The Moon and Tides:
Multiple Perspectives
 Disciplinary
Focus:
Earth Science, Biology, Natural Science, Life
Science, English/Language Arts, and Social Studies
Curriculum
Grade Level:
Middle Grades 6-8
This integrated curriculum for middle grades
explores the cycles of the moon and tides from both
scientific and cultural perspectives. Written in
collaboration with the Bishop Museum in Hawai`i, it
builds upon the Cycles and Hawaiian Traditions unit
developed by Hui Malama o Mo'omomi and the Pacific
American Foundation. The research-based curriculum
combines objective, scientific, standards-based
learning experiences with storytelling activities
that explore an indigenous view of the moon and
tides.
Specifically, students use observation, gather data,
and draw inferences about the phases of the moon and
tides and relate them to the relative position of
the earth, moon, and sun. They learn about gravity
and its role in the solar system and come to
understand how human activity or natural
catastrophes such as eruptions, floods or storms
produce change in our fragile ecosystems. At the
same time, students learn about the characteristics
of myths and cultural stories, study figures of
speech, such as similes, metaphors, and hyperbole,
and identify similarities and differences between
stories from different cultures as they relate to
the cycles of the moon and tide.
Understanding about the science of the moon and
tides is important to all students, regardless of
whether they live next to the ocean or in an inland
location. There are numerous examples of the
importance of these cycles to all people:
• Research has found connections between the phases
of the moon and movements in the earth's crust,
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These appear to
be caused by the gravitational pull of the moon when
it is in perigee-particularly close to the earth and
aligned with the earth and sun in full moon
position.
• The gravitational pull associated with the phases
of the full and new moon can cause measurable
changes in water levels-not only in oceans, but also
in large rivers, lakes, bays, and estuaries.
• The water surges associated with increased water
levels at the full or new moon allow fish and other
aquatic creatures to lay their eggs in timed
intervals above the water line. In turn, these eggs
have the opportunity to incubate, away from aquatic
predators, until the next full or new moon, when
they hatch.
• The migration of birds and other wildlife is often
associated with periods of the full moon.
• The majority of scientists assert that the
temperatures of the earth and ocean are rising. The
environmental changes brought on by sea level
changes associated with global warming are
exacerbated during full or new moon high tides.
Learning about cultural stories that provide an
indigenous view of the moon and tides helps students
learn about culture and discover the connections
between the natural environment, science, culture
and stories. |
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What is ECHO?
ECHO is an educational and cultural enrichment initiative, annually serving thousands of children and adults in Alaska, Hawaii and Massachusetts. Established by Congress as part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, ECHO brings innovative programs collaboratively produced by the regional cultural institutions to culturally diverse audiences. Read
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