What Causes the Tides

Summary
The lesson explains the action of the moon, and, to a lesser degree, the sun, on the tidal activity of the ocean. It is designed to be read by the children, either individually or as a paired reading activity.

Objectives
• The children will understand and be able to explain the parts played by the moon and the sun in causing the ocean tides.

Suggested Grades
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

Excerpt
How often have you built a fort or sand castle on the beach only to have it washed away at high tide? Have you ever wondered what causes the tides to rise and fall? The moon is the closest spatial body to the earth and it exerts a strong gravitational pull. This gravitational force pulls the water in the oceans towards the moon.

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