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Tides and Surf micro-lesson

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Learning time​

Kids learn by watching short, engaging video lessons.

This lesson is about how waves change the tidal changes focusing on mid tide waves. Small to medium-sized waves break meaning we can surf them when the wave height is approximately 1.3 times as high as the water is deep. So, a 1-meter-tall wave breaks when the wave is 1.3 meters above the reef or ocean floor. Reefs always stay at the same depth. The thing that changes is the tide and the waves that come with them. Next, let's take a look at the example of a high tide wave. When there's a high tide, this means that the wave goes over the reef at about 3 to 5 meters, so the wave does not break. It's too hard to surf. When there's a low tide, maybe the reef is too shallow. And at a very, very low tide, maybe the waves are breaking but only very, very small waves and if you surf it, you are too close to the reef to surf safely. At mid tide, this is the sweet spot where there's enough water moving over the reef to make it fun, surfable waves. So surfers surf a 1 meter wave when it's 1.3 meters above the reef.

Examples of 1Question Maths Questions

Answer time

Kids earn more screen time by answering fun educational questions.

Here are some example of questions about this video that kids may be asked in the 1Question app to earn screen time.

  • How many high and low tides are there every day?

    1) 2 high and 2 low tides per day
    2) 1 high and 1 low tide per day
    3) 3 high and 3 low tides per day
    4) It varies depending on location and time of year.
  • What force created by the moon causes the tides?

    1) Gravity
    2) Solar radiation
    3) Atmospheric pressure
    4) Frictional force
  • Which has a smaller tide change (which means you can surf more hours eah day)?

    1) Neap tides
    2) Spring tide
    3) Low tide
    4) High tide
  • What causes the tides?

    1) The Moon's gravity
    2) The Earth's rotation
    3) The Sun's gravity
    4) Volcanic activity
  • As it changes from a spring tide to a neap tide, tidal changes get smaller

    1) Yes
    2) No
  • As it changes from a neap tide to a spring tide, tidal changes get bigger

    1) Yes
    2) No

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Meet your educator

Our micro-courses are developed and delivered by qualified educators from around the world.

Sarah Sanchez Medrano

Sarah Sanchez Medrano

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