When you see or hear the name LEGO, an image of this colorful little block may come to mind. Only just a toy right? You've had them in your homes, seen them in schools, day care centers, doctors and dentist offices, and even fast food restaurants. In fact, Lego is known around the world as a popular toy for all ages. But what is the origin of this imaginative little toy?

Believe it or not, it began way back in 1932 in Denmark, where a man named Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter, opened a small business in the village of Billund. Although he created and sold a number of household products, he was best known for his creation of wooden toys. In 1934 he creates the name LEGO for his products, derived from the Danish words "LEg GOdt". Translated into English it means "play well". He then realized that the Latin translation means "I study" or "I put together". What better way to market a toy that just that, first study it, then assemble it!

After many setbacks, his wooden toys would emerge and grow into the colorful blocks that we know today. But LEGO toys are not just an entertainment tool. The LEGO of today has entered the world of Hi-tech, and now offers LEGO Train Sets, Robots, Monsters, and Space Craft. The Star Wars LEGO collection is one of the best selling and well known products of today. LEGO has expanded its Mindstorm NXT Robot, containing a powerful 32-bit microprocessor, to interact with your home computer using Bluetooth technology. In as little as 30 minutes, you can create a remote controlled robot and even issue commands to it from your mobile phone!

As LEGO continues to grow, children of all ages will continue to use it as a great learning tool. I am confident that our future scientists and designers will have their hands on a LEGO toy at some point in their lives. Although some consider LEGO as just a toy, it will live on as it molds the thoughts of creativity and invention!