Tidal Causes

This sorting and reasoning worksheet supports students in Grades 5, 6, and 7 as they analyze what causes different tidal effects on Earth. Students categorize examples-such as spring tides, neap tides, and daily tidal cycles-by deciding whether each is primarily influenced by the Moon, the Sun, or both. The activity strengthens understanding of gravitational forces, celestial alignment, and cause dominance while reinforcing scientific reasoning and evidence-based justification. A reflection prompt invites learners to evaluate which celestial body has the greater influence on tides and explain their reasoning in writing.

Learning Goals

• Comparative Gravitational Forces (Grades 5-7) – Distinguish between the Moon’s and Sun’s roles in creating tides
• Earth-Moon-Sun Relationships – Explain how alignment affects tidal strength and patterns
• Categorization Skills – Sort scientific information accurately based on cause
• Scientific Writing & Justification – Support conclusions with clear, evidence-based explanations

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with Earth and space science and ELA standards
• Clear Sorting Format – Encourages analysis rather than memorization
• Reflection Component Included – Promotes deeper thinking about relative influence and dominance
• Flexible Use – Ideal for science units, review lessons, formative assessment, or homeschool instruction

This tides sorting worksheet helps students develop a clearer understanding of how the Moon and Sun work together-and differently-to shape ocean tides. By categorizing causes and justifying conclusions, learners strengthen scientific literacy, critical thinking, and explanatory writing skills. It’s a no-prep resource for both classroom and homeschool settings that supports meaningful learning about gravitational interactions and tidal science.

This worksheet is part of our Tides and Their Relation to the Moon collection.