Grades 3–6 · NGSS ESS1 · Earth & Space Science

🪐 Solar System Explorer

Click any planet to discover amazing facts — size, distance from the Sun, moons, and what makes it unique!

The Sun
Our star · Center of the Solar System
📏 Size Comparison (relative to Earth)

Our Solar System

The Solar System has 8 planets orbiting the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They split into rocky inner planets (Mercury to Mars) and gas giants (Jupiter to Neptune).

How Long is a Year?

A planet's year is how long it takes to orbit the Sun once. Mercury's year is just 88 Earth days. Neptune's year is 165 Earth years! The further from the Sun, the longer the year.

About This Science Tool

This free interactive science tool is designed for elementary and middle school students. It uses visual animations, hands-on activities, and quizzes to help kids understand key science concepts. All content is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is completely free with no login or account required.

Interactive learning tools like this one help students engage with science in ways that textbooks alone cannot. By clicking, dragging, and experimenting, kids build deeper understanding and retain information better. Research shows that active learning leads to stronger academic outcomes compared to passive reading.

How to Use

Explore the interactive elements above, then test your knowledge with the built-in quiz. You can retry as many times as you like. Teachers can use this tool on interactive whiteboards or assign it for independent practice. Parents can use it for homeschooling or after-school enrichment.

Last reviewed: April 2026