Product Idea
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The Periodic Table of the [LEGO] Elements
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134 comments
I am a chemist and an AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO). This is the intersection of those two disciplines. But perhaps the intersection is more than just a periodic table made from LEGO. The intersection of the two also includes the idea of small building blocks being combined in different ways to make different things, big things, and Everything.
In the natural world, all matter that exists is made of 118 distinct atoms that combine in different ways to make different molecules and compounds. These in turn combine to make everything. Everything. But Everything (cars, houses, spaceships, castles, plants, even people) is fundamentally made of a combination of these 118 unique building blocks – and they are called “Elements,” and they are displayed on The Periodic Table Of The Elements.
The LEGO world is not exactly like the real world, but there are similarities. In the LEGO world all models that exists is made of a number of distinct parts that combine together in different ways to make different things – and everything. Everything. But Everything (cars, houses, spaceships, castles, plants, even minifigures) is fundamentally made of a combination of these unique LEGO building blocks – and they are ALSO called “Elements!”
That’s the real intersection of Chemistry and LEGO.
This model is my passion project. I built it to hang in my office because I love chemistry and LEGO. What is needs next are 118 unique LEGO elements to display on it to drive that intersecting point home. I have added these parts virtually and included the renders in this Ideas submission. Of course, there are more than 118 Lego elements. Now I need The LEGO group’s input for the design to determine the best elements to include and how they ought to be organized. I need to consult the experts. I am not Lego Mendeleev. (Which are the 118 most used LEGO elements?)
I am confident that this project can succeed because I have seen the response from the community of Lego enthusiasts and scientists among the first 1000 supporters. And in hindsight I’m not surprised. I think the commonalities between Lego and chemistry probably attract some of the same types of minds. I also think a LOT of adults scientists grew up being influenced by LEGO space – which in my young mind were essentially scientists and engineers which are highlighted in the latest CITY SPACE theme.
About the model: I started with the World Map, but I had to add a few different colors and a whole lot of parts for the lettering. The font was challenging to design to fit in the available space, and I am intrigued by the relatively new part that is a 1x2 tile with a cut corner. I think I can improve the font further once that part is available in all the necessary colors. I also should note that I am colorblind and the color selections here were influenced by cost and availability of parts. I asked some friends for color feedback to ensure it wasn’t too jarring. But I am certain the colors can be improved.
**If you comment your SUPPORT, I will respond and try and relate it to chemistry. For example: Vote 1, One (1) is the atomic number of Hydrogen.
1,503
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536
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134 comments
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