National Geographic advent calendar, 9 experiments, 11 gemstones

About this product

This 24-day calendar mixes experiments, specimens and figures. Nine experiments come with what they need, safety goggles included, and the topics include polymers, pH and water-repelling materials. The 11 gemstones include rose quartz, jasper and amethyst. The brand shown is Blue Marble, and the title carries the National Geographic name.

A bouncy ball and 4 animal figurines complete the set, and the description says they glow in the dark. On the last day a pyrite specimen, also called fool’s gold, has to be dug out of a mini dig brick. The box is cardboard and the age range is 8 and up. The title gives the year as 2026, and no dimensions are listed.

What to use it for

Every door means either an experiment to run or a gemstone or figurine to add to a display. Gemstones and figurines can sit on a shelf once the countdown ends.

Care and safety

Keep small pieces such as the gemstones and the bouncy ball in the box between experiments, and wipe stones and figurines with a dry cloth.