Construction set:Mega Bloks Barbie Build 'n Play Glam Salon

In the past few years, a number of toy manufacturers have consciously marketed traditional boy toys that they have redesigned to appeal to girls. Mega Bloks construction sets customarily made its building bricks set themed to interest boys, but in 2013 it introduced its Barbie Build 'n Play Glam Salon. Though the set encourages traditional girl play of storytelling and narrative about styling and grooming, they must first build their salon before launching into hair and make-up. The set's instructions point out that girls can make their salon to their own tastes: "Imagine you story and build it your way!" the packaging shouts. Mega Bloks means for girls to know that they are in charge. The Barbie line of Mega Bloks seems inevitable as Mattel, Inc., long-time maker of the popular Barbie line, purchased Mega Brands, maker of Mega Bloks in 2014. But the Barbie-themed construction set also addresses a concern among parents and educators that too few girls seek careers in the STEM fields-science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Adults hope that if girls play with toys that encourage the steps of problem-solving and scientific-inquiry, they will be comfortable pursuing jobs traditionally occupied by men.