It is well known that the moon,
the earth, and the sun affect ocean tides. Along the west coast of
the United States we experience 4 different tides per day: 2 highs and
2 lows. When the moon, the earth, and the sun are in a line Spring
Tides are formed. During these tides
you may observe higher and lower than normal tides. In other words,
there will be very high tides and very low tides. When the moon,
the earth, and sun are at right angles to each other Neap
Tides
are formed. During these tides
you will not be able to observe a great deal of difference in the heights
of the high and low tides.
At the conclusion of this assignment
you will be able to:
1.
Label and identify different phases of the moon
2. Name different
kinds of tides
3. Create a graph
using your choice of tide data
4. Predict the moon
phases associated with your graph.
Materials:
1. Computer with internet
access
2. Activity sheet
Procedure: Follow the
instructions below to complete the assignment. BE SURE TO
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE GOING TO ANY LINK. Record
your data on the activity sheet.
PART A:
DEFINITIONS AND DRAWINGS 1. Fill in the definitions
for Spring Tides and Neap Tides on your activity sheet.
2. Use the moon
definitions page to find
the definition for Waning, Waxing and Gibbous. Using another resource
or your prior knowledge, define Crescent. Observe what each phase of the
moon is called and what it looks like. Record this information on
your activity sheet. The "Full Moon" and "New Moon" phases are labeled
and drawn for you.
PART B: MOON PHASES
INTERACTIVE 3. First check the
current
moon phase. Then go to the moon
phases interactive web
site and experiment with different dates. Record one of the dates
you chose and draw and label the moon phase that occurred.
PART C: TIDES 4. Now that you have
mastered the moon's phases you can explore how they affect the ocean tides.
First, select a region to study from the tidal
region page.
Record the area you chose on your activity sheet. Refer to your activity
sheet for the next instructions.
5. Notice that your graph
resembles a horizontal "hourglass" shape. Using a pen, pencil, or
highlighter, trace the "hourglass shape." Starting on the left side
of the graph trace the high tides all the way to the end. Repeat
this step with low tides.
6. Review the definitions
for Spring Tides and Neap Tides. Label the appropriate sections of
the graph with the name of the tide. Now, draw a picture of the moon
phase or phases associated with those tides.
PART D: EXTRA MILE 7. Choose another
region and follow the previous directions. Once you have your graph,
compare the new high and low tides with your first graph. Are the
curves in the same location? Why or Why not? (Hint: it is not
simply because you chose a new region!)
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