timetable chart for class ocean chart with waves

The vertical motion of tides is accompanied by a horizontal movement of ocean waters called tidal currents. Tides are the periodic rising and falling of ocean waters caused by the gravitational forces of the sun and moon.

Part 2: groups of four or more students.

Part 1: as appropriate for working with Internet resources or for class discussion.

Part 2 (Explaining Tidal Phenomena): Two or three 45-minute periods, plus time outside of class for research and preparation.

Part 1 (Researching and Exploring Tides): One or two 45-minute class periods.

Optional, depending upon students' approach to Part 2.

Materials for constructing models of the Earth-moon-sun system (optional, depending upon students' approach to Part 2).

Copies of 'Tides and Water Levels Student Worksheet,' one copy for each student or student group.

(optional) Access to the Internet and NOAA's Tides Online Web page ( ) if Internet access is not available, prepare copies of Appendices A, B, and C, one copy for each student or student group.

NOAA Office of Education Resource Collection: Tides Materials NOAA Ocean Explorer Multimedia Discovery Mission

Tides and Water Levels Tutorial and Subject Review Links to Overview Essays and Resources Useful for Student Research

Students will describe how tides affect our lives and explain the importance of monitoring tides.

Students will analyze variations in tidal patterns and water levels in selected areas, and infer and discuss some conditions that may have influenced these variations.

Students will explain and model forces that cause and affect tides.What causes tides and tidal currents? Learning Objectives

Timetable chart for class ocean chart with waves