To think that every person above age 10 at least should know that the moon affects the tides?

[HateSummer]

I was working with someone aged in their early 20's recently who had never heard of this and were really shocked. I was really shocked they didnt know.

Isn't this basic science taught in primary school? Along with the moon cycle and seasons?

I knew the moon affected the tide, but I can't remember when I was first taught about this.

There was an interesting documentary about the Moon on BBC4 a year or two ago that talked about this subject in some detail.

Well everyday is a school day!

How I have managed to cope with raising kids alone, paying bills and all the other shit life given me without this knowledge is beyond me.

Btw if you ever need to silicone round the bath always fill it up with water first and a multimeter can save you money when repairing washing machine and the likes

I once knew someone who thought sunset times could change like the weather. We were visiting once during winter and he actually said "the sun won't set until after 6pm tonight - I read it on Facebook"
It set a about 4.45 as usual 

I wouldn't judge someone for their lack of knowledge of any subject - not everyone can remember every single thing they were taught at school, I know I certainly don't. I would,however, judge somebody who calls out someone on the internet, for a supposed lack of knowledge, whilst at the same time demonstrating their own lack of knowledge of when to use the plural form of verbs.

Yeah, I might judge someone for not using a "space" after a comma. But well, I'm not a nitpicking arsehole. 😊😊😊

what are you getting at lurking ?

Just pointing out that there's a world of difference between "knowing something" that a book tells you (whether that book is Wikipedia, or the Bible) and knowing something because you can prove it to be true for yourself.

The former is a deceptive route into mental sloth, whereas the latter requires you to constantly challenge what is known. And it's from those challenges additional knowledge is gained.

Personally I'm still waiting for a quantum theory of gravity ....

It's odd how people are so enthusiastic about not knowing basic science. Why such enthusiasm? I'm really not understanding this "I didn't know and I don't care" view. Is it because this is AIBU?! My colleague was happy to say they didn't know and said they'd read about it now as it was quite interesting. There was no arrogance or bad feeling like I'm feeling from some people on this thread. Very odd.

Enthusiasm or maybe replying in light hearted way about not knowing about such knowledge rather than feeling like a child who didn't get the answer correct on child genius.

But now I know such information I'm not sure what to do with it

But now I know such information I'm not sure what to do with it

I'm still waiting patiently to hear why I need to know about moons/tides.

I have a feeling I could be waiting some time...

@Butchy maybe when tide changes the answers will be revealed although I'm now concerned with it being cloudy to see any moon

I also used to know someone in her FORTIES (back in the 1990's,) who was 100% convinced that there was 13 months in the year

There are 13 Lunar months in the year and 13 prescriptions per annum if you take the same thing every day as each item is for 28 days.
Some organisations have 13 accounting periods of 4 weeks in a year.

DH is a teacher, in a really high achieving private school. He has met teenagers who didn't know what nettles were and one who screamed when he saw the roots of a plant.....he thought they were worms.

Nothing surprises him anymore!

My Dad's wife told me that I was "an ignorant fantasist" when I mentioned the moon affecting the tides 🙄. Mind you, she thinks that the Earth moves around the moon!

I can't personally prove the maths that keep planes in the sky but I'm happy enough to believe my reading on the subject as well as the fact that I can see planes flying over head

I know a man, a Cambridge maths grad might be verging on brilliant this man but he tries to convince me that he can prove that an aircraft cannot fly. I have offered several times to take him up but he says that until i come up with some math's to prove they can fly - he's not boarding.

I think he's shite scared of flying and won't admit in truth!

Lets not get started on those who still believe the Earth is flat shall we;)

Butchy it's vitally important because seeing a full moon illuminating a high tide down the beach is lovely. It also makes people potty once a month.

DS (14) said the other day that the effect of the moon's gravity has been overstated, and that old people (like me ) think the tides are caused by the moon's gravitational pull, but that the earth's rotation is actually a large factor, as are shoreline, ocean floor and climate...

He was shocked I had such a simplistic view of what causes the tides ....

It also makes people potty once a month

Dad did that and three past girlfriends went almost loopy during a full moon:!

It's basic general knowledge, surely?

Lurking I quite agree that it's important to challenge accepted wisdom and opinions as one travels through life. I try to encourage my children to make up their own minds on "big questions" while giving them my view.

So I take your point. After all that's why children do science experiments, get taken on day trips to museums and are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities and experiences.

However for most of the basic information we learn (or teach our kids) we do have to start off at least taking what our early teachers tell us as read.

An enquiring mind is a wonderful thing though.

I'm slightly baffled at the "what use is this knowledge" questions though. To my mind, knowledge is never useless. It's always interesting even if don't currently have a practical application for it.

I'm pretty educated and widely read but regularly discover new stuff. I'm always pleased to learn something new!

Its all context though isn't it?

If we were on MN in the 10th century this thread would be "My neighbour can't milk a cow or make bread, IABU to think she's a fool?"

"Even if I don't" obvs

Nothing like a decent Spring tide with a full moon.
Especially if the Sun is lined up as well.

I have no idea what you mean lol

I have worked with many teenagers through my job that don't even know the earth is a sphere and the sun is a star. I blame state education!

I blame state education!

I was both state and privately educated I know nothing Jon Snow about lunar tides.