So, essentially the you unlock the sience packs via research insted of just crafting them. And each tier needs x amout (please keep the option to chose how many, including unlock all from start) of said science pack it will unlock.
The crafting the box = this is quality related. An common magic sience chest will give common science packs. And i guess the ideeas is clear, like an epic chest will provid epic sience packs.