What Causes Tides?

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Objective

I can explain how the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun cause tides.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Mr Gedge's Geography Channel · 8:13

We don't generate video — this one is by Mr Gedge's Geography Channel on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Tides are caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun, with the Moon having a greater influence due to its closer proximity to Earth.

  2. 2

    When the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned during a new moon or full moon, spring tides occur, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides, while neap tides occur during the moon's quarter phases.

  3. 3

    Tidal patterns include semi-diurnal tides (two high and two low tides daily), mixed semi-diurnal tides (varying tidal ranges), and diurnal tides (one high and one low tide daily).

Part 3 of 4

Practice

8 questions

1

Explain why the Moon has a greater influence on Earth's tides than the Sun, even though the Sun's gravity is much stronger.

2

What are spring tides and what alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth causes them?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Explain how the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun work together to cause spring tides and neap tides.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

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    Printable worksheet

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