Primary
The Sun is a star, and it is the closest star to Earth.
Did You Know? Space Facts for Students
Amazing facts about the Sun, the Moon, the planets and the stars, short and easy for students.
12 facts3 stages
Tip for school assemblies: pick 5 to 7 facts from different subjects and start each one with "Did you know that...".
Facts for Primary students
Primary
There are eight planets in the solar system orbiting the Sun.
Primary
The Moon does not make its own light; it reflects sunlight.
Primary
Mars is called the "Red Planet" because of the iron oxide (rust) in its soil.
Facts for Middle school students
Middle school
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system; more than 1,300 Earths could fit inside it.
Middle school
Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, even though Mercury is closer to the Sun.
Middle school
Sunlight takes about 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach Earth.
Middle school
A day on Venus is longer than its year.
Middle school
Saturn is less dense than water, so in theory it would float in a big enough bathtub.
Facts for Secondary students
Secondary
The International Space Station orbits the Earth about once every 90 minutes.
Secondary
The Sun makes up about 99.8% of the mass of the entire solar system.
Secondary
Astronauts' footprints on the Moon could last for millions of years, because there is no wind or rain there.