We were pleasantly surprised bright and early yesterday at the Portland, Oregon airport, where a large exhibit tackled two pressing problems: how to keep the kids entertained while waiting for the plane, and how to educate all of us, big and small, about wind power.Vestas, the windmill company that put on the exhibit, is Danish, and so are Legos, so it was a natural collaboration, and one that worked well: tots ran through and built platforms with the blocks, while their parents watched over them -- and the subtle video playing in the background.

More pictures after the jump.

Dioramas show windmills in landscapes from dense city to woodland forest to desert mountain.

Attracted by videos, kids huddled around the base of the Lego Statue of Liberty, pictured at top, to play with blocks.

Along with a bit of corporate propaganda, the diorama cases are inscribed with text describing how windmills function.

Branded toys seem to be the norm these days, so we're happy to see this twist on the idea: and all those positive associations kids form now with windmills bodes well for the future.