Lego is one of those amazing toys that kids play with eagerly but never realise they are learning some mighty life skills while they are doing it.

Basically Lego is a construction toy comprised of a variety of small building blocks that can go together in infinite ways to create innumerable different creations. Lego has evolved over the decades since its first creation but the basic premise remains the same. By building models form instructions and of their own creations kids learn about concepts like spatial design, sequencing, patterns, hand eye co-ordination and much, much more.

In addition to their basic blocks Lego have also introduced a number of elements to assist with higher learning in upper primary and secondary schools. Elements such as the NXT robotic equipment, power functions and solar panels can really lift the learning curve of a child's lego experience either by introducing them to the child's play environment or having them as part of a structured educational curriculum.

The robotic kit, Lego NXT 2.0 is fully programmable using a computer. Constructing a model then plugging it into a PC can allow kids to program movement and responses into the robot. By integrating the computer and construction model kids learn about the concepts of robotics and the system can understand quite complex levels of programming.

The Lego power functions kit is basically a motor than can integrate with regular and technic Lego pieces and make the model move. Unlike the NXT system you can't program the model to perform set moves but it is amazing what can be achieved with Lego and a motor. Kids really love watching their creations move and the Power functions is a relatively low coast and easy way of allowing this to happen.

Lastly Lego has a solar kit that can power Lego creations using the power of the sun. By attaching the panel to the top of a car for example and then using the motor, kids can power their cars by the sun's rays. Lego is truly a learning experience for the 21st century.