Using a recent event, this example illustrates some useful attributes of the nature of science and its approach to questions.

Demonstrate and calculate the reasons for tidal bulges of water on both hemispheres of Earth, due to the Moon.

Even the most casual observers note the changes in the phase of the Moon as it goes from crescent to half to full and back again with a "monthly" cycle. (See Glenn Simonelli's PUMAS submission "Modeling the motions of the Earth, Sun and Moon" [PUMAS Example 03_10_04_1].) Their observations, or what is "common knowledge", lead them to believe the Moon does loops around the Earth. But is this true?

The length of the day is something we take for granted. Yet, much can be learned about the day -- and the way the Earth moves -- from careful observations of the Sun and a more distant star, over as little as 24 hours, with a home-made viewer and a good clock.