Every year on November 8th, National STEM Day celebrates the exciting and dynamic fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Founded in 2015 by toy manufacturer MGA Entertainment to inspire curiosity and creative thinking in young minds, the day is intended to highlight the exhilaration and wonder that these subjects bring to our everyday lives. It also opens doors of discovery to the next generation of innovators.
Aiming to stimulate further interest in these areas, LEGO released an exciting build earlier this year through its engineering-focused Technic brand — the Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit set. Made up of 526 pieces, this interactive replica gives curious minds and space enthusiasts alike hands-on experience with the wonders of our solar system. Designed for builders 10 years of age and up, this model doesn’t just look cool, it is also designed to help teach key concepts in astronomy and physics. Dive into the intricacies of orbit, learn about gravitational pull and even how the rotation of our planet helps shape the seasons — all from the comfort of your living room!
Packed with several captivating features, the set includes a handy crankshaft that lets you manually mimic planetary rotation. Simply turn the mechanism and watch as the wonders of the galaxy come alive right before your eyes! Additionally, the set showcases the different phases of the Moon, thus giving budding astronomers a closer look at how each of these cosmic entities interact with one another over the course of a given year. It’s like having a miniature planetarium right in your bedroom!
Standing over 9-inches high, 12.5-inches long, and 7-inches wide, the completed set is a perfect display piece to showcase the wonder of the universe at home. Plus, LEGO made the learning journey even smoother by connecting it to its revolutionary LEGO Builders app, which allows you to zoom in on and rotate three-dimensional models and track your progress step by step — thus ensuring a fun and immersive experience for fans of all ages and skill levels.
National STEM Day is all about expanding horizons — this magnificent model from LEGO Technic is the perfect way to celebrate. Priced at $74.99 USD and available now through numerous retailers, the Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit building set is certain to propel your curiosity into the cosmos!
