What is The Laboratory Collective: Science Subscription Box?
It is an immersive mystery game for kids that unravels over the course of six “chapters” or boxes. Each box includes a narrative with clues, code puzzles, and chemistry experiments. Kids become the main character using clues and science experiments to solve the ongoing mystery.

What ages do you recommend the box for?
Boxes are intended for children 8+ to complete independently. Younger children can work together on the projects with the help of an adult or older sibling.
Our boxes contain small parts and are not suitable for children under 3 years of age.

How much does it cost?
You can choose from 3 pricing options. All plans renew automatically.
Monthly ($30.00 per month + $4.95 S/H) Cancel at any time
Full Season: 6-month ($27.50 per month + FREE SHIPPING) U.S. Orders Only
Double Season: 12-month ($25 per month + FREE SHIPPING) U.S. Orders Only
Binge Box: 6-month subscription all at once ($165 + FREE SHIPPING) U.S. Orders Only

What is included in a box? What do you mean by 4+ STEAM activities?
Each box includes at least 2 science experiments with materials, at least 2 codes/ciphers/puzzles, and an on-going, interactive story. Some boxes might have extra experiments, or extra codes. Boxes also include story cards, hint cards, and mission envelopes.

What are some examples of science experiments included?
The science experiments in the boxes are the favorite experiments as tested by thousands of kids during our in-person programs in Chicago. The experiments might include: writing in invisible ink, making fingerprint powder, creating things to glow-in-the-dark, dissolving secret messages, testing color-changing powders, and more safe, clean fun!

How challenging is the box?
The boxes are designed with “hint levels” to be challenging and fun for older kids, and even adults, while also not-so-frustrating for younger kids.
Our “hint cards” give up to 3 hints to be able to let kids be successful at solving the code.
Our experiments include step-by-step instructions, the science behind the experiment, and even extension ideas.

How much time does each box take to complete?
Boxes typically take 1 ½ – 3 hours to complete.

Do I need to buy separate boxes for each of my children?
No! Each experiment includes enough materials to conduct the experiment at least 2 times. Codes, ciphers, and puzzles can be worked on collaboratively.

Can I order additional materials to repeat experiments?
Each experiment includes enough materials to conduct each experiment at least twice. Unfortunately, we cannot offer replacements for individual reagents.

What is The Laboratory Collective?
The Laboratory Collective is a unique, world-recognized kids’ science experience based in Chicago. Our camps and classes immerse kids in their favorite worlds, like Harry Potter, Zombies, and Secret Agents. Kids use science experiments to bring these worlds to life.
After hearing more demand for our classes, we created our Science-in-a-Box subscription so kids across the nation can experience our award-winning classes delivered to your home.

Who creates the boxes?
The boxes are created by a PhD Scientist and Reading Specialist who have worked with thousands of children across the city of Chicago. Their unique programs, combining interactive stories with hands-on science, have gained world-wide recognition. They have been STEM keynote speakers, chosen presenters at SXSW EDU, recognized at Falling Walls in Berlin, Germany, and honored as Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award Fellows.

Can I order boxes for my school?
Yes! We have bulk subscriptions available with a teacher’s manual. Contact us at info@thelabcrate.com to discuss an inquiry.

How do you use a box?
Each box starts with a Story Card. Story cards will direct you to open Mission Envelopes where you conduct a science experiment or decipher a code/puzzle to be able to open the next Mission Envelope and continue on with the storyline.

Can you reuse a box?
Boxes include 2 science experiments and 2 ciphers/codes/puzzles.
Each experiment includes enough materials to conduct each experiment at least twice.
The ciphers/codes and puzzles often require cutting and likely cannot be reused.

Can I request a box with a specific experiment?
Unfortunately, no. The storyline unfolds over a series of 6 boxes, or chapters. The boxes will be sent out in this specific order.

Can I order just one box?
Single boxes are $30.00 + $4.95 S/H. Each box, or “chapter”, solves a piece of a larger mystery. The entire mystery unravels over the course of 6 boxes. Please make sure to login to your account to cancel the auto renew after purchase if you intend on purchasing only one box.

When can I expect my box?
Boxes ship on the 15th of the month, using USPS priority mail.
Please note, at this time the Postal Service is experiencing high-volume and many customers across the nation are experiencing delays. We are not responsible for delays in postal service delivery after boxes have been mailed.

What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Monthly subscriptions can be cancelled any time. Customers on the reduced rate Full Season (6 or 12 month box) can cancel the auto-renew after they have received all of the committed boxes.

How do I cancel?
Log in to your account where you can chose not to renew. Contact us with any questions: info@thelabcrate.com.

Can I return my order?
Once your box has shipped, all orders are final and we do not accept returns. If you have a problem with your order, please let us know as we would like to ensure your satisfaction and make it right. You can email us at info@thelaboratorychi.com.

What if I move?
It is the subscriber’s responsibility to keep your account updated with any changes. We unfortunately cannot refund any missing or lost boxes due to an incorrect address.

How do I report a problem with my box? / What if something is missing?
Please contact us at info@thelabcrate.com so we can make it right.

I have another question. How can I contact you?
Email all other inquiries to info@thelabcrate.com.