FAQs

1. What is an Adventure Kit and how does it work?

Each Adventure Kit includes collectible Gemling and Grumbly cards, real dig specimens, and access to an online adventure. Students collect, dig, and play while also engaging with standards-aligned science lessons through story-driven quests.

2. How do the online adventures connect with the physical kits?

Every kit unlocks a corresponding digital quest. Students use their cards and specimens inside the story to solve challenges, outsmart Grumblies, and advance through the adventure. This bridges hands-on learning with digital interactivity.

3. What age group are the kits designed for?

Adventure Kits are primarily designed for upper elementary through middle school (ages 7–13), but younger learners can also enjoy them with guidance, and older students often appreciate the collectible and challenge elements.

4. Are Adventure Kits aligned to school standards?

Yes! Each kit is tied to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Teachers can use them to reinforce classroom instruction, while parents can trust that their child is exploring real science concepts, not just playing a game.

5. How do the Gemling and Grumbly cards work?

Gemlings are collectible allies tied to real-world specimens, while Grumblies are their mischievous rivals. Students use these cards in both the physical and online adventures, adding layers of strategy, storytelling, and collectability.

6. What kinds of specimens come in the dig packs?

Dig packs include real gemstones, minerals, fossils, and other specimens. Each one is safe, authentic, and tied to the adventure cards, creating a real-world connection between science and exploration.

7. Can students trade cards and specimens?

Yes! Collecting and trading is a huge part of the fun. Students can swap Gemlings, Grumblies, and dig specimens with friends, just like a trading card game, which encourages social interaction and replayability.

8. How educational are the kits compared to standard science lessons?

Adventure Kits teach real science concepts through storytelling, inquiry, and hands-on discovery. Instead of just reading about fossils or rocks, students actually dig, collect, and experiment, which boosts engagement and retention.

9. Do the online adventures cost extra?

No — online adventures are included with every kit. Students can log in, enter their adventure, and play through without additional charges.

10. Can teachers use these in classrooms?

Absolutely. Many teachers use Adventure Kits for science centers, afterschool clubs, or whole-class lessons. Because the adventures are NGSS-aligned, they reinforce existing curriculum while adding fun, gamified exploration.

11. Are the kits safe for kids?

Yes — all specimens are classroom-safe, and activities are designed to be kid-friendly while still authentic. Any sharp, dangerous, or toxic specimens are excluded.

12. How do subscriptions work?

Adventure Club subscriptions deliver new kits monthly, biannually, or annually. Each month features a new theme, location, and storyline — keeping students engaged with fresh discoveries.

13. What are the benefits of subscribing vs. buying single kits?

Subscribers save money, unlock exclusive themes, and get consistent monthly deliveries. Longer subscriptions include free US shipping, making them the best deal for families and classrooms.

14. How does shipping work?

Monthly subscriptions do not include free shipping, but 6-month and 12-month subscriptions ship free in the US. Orders typically ship within 3–5 business days, and tracking info is provided. US shipping is free for orders over $30. 

15. Can I buy specific topics or themes my child is interested in?

Yes! Parents and teachers can choose specific kits (e.g., fossils, gems, weather, oceans) or bundle multiple kits at a discount. This allows for a “choose your own adventure” experience.

16. How collectible are the cards?

Very! There are dozens of Gemlings and Grumblies across different realms, each with unique designs, stats, and lore. Collectors can trade, battle, and expand their decks over time.

17. Do the kits encourage replayability?

Yes — students can revisit online adventures, replay story branches, battle with cards, and trade specimens. This means a single kit offers hours of extended use, not a one-time activity.

18. How do Adventure Points work?

Adventure Points are earned by completing online quests. Points can be redeemed for exclusive rewards like discount codes, free digs, or even bonus kits, encouraging ongoing engagement.

19. Can these kits be used at home as enrichment?

Definitely! Many parents use Adventure Kits as screen-free enrichment that still ties into real science learning. They make great rainy-day activities, family challenges, or sibling competitions.

20. What makes Adventure Kits different from other science kits?

Unlike typical kits that are one-off experiments, Excavating Adventures are part collectible trading game, part real science dig, part interactive digital adventure. This unique blend keeps kids excited to learn and collect month after month.