At our Doors Open Days, LEGO has long been at the centre of our educational activities. A fun and​ easy way to engage with visiting children, this hands-on learning approach has proven to be a hit with both kids and parents alike. This International LEGO Day, let's remind ourselves of some of the incredible models we've built over the last few years and how they've played a role in educating and inspiring young minds about space at UK ATC.

During Doors Open Day 2024, visitors were challenged to build the A-DOT satellite. This model, complete with folding functionality just like the real satellite, offered kids a hands-on learning experience. Instead of just hearing about how the satellite works tactile and explorative approach helped children grasp complex space technology concepts in a fun and engaging way.

In 2023, the star of the show was the Euclid Telescope model. Our site neighbours the University of Edinburgh's Institute for astronomy are playing a leading role on this space telescope that aims to create a 3D map of the Universe. While STFC was able to play its part in the development of the telescope, the kids got to step into the shoes of lead engineers. Holding a miniature version of a telescope, as footage of the launch played on the big screens, helped spark their imaginations and provoke a sense of wonder about this large-scale mission.  

With the first images release just a few months before unsurprisingly the James Webb Space Telescope was the LEGO kit at Doors Open Day 2022 and quickly became one of our most popular builds - constructing a machine capable of capturing distant galaxies isn't something you do every day.

Hosting Doors Open Day and inviting the public on site is always a highlight of our year. This International LEGO Day, we celebrate how LEGO not only brings science to life for kids but also helps them excel as they learn new things and develop new skills. Hopefully​ inspiring the next generation of budding scientists and engineers.