Starlings: Mission Control Lockdown - Space and Solar System Adventure Pack

Mission Control Lockdown

Starlings • Space and Solar System Gemlings Adventure Pack

A critical failure has locked down Earth’s orbital command systems near Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii.

Inside Orbital Mission Control, satellite feeds are cutting out, orbital paths are drifting, and solar data streams are scrambling without warning. Ari Raider has traced the disturbance to a powerful specimen hidden inside a sealed Mystery Mine. The Professor sabotaged critical space monitoring systems connected to the observatory, triggering cascading failures across Earth’s orbital network.

In Mission Control Lockdown, students journey alongside the Starlings on a high stakes escape room style mission through celestial monitoring hubs, orbital mechanics floors, and deep space systems vaults. From understanding the Sun and stars to exploring planets, moons, motion, energy, and space exploration, explorers must use real space science knowledge to restore control, locate the hidden Mystery Mine, and recover the missing specimen.

This adventure transforms space and solar system science into a story driven mission focused on observation, motion, energy, and exploration beyond Earth.

About This Adventure Pack

Mission Control Lockdown is designed for elementary explorers and is part of the Gemlings adventure series.

Students can complete the Mission Control Lockdown adventure online for free, including access to free printable trading cards that match this experience. The online adventure delivers the full story and learning without requiring a physical kit.

👉 Explore the free Mission Control Lockdown adventure here:
https://excavatingadventures.com/blogs/gemlings-adventures/mission-control-lockdown-starlings-space-and-solar-system-adventure

For families or classrooms that want to extend the experience, this Adventure Pack adds a real mystery dig, collectible Starlings cards, and a hidden specimen card that brings the space mission into the physical world.

The learning experience is the same whether students use the physical pack or not. The pack simply adds a tactile and collectible layer to the adventure.

What This Adventure Covers

Each Mission Control Lockdown Adventure Pack explores essential space and solar system concepts:

• The Sun and stars
• Day and night
• Planets and moons
• The Moon and its phases
• Meteors, asteroids, and comets
• Energy from the Sun
• Exploring space
• Auroras and magnetism
• The solar system

Each concept appears naturally within the adventure and is required to move the story forward, reinforcing learning through exploration rather than memorization.

What’s Inside the Pack

• 9 Gemlings Adventure Trading Cards
Story driven Starlings cards featuring space and solar system concepts.

• 1 Mystery Mine Specimen Card
A hidden collectible card that matches the real specimen found inside the Mystery Mine dig. The card remains concealed until excavation to preserve the surprise.

• 1 Real Mystery Mine Dig
A hands on dig containing a real specimen encased in a clean, soft modeling compound that is non toxic and easy to clean. This material allows students to excavate the specimen without dust or mess while still enjoying the discovery process.

• Dig Stick Tool
Used to carefully excavate the Mystery Mine dig.

• Excavating Adventures Sticker
A collectible sticker to mark the completed adventure.

Why Kids Love It

Restoring mission control, stabilizing orbital systems, uncovering a hidden specimen, and revealing the matching specimen card makes learning feel like a real space recovery mission.

Why Teachers and Parents Love It

Mission Control Lockdown supports space science learning through curiosity driven exploration, clear vocabulary, and flexible classroom or at home use. The mess free excavation makes it ideal for classrooms, homeschool spaces, and kitchen tables. The adventure works with or without the physical kit and fits naturally into space and Earth science units.

Free Adventure Option

Mission Control Lockdown is also available online for free, including free printable trading cards that align directly with this adventure. No purchase is required to participate.

This reflects our mission at Excavating Adventures to make engaging, story driven educational adventures accessible to everyone.

👉 Explore the free Mission Control Lockdown adventure here:
https://excavatingadventures.com/blogs/gemlings-adventures/mission-control-lockdown-starlings-space-and-solar-system-adventure