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Overview
This Lego set named the 'Lego Ideas Research Institute' was created in response to a public call for toys that portray girls and women in more intellectual and positive ways. The boys' section of toyshops offers science, construction and war toys. In contrast, the girls' section is usually full of pink-branded items, domestic or fashion related toys. For example, the Lego Friends themed series was introduced to encourage more girls to play with Lego, but the 'girly' pink and purple, and the life of leisure the characters lead, has came up against criticism.
The Research Institute was created by geoscientist, Ellen Kooijman in partnership with LEGO® Ideas members. It includes a collection of scenes that depict three different natural environment scientists - a palaeontologist, an astronomer and a chemist.
Lego was first invented in 1932 in Denmark, the interlocking design of Lego blocks were revolutionary. The simple uniform shape and modular interlocking design reflected a Modernist aesthetic, as well as maintaining a strong educational purpose. Lego has become one of the most successful construction toys in the world, and a staple in the toy box of most New Zealand children.