$12.99When purchased online
About this item
At a glance
STEM: Science
Highlights
- Dig and collect the same type of rocks found on Mars.
- Assemble a scale model of the Mars Perseverance Rover.
- Learn about Martian geology and space exploration.
- Includes 1 sand block, containing 6 pieces of Basalt; 1 Model Mars Perseverance Rover Kit; 1 wooden mallet and dowel; goggles; and a 23” x 17” color STEM poster.
Specifications
Contains: Does Not Contain Any of the 9 Major Allergens
Suggested Age: 8 Years and Up
Educational Focus: Science
Includes: Goggles
Battery: No Battery Used
TCIN: 84835967
UPC: 042409505014
Item Number (DPCI): 086-00-8626
Origin: Imported
Description
Chisel away at a sand block to unearth the same type of rocks found on Mars! This kit not only allows kids to be junior geologists, but also lets them assemble a scale model of the Mars Perseverance Rover, complete with wheels, antenna, and a robotic arm. Perseverance is the fifth rover to be sent to Mars and the first ever to bring a sample gathering system to collect rocks and sediments – all to be returned to Earth by a future NASA mission! This set includes an educational 23” x 17” color STEM poster with information on Martian geology and space exploration. Ages 8+.
STEM: Science
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: science. If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 11.74 inches length x 7.39 inches width x 2.36 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.49 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
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4.6 out of 5 stars with 13 reviews
100% would recommend
9 recommendations
broad age appeal: 4.8 out of 5
ease of use: 4.2 out of 5
length of play: 4.5 out of 5
quality: 4.6 out of 5
value: 4.6 out of 5
Love it!
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
- 1 year ago
My son received this as a sample and he absolutely loved it! Great for older kids, just like gem digging.
Fun, messy science kit
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Jessica - 1 year ago
My 13 year year old daughter had a blast breaking through the sand, though we needed to use a chopstick to help really get the rocks out because the hammer and chisel didn't quite do the job. I'm glad that I had the forethought to put the block in a tin foil roasting pan and to have a spray bottle of water handy to keep the dusty mess down. my daughter wasn't really interested in the mini rover, but she loved finding the rocks, even if she didn't think they looked like what she thought Mars rocks should look like. *I received a review sample*
learning and playing
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Nancy - 1 year ago
We love this its so much fun, and they are learning as well. A great way to teach children something they wouldn't know. And they are collecting stones that are found on Mars, how fun is that?
Excellent for my Granddaughter
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Rosey - 1 year ago
This was the perfect toy to get to my granddaughter after we had a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. She got to see the real rocks from Mars on our visit, and that was one of her favorite parts of visiting, so to get this toy, where she could re-enact a Mars Dig was very special for her. The dig itself is fun and this was a great toy for us to bond over. Highly recommend.
Process is fun
4 out of 5 stars
RondaFL - 1 year ago
Duse plastic underneath or dig outside. Using the lightweight mallet and dowel that came in the box, it took a long time to break apart, so my kids used toolbox versions. After breaking it apart, it looked like rocks we could find in our yard. Honestly they weren't impressed with the outcome, but they enjoyed the process of getting there. I would buy other versions of this.
Great Kit for your imagination to be on a Mission to Mars.
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
GreevicsAutismMama - 1 year ago
Let's face facts, it's very dangerous and expensive to go to Mars. No one has done it yet doesn't help either. Your young astronaut is looking to you for help, and that's where Smithsonian Mars Dig Science Kit comes in for the save. Using the tools provided and a little imagination the red planet will reveal it's mysteries. This kit can start a life long interest in space. When you're astronaut does finally go to Mars, they will have fond memories of their first trip with you.
Hammer Away at 'Mars' Rocks
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
DebbieD - 1 year ago
This is a fun kit with basalt rocks you can hammer and chisel away at, build a to-scale Rover and it comes with a poster too. Package does not say what is inside of the rocks but I'm assuming it is a geode or gem. Do this outdoors since you'll have a lot of dust from digging away at the rocks or if you are at the kitchen table put newspaper underneath everything. Fun for ages 8+.
Fun for Rock Hounds
4 out of 5 stars
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Mommies with Cents - 1 year ago
I recieved this product in exchange for my honest review. My 11 year old daughter had a fun time with this! We loved the education information from the included poster. Excavating the rocks with the chisel and mallet tools kept her occupied for quite awhile. Luckily I set her up outside with this because it makes a bit of a mess. The rocks themselves are a bit boring but they do make a similar kit with more interesting rocks.
Excellent Learning Project
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Connie G - 1 year ago
My Granddaughter is 11 and we enjoyed digging for Mars Rocks together. One would use the mallet and one would read the poster that has a ton of very interesting facts about Mars. Then we would switch. I'm impressed that the kit comes with safety goggles. I suggest going outside for this activity. The sand tends to go everywhere. We loved this! We look forward to doing additional Smithsonian kits.
Dig for Mars rocks
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
- 1 year ago
First of all it’s Smithsonian brand, and Astronomy for STEM. The contents in the box are; one sand block, a model of the Mars Rover, goggles , mallet, dowel rod, and rocks. I like that it’s educational but also neat to dig moon rocks in at your kitchen table. The patio table might be better because there are pieces of the sand block that break apart when digging for rocks. Gift giving idea. Get one for each of your kids, or mix and match with other Smithsonian sets.
A Great STEM Learning Toy
4 out of 5 stars
Kara - 1 year ago
I was provided this product in exchange for my honest opinion. My 13 year old was excited to dig into this. The rover was smaller than I expected, but it wasn't hard to assemble. The rock dig part is another story. The hammer and chisel that came with it didn't do much, so she ended up using a screwdriver. It worked a lot better, but still takes a lot of time. The sand block the rocks are in makes a mess too, so be prepared for that. This is a good learning toy though and will keep them occupied for a long time!