Research Assignment –

What causes the Earth’s tides?

Unit: Third Rock from the Sun

Due Date: ______

Teacher: ______

Task: Observe the Moon for 10 consecutive days and investigate

how the Moon affects the Earth’s tides and why we see

different phases of the Moon.

Guidelines for Completing Assessment:

1.  Observe the moon for 20 consecutive days. Draw the shape of the moon on the handout provided, recording the time and date (You can use this handout or design your own for the assignment).

2.  Label your drawings with the different phases of the moon.

3.  Using a tide chart record the highest tide for the corresponding day (i.e. if you observed the moon in the morning use the am high tide, if you observed the moon in the evening use the pm high tide).

4.  Plot a graph comparing the height of the tide (y – axis) with the day of the month (x-axis). Then add the phases of the moon that you observed.

5.  What trend does the graph show? Use what you have learned in science to explain your findings (i.e. how are the phases of the moon and the height of the tides related?). Use a diagram.

6.  Predict what would happen to the Moon and the tides for the remainder of the month. Draw this in by hand on your graph.

7.  Using a diagram explain why we see the different phases of the moon.

Presentation

You can present your assignment as a poster, a power point or an oral presentation or you can negotiate another method with your teacher. All the above points must be included in your presentation.

If you include pictures or diagrams from books or the Internet, make sure you source them and include all resources used in a bibliography.

Research Assignment – What causes the Earth’s tides?

Outcome: Earth and Beyond (Band 4)
Learners explains phenomenon such as the moon and the seasons. They use scientific ideas to explain how interactions and changes may impact on the earth and beyond.
You did not explain the link between the Moon and the Earth’s tides or did not include a diagram.
You included the phases of the Moon but were unable to explain why they occur. / You included a diagram to explain the link between the Moon and the Earth’s tides but needed more scientific information.
You identified the different phases of the Moon and provided some explanation for their cause. / You clearly explained the relationship between the Moon and the Earth’s tides scientifically, including a diagram.
You clearly explained the cause of the phases of the Moon.
q Emerging / q Solid / q Consolidating
Outcome : Science as Inquiry (Band 4)
Learners present data in appropriate formats and interpret patterns in data or information prepared in different formats.
Some moon observations were completed.
Your graph was not complete, missing labels, tittle, scales and/or the plotted points.
Moon phases were not included above the graph or were not correct.
You did not clearly describe the trend of the graph in a meaningful way.
You did not predict how the tide or moon would change / Most moon observations were completed thoroughly.
Most of the information was displayed accurately on your graph
Most Moon phases were drawn accurately above the graph.
You described the main trend of the graph but more scientific information was needed.
You predicted what would happen to the tides and moon but needed to be more accurate. / All moon observations were completed thoroughly.
Your graph revealed a trend, axes were labelled, scales and title were appropriate, plotting was accurate.
Moon phases were drawn above the graph and could be clearly linked to the graph.
You were able to describe clearly the trend of the graph using scientific explanations
You accurately predicted the changes to the moon and the tides for the rest of the month.
q Emerging / q Solid / q Consolidating

Name: ______

Yr. 7 Science - Moon Phases and Tide Times

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