Promotion for LEGO

Now more than ever, space travel and exploration are a reality. Introducing kids to the wonders of the universe or nurturing their growing interest in space science encourages the next generation of astronomers, engineers, and dreamers to reach for the stars.

To help ignite their curiosity and promote critical thinking and creativity, the LEGO^® Space Campaign is inspired by NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return people to the Moon within the next decade and then establish a base on Mars by 2040. The first Kiwis to experience that new frontier will be Gen Alpha – kids aged 6-12 – aspirationally dubbed “The Space Generation”.

The Space Generation

New research from LEGO New Zealand has found that Kiwi parents share this aspiration, with 76% of them agreeing that The Space Generation are more likely to travel into space.

Other interesting stats show that 79% of parents surveyed in New Zealand agree (strongly agree/tend to agree) that children of this generation (Generation Alpha) will see major space discoveries in their lifetime.

The kids surveyed showed huge interest too with 76% of children saying that, if they could, they would want to travel to space and a similar percentage expressed interest in the mystery of “what’s out there”. A massive 85% of children said that finding new things like planets, stars and galaxies was interesting too.

Recognising this and the importance of nurturing children’s passion for space, LEGO Australia & New Zealand has partnered with the first astronaut trained under the Australian flag, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, to help The Space Generation blast off into the future.

“It’s an honour representing Australia as the first astronaut under our flag and to be working with LEGO Australia to encourage The Space Generation to explore the universe!” said Bennell-Pegg. “The Australian Space Agency and LEGO Australia share a unified vision for exploration and discovery, and I believe that unlocking creativity through the medium of LEGO play will give Aussie kids the very best chance to pursue their passion and prepare them for the future.”

Scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA), where Katherine trained, turned to their love of LEGO when designing launch pads and shelters for astronauts visiting the moon. As part of the Artemis program, the ESA used dust from a 4.5 billion year old meteorite to 3D print bricks – similar to a LEGO brick – to help design astronaut shelters in space.

• Learn more about the NASA Artemis Project

Inspiring kids through play

Encourage their curiosity and creativity with these amazing LEGO^® Space sets.

LEGO^® Modular Space Station

Ages 7+

Enjoy a creative building experience before blasting off for out-of-this-world adventures! The space station ring is an anchor for eight docking craft and room pods including a workshop, lab, bedroom, biodome and kitchen. Switch the modules around to create the perfect space station or connect the pods to the spaceship to create s space train! Spaceship, satellite, space bike, and six space crew minifigures are included for imaginative play.

LEGO^® Space Science Lab

Ages 6+

Budding astronauts can enjoy a rewarding build before diving into epic space stories and adventures. Fold out the lab to unveil a detailed series of rooms. Two space crew minifigures, alien figure, drone, and space bike with wheelchair access are included. The set also includes a special space air-lock element for connection to other compatible space-themed LEGO playsets (sold separately).

LEGO^® Creator 3in1 Space Astronaut

Ages 9+

Enjoy intergalactic action with this LEGO Creator 3in1 Space Astronaut and rebuild it into a space dog or space jet. The astronaut features a detachable jet-propulsion backpack. Then rebuild the set into a futuristic space dog with a poseable tail and legs or the space viper jet for exciting battles in space.

LEGO^® Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit

Ages 10+

Give kids a fun way to understand the solar system with this buildable and interactive set. Turn the crank to see how the Moon orbits around the Earth while the Earth orbits around the Sun while months and moon phases enhance understanding.

Discover more Space sets in the LEGO online shop.

This article was written by Kidspot NZ with information provided by LEGO^®.

See more:

• How to spend special creative moments with your toddler
• 10 ways to keep toys clean and organised
• “Mum, come and play!”