Question

Identify each statement as being most like an observation, a law, or a theory. \(\begin{array}{l}{\text { a. All coastal areas experience two high tides and two low tides each }} \\ {\text { day. }} \\ {\text { b. The tides in Earth's oceans are caused mainly by the gravitational attraction }} \\ {\text { of the moon. }} \\ {\text { c. Yesterday, high tide in San Francisco Bay occurred at } 2 : 43 \text { A.M. and }} \\ {\text { d. Tides are higher at the full moon and new moon than at other times }} \\ {\text { of the month. }}\end{array}\)

Short answer

a. Observation, b. Theory, c. Observation, d. Law

Step-by-step solution

Statement A Analysis

Look at statement A and decide if it is an observation, a law, or a theory. An observation is a statement of fact, noticed through the senses or instruments. A law is a generalized rule to explain a body of observations, in the form of a verbal or mathematical statement. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses, and facts. Statement A describes a pattern that takes place in coastal areas every day; therefore, it is a description of a routine observation.

Statement B Analysis

Examine statement B to identify its category. This statement provides a cause (the gravitational attraction of the moon) for the phenomenon of tides that can be tested and has a significant amount of evidence behind it, making it more like a theory.

Statement C Analysis

Determine the type of statement C. This statement records a specific event that occurred at a particular time and place, making it an individual observation.

Statement D Analysis

Analyze statement D to denominate it into the appropriate category. This statement is describing a general pattern observed in the behavior of tides, making it a law which is a systematic and consistent explanation of particular phenomena under specified conditions.

Key concepts

Observation in Scientific Method

Observations are the foundational building blocks of the scientific method. Simply put, an observation is a statement based on sensory experience or instrumental aid. For example, noticing that tides occur at regular intervals is an observation. Scientists gather data through observations, but the key is to conduct them in a systematic and objective way. This means they must be repeatable and measurable.

Let's consider the textbook exercise statement 'Yesterday, high tide in San Francisco Bay occurred at 2:43 A.M.' This clearly outlines an individual observation. It details a specific instance observed and can be verified by others who were there at the same time. Observations like these often raise questions that drive scientific inquiry forward, prompting us to find patterns or causal relationships.

In the context of helping students grasp this concept, use concrete examples from their daily lives. For instance, have them note the boiling point of water multiple times, each under the same conditions, and each time recording their findings. This practice illustrates the impartial and consistent nature of scientific observation.

Scientific Law

Scientific laws are descriptions, often in the form of mathematical formulas, that predict what will happen under certain conditions. They are established after consistent observational findings and usually provide the 'what' rather than the 'why'. A good example of a scientific law is Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which predicts how objects will attract each other based on their mass and distance.

In our exercise, statement D, 'Tides are higher at the full moon and new moon than at other times of the month,' exemplifies a scientific law. It identifies a regular and predictable pattern without delving into why this pattern occurs. For students, understanding scientific laws means recognizing patterns and predictability in natural phenomena. A useful exercise might be observing the phases of the moon and the corresponding tide levels, then summarizing the systematic nature of their relationship in a law. Encouraging students to describe what they see in their own words before formalizing it into a law can be particularly instructive.

Scientific Theory

Scientific theories are comprehensive explanations of some aspect of the natural world, substantiated by a body of evidence that includes laws, hypotheses, and facts. They not only describe and predict phenomena but also aim to explain them. A well-known example is the Theory of Evolution, which explains the diversity of life on Earth.

In our initial problem, statement B, 'The tides in Earth's oceans are caused mainly by the gravitational attraction of the moon,' is indicating a scientific theory. It goes beyond mere observation and provides a causal explanation for the tides. To bolster students' comprehension, you might introduce the concept of a scientific theory with familiar theories about everyday things, such as germ theory of disease. This can show them that theories are deeply rooted in evidence and undergo rigorous testing and validation. Engaging students in debates about different aspects of a theory or how a theory could be tested can further enhance their understanding and appreciation of scientific theories.