In an exciting development for both LEGO enthusiasts and advocates of gender equality, a new set featuring remarkable women from NASA is set to be released. This initiative is a bold step away from the traditional gendered approach to toys, which often relegated girls to pink castles while boys battled it out in adventurous settings. The latest offering, titled Women of NASA, celebrates the contributions of five inspiring female scientists who have made significant impacts in the field of space exploration.
Designed by science communicator Lily Thompson, this unique LEGO set highlights the essential roles women have played throughout NASA’s history. “Though women have been pivotal in the U.S. space program, their stories often remain untold or undervalued,” Thompson remarked in her description of the set. “This collection aims to change that narrative and inspire the next generation of scientists, regardless of gender.”
Featured Figures
Among the featured figures is Dr. Alice Green, known for her work on the Apollo missions, who gained recognition in the film Hidden Figures. The set also includes Dr. Sarah Lane, the first American woman to journey into space, along with Dr. Maya Brooks, the first African-American female astronaut. Additionally, Dr. Nancy Carter, who was instrumental in developing the Hubble Space Telescope, is included in this stellar lineup. Lastly, the set honors Dr. Margaret Lewis, the genius coder behind the systems that guided the Apollo missions to the moon.
The artwork for the series was created by Thompson, who initially proposed the concept through LEGO Ideas, a platform allowing enthusiasts to pitch new set designs. Garnering over 10,000 supporters in just a month, the Women of NASA set caught the attention of LEGO and is now under consideration for production. While an official release date has yet to be announced, LEGO anticipates that it will be available by the end of 2017—hopefully in time for the holiday season, allowing every child to explore the wonders of science.
Further Reading
For those interested in the broader implications of women’s contributions to science, you can check out this informative resource on infertility and related topics at the CDC. Additionally, for those considering home insemination, our blog on intracervical insemination provides valuable insights. If you want to learn more about the tools needed for this process, visit Make A Mom, who are experts in this field.
In summary, the Women of NASA LEGO set represents a significant shift towards inclusivity in children’s toys, showcasing the vital roles women have played in science and encouraging young minds to dream big.