opt to pay monthly, the cost is $27.45 per box. While this may be a bit pricier than some competitors, it’s packed with value.
You can find the full breakdown of all the current prices here.
How many different boxes does CrunchLabs offer to their subscribers?
Over the first three months, boxes have included projects like a Wind-Powered Car, Wacky Pulley Systems, and DIY Robotic Critters.
Each box focuses on a different theme to keep activities fresh.
