Lots of kids love to pretend they are boarding a rocket ship that will take them on a speedy trip into the solar system where they can float amongst the stars. Maybe they have watched a movie about space explorers landing on the moon, or even imagined being the first human to make it to Mars. For little ones dreaming of an exciting career, share some of these incredible facts about astronauts that shed light on the years of work it takes before ever considering a trip to outer space.
Astronaut Trivia For Children Who Love Outer Space
Ignite a child's imagination for space exploration through reading children's books about astronauts. Kids will love reading about the hours of training that is required before even boarding a rocket ship. They will learn about life inside a spaceship, like how astronauts sleep, what they eat, and how they pass their time during travel to and from the destination. There are lessons about science and gravity woven throughout. After story time is over, you will want to share this cool trivia about the life and history of astronauts and everything we have learned from their explorations.
(1) The term ASTRONAUT literally means star sailor.
It's a Greek term formed from the words astron and nautes. Sailors are typically considered explorers at sea, but it makes total sense to use this word for those who navigate outer space.
(2) Have you always wanted to be a little bit taller? Then consider becoming an astronaut.
When in microgravity, astronauts grow by about 3% , but unfortunately this is only temporary. As soon as they return to earth, their bodies shrink back to original size.
(3) A trip to the International Space Station sounds pretty interesting.
But in addition to becoming a highly skilled astronaut, all individuals must learn Russian before they go. It is essential so they can read and understand manuals on the Russian side of the station.
(4) One dirty little secret about being an astronaut is the need to wear diapers when on a space mission.
Called Maximum Absorbency Garments, they come in handy during long missions when using a proper bathroom is just not convenient or even possible.
(5) Sally Ride is a famous for two good reasons.
She was the first American female to travel to outer space, and she was also the youngest astronaut from the US to travel to the moon.
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