Whizz Pop Bang

What's in the box: Each issue is a themed science magazine with hands-on experiments to do at home, science news, puzzles, facts and interviews with scientists.

Whizz Pop Bang is a printed science magazine for children aged six to twelve, published by Launchpad Publishing in Cirencester. Be clear about one thing before you subscribe: this is a magazine, not a kit box. You get reading material and experiment instructions, not a parcel of equipment. Each issue has a theme. The recent Flying High issue covers the science of flight and includes making a parachute and a stunt plane. Alongside the experiments you get science news, puzzles, facts and interviews with real scientists. The publisher calls it award-winning and says it is gender neutral, has no adverts and comes without plastic toys stuck to the cover, which many parents will appreciate. The experiments are meant to be done at home, so you will probably need to supply some everyday household materials yourself. If you want ready-made kits, the site points you to separate Letterbox Lab science kits, which are a different product. The site does not state pricing or delivery details up front, so check the subscription page before you commit. Overall it is a thoughtful option for curious children who enjoy reading as much as doing, and it makes less mess than a full kit box. Families who want everything supplied in the box should look elsewhere.