Lego becomes the coolest toy

UK: In a boost to promoting refrigeration to young people, the technology has been recognised by the hugely popular educational building brick toy, Lego.

Created and funded by Surrey-based food temperature control consultant engineers FJB, the Lego Refrigeration Plant kit will be available to all Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) members who volunteer as STEM Ambassadors. 

The Lego “build your own fridge” kits provide all the building blocks for a fridge plant alongside instructions and a guide to how a fridge system works. It links directly to the IoR’s FantasticFridges.com website that has refrigeration system and component demonstrations and highlights some innovative applications of refrigeration technology as well as promoting careers. 

“The refrigeration industry needs to be focused on inspiring young people to become interested in refrigeration and entering this wonderful industry,” commented FJB managing partner Edwin Bowater. 

“Lego is a universal language that people of all ages enjoy and understand – most people will use their fridge daily and not even think of how it works. These kits provide the fun of building Lego, whilst explaining how a basic refrigeration system works,” he added.

Lisa-Jayne Cook, the IoR’s president-elect and active STEM Ambassador, said: “Everyone loves building with Lego, and using something so familiar to children and teens to teach them about refrigeration is going to be a huge success.” 

Cook expressed her gratitude to FJB for its involvement and invited other companies to follow FJB’s lead and donate toys or kits to help promote industry careers.

Individuals interested in becoming STEM Ambassadors and/or businesses interested in supporting the Institute’s educational outreach are encouraged to contact the IoR.