LEGO has revealed that its new set of toys for the year--designed by science writer Maia Weinstock--will feature the Women of NASA. The Danish company will be producing the figures inspired by real scientists and engineers to be rolled out in stores in late 2017.
Out of 12 contenders given to the LEGO Review Board, Weinstock's design was chosen by the company after receiving 10,000 public votes. She stated in her proposal that though women have played an important part in forming NASA's agenda, their contributions are often unappreciated.
"Women have historically struggled to gain acceptance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)," she said. This is why she raised the notion to have five notable Women of NASA to further boost the awareness of the history of women in STEM.
The five women to be portrayed are computer scientist Margaret Hamilton; mathematician and space scientist Katherine Johnson; astronaut, physicist, and educator Sally Ride; astronomer Nancy Grace Roman; and astronaut, physician, and entrepreneur Mae Jemison.
Moreover, vignettes will also show various space activities throughout history like the 1969 landing on the moon, instruments used during the Mercury and Apollo missions, Hubble Space Telescope, and a mini space shuttle.
LEGO's Marketing Manager Lise Dydensborg said on the company's blog that Weinstock's proposal was a way to honor the accomplished women of Science. "We're really excited to be able to introduce Maia's Women of NASA set for its inspirational value as well as build and play experience," she said.
Meanwhile, LEGO is still reviewing the final product and pricing and whether the set is a limited edition of the company. Weinstock's other design ideas consist of Legal Justice Team and The Bioneers, both celebrating women's accomplishments in law and biological engineering.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
