Introduction
Hey, Future Ocean Scientists!
Have you ever stood by the beach and wondered why the water comes in and out? What’s really going on with those waves? In this WebQuest, you’ll dive into the world of ocean tides. You’ll discover how the moon and sun play a huge role in this natural phenomenon, and you’ll learn how to predict tide patterns. By the end, you’ll be a mini-expert on tides and even get to create a cool project to share what you’ve learned!
Task
Your goal is to create a presentation that explains the concept of ocean tides. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Define high tide and low tide.
- Create a visual aid, like a poster or digital slideshow, that includes:
- Diagrams showing how the moon affects tides.
- Real-life examples of how tides impact coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
Process
Here’s how you’ll complete your task:
1. Start Researching:
- First, check out this introductory video about ocean tides. (Add a link to a YouTube video that explains tides simply.)
- Next, read a couple of articles to gather more information:
- [National Ocean Service - Tides](https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/tides.html)
- [NASA - The Science of Tides](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/the-science-of-tides)
2. Take Some Notes:
- While you’re reading, jot down important points. Focus on understanding what high and low tides are, how gravity plays a role, and the effects tides have on both nature and people.
3. Create Your Presentation:
- Decide how you want to present your findings—whether it’s a poster, a digital slide deck, or even an infographic.
- Use your notes to fill in the content. Don’t forget to include visuals, like diagrams of the moon’s influence on tides and examples of tides affecting coastal areas.
4. Present to the Class:
- Once your project is ready, you’ll share your presentation with the class. Explain what you learned and why tides are important.
Evaluation
Here’s how you’ll be graded:
- Content (40 points): Did you accurately define high and low tides and explain their causes?
- Visual Aid (30 points): Is your presentation visually engaging? Are the diagrams clear and informative?
- Presentation (30 points): Did you effectively communicate your findings to the class?
Conclusion
Great job, ocean explorers! By the end of this WebQuest, you’ve not only learned about tides but also created something to share with others. Take a moment to reflect on what you discovered about the ocean's rhythms and how they connect to life on Earth.
Credits
Content Contributors:
- Salman Khan: Founder of Khan Academy, whose educational videos helped shape the understanding of tides and other scientific concepts.
- National Ocean Service: The authoritative source for tidal information, providing accurate and reliable data on ocean tides.
- NASA: For their informative articles and resources about the science of tides and the gravitational effects of celestial bodies.
Visual Resources:
- YouTube: For educational videos that explain ocean tides in an engaging way.
- Google Images: For diagrams and illustrations that depict tidal patterns and the moon's influence.
Additional Resources:
- WebQuest Template: Thanks to [CreateWebQuest](https://www.createwebquest.com) for the platform that made creating this WebQuest easy and interactive.
- References:
- National Ocean Service - Tides. [Link](https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/tides.html)
- NASA - The Science of Tides. [Link](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/the-science-of-tides)
Acknowledgments
Thank you to all the educators and resources that contributed to this WebQuest. Your hard work and dedication to making learning accessible are truly appreciated!