Tides and Moon Phases

Tides Experiment Recording Sheet — Years 5–8

Name:

Date:

Group Members:

Moon phases and ocean tides illustration

🌊 Part 1: Experiment Observations

During the tides experiment, you used a water tray and a ball to simulate how the Moon's gravity affects water on Earth. Record your observations below.

1. What did you notice about the water level when the ball (Moon) was held close to the tray?

2. What happened to the water on the opposite side of the tray when the Moon was pulled close? Describe what you saw.

3. In the box below, draw a simple diagram of your experiment. Label the Earth (water tray), the Moon (ball), and show where the water level was highest.

4. During the experiment, which moon phase was being simulated when you observed the strongest pull on the water?

First Quarter Moon

Full Moon or New Moon

Last Quarter Moon

Crescent Moon

🌕 Part 2: Moon Phases and Tides

Use what you have learned to answer the following questions.

5. What causes tides on Earth? Circle all that are correct.

The Moon's gravitational pull on Earth's oceans

The Sun's gravitational pull (especially during full and new moons)

Wind blowing across the ocean surface

Earth rotating on its axis

6. Complete the sentences using the words in the box: spring tides, neap tides, full moon, quarter moon, stronger, weaker

When the Moon is at a new moon or _________________ position, the Sun and Moon pull together, causing _________________ called _________________.

When the Moon is at a _________________ position, the gravitational pulls partly cancel out, making tides _________________ — these are called _________________.

7. Explain in your own words: Why do we get two high tides on Earth each day, even though there is only one Moon?

8. In New Zealand, tides are very important for people who fish or work on the coast. Give one example of how knowing the tides could be useful for a New Zealand fisherman or coastal community.

💭 Part 3: Reflect on Your Learning

9. What was the most interesting or surprising thing you discovered during the tides experiment today?

10. Māori have used knowledge of the Moon and tides for centuries — for example, knowing the best times to fish or harvest kaimoana (seafood). How does today's experiment help you understand why lunar knowledge was so valuable?

11. Rate your understanding of tides and moon phases after today's experiment:

🌑 I'm still unsure — I need more help

🌓 I understand some of it but have questions

🌕 I understand it well and could explain it to someone else

12. Write one question you still have about tides or moon phases that you would like to explore further: