What is space?
Space is all around us. We live on planet Earth but there are loads more planets up in space.
There are also stars and moons.
The closest star to Earth is the Sun.
In our solar system there are 8 planets including planet Earth. Usually, other planets can only be seen from Earth with a very strong telescope.
Science
Watch: What is in outer space?
Hello, my big Booky buddy!
Hello Wanda. What's happening with you today?
Great news! I know what I want to be when I grow up. Guess, it begins with "A".
Hmm, an actor?
Nope.
An artist?
No way! I'm going to be an astronaut!
Brilliant, Wanda. Do you know what astronauts do?
No, I just like the sound of it. As-tro-naut! I need you to tell me all about them.
Okay, well, an astronaut is a person who travels into outer space in a rocket.
Amazing! I knew I would like it. What's outer space?
Outer space is what we call everything that exists outside Earth and its atmosphere. The Moon, the Sun, planets and stars.
I already love astronauting. How do I get up there?
Well, you need a rocket with enough power to overcome the pull of gravity here on Earth. Gravity is what keeps your feet on theground, and stops you floating away. Once you're up in space you can use the Earth's gravity to go round the Earth. We call that an orbit.
Wow! Look at the Earth, it's beautiful!
Yes, and astronauts are the only people who get to see the Earth like that.
Hey, what's that?
That's a shooting star.
And what's that?
Hmm, that's what we call space junk. There are thousands and thousands of bits and pieces in space left behind from previous space missions.
Look at that big piece there!
Actually, that's the International Space station.
Oh, what's it for?
Astronauts use it to do research that helps us understand space and the Earth.
You mean they live there?
Yes, they are specially trained to live in an environment with no gravity. Everything just floats about if you let go of it. Even the astronauts themselves, they sleep floating, they eat floating, they do everything floating in space.
No way! What happens if you sneeze, or spill your drink, or how do you do a wee?
Yes, people always want to know that. They have special toilet tubes that draw it away and recycle it into pure drinking water.
Oh, that's clever.
Still want to be an astronaut, Wanda?
Maybe. I like the rocket bit. I think I'll go back to Earth and get my paints out, being an an artist might not be such a bad idea after all.
Okay, get ready for re-entry!
Day, night and seasons
The Earth, Sun and Moon are responsible for day and night as well as the seasons.
The Earth is always spinning and takes 24 hours to do one full spin.
The Moon moves around the Earth. This is called orbiting.
The Earth takes 365 days to orbit the Sun.
What is day and night?
Bitesize: KS1 Science
Earth, Sun and Moon
Bitesize: KS1 Science
What are the seasons?
Bitesize: KS1 Science
History
Landing on the Moon
In July 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon.
As he stepped onto the Moon, he said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
This was a huge achievement for the human race. Find out more about the Moon landing below.
Who was Neil Armstrong?
KS1 History
Play: Exciting Explorers
Go back in time in the Exciting Explorers game and discover more about Neil Armstrong and other explorers.
Game - Back in time with... Exciting Explorers. game
Bitesize: KS1 Science
Quiz: Space
How many facts about space can you ? Test yourself in the space quiz.
English
Audio story
Listen to Claire Freedman's Aliens Love Underpants, a story about some very cheeky aliens from outer space who come to Earth.
You can also listen to more space themed stories with BBC Bitesize for Teachers: School Radio.
Activity
Draw your own alien and label its features. What does your alien want to come to Earth to visit? What will your alien do on Earth?
Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
Bitesize: Word waves
Music
School Radio: Space songs
BBC Teach: School Radio
Play: Galaxy Pugs
Explore Space alongside the Galaxy Pugs. Help them complete missions and discover the wonders of planet Earth from their pug ship.
Galaxy Pugs. game
Bitesize: KS1 Science
Play Bitesize Primary games. game
Fun and educational primary games in science, maths, English, history, geography, art and design, computing and modern languages.
