Conceptual Physical Science Explorations

Paul G. Hewitt  Former silver-medal boxing champion, sign painter, uranium prospector, and soldier, Paul began college at the age of 27, with the help of the GI Bill. He pioneered the conceptual approach to teaching physics at the City College of San Francisco. He has taught as a guest teacher at various middle schools and high schools, the University of California at both the Berkeley and Santa Cruz campuses, and the University of Hawaii at both the Manoa and Hilo campuses. He also taught for 20 years at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, which honored him with its Outstanding Educator Award in 2000. He is the author of Conceptual Physics and a co-author of Conceptual Physical Science and Conceptual Physical Science Explorations (with John and Leslie).  John A. Suchocki  John is the author of Conceptual Chemistry as well as a co-author (with Paul and Leslie Hewitt) of Conceptual Physical Science and Conceptual Physical Science Explorations. John obtained his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University. He taught chemistry at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and then at the Leeward Community College. In addition to authoring textbooks, John is currently an adjunct faculty member at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. He also produces science education multimedia through his company, Conceptual Productions (www.CPro.cc) and writes and illustrates science-oriented children’s books.  Leslie A. Hewitt  Leslie is also coauthor of Conceptual Physical Science and Conceptual Physical Science Explorations (with Paul and John). After obtaining her geology degree at San Francisco State University, Leslie’s interest in teaching broadened to include educating elementary and middle school students. She completed additional graduate work in geography and education, receiving her California State Teaching Certification, also from San Francisco State University. In addition to writing, she devotes considerable time and energy to bringing science education to young people in engaging ways. She is particularly active in her local school district where she works on curriculum development and hands-on science, organizes interactive science fairs, guest teaches, and works with students on connections between scientific concepts and life in the every day world.

• 1. About ScienceI. MECHANICS 2. Newton’s First Law of Motion - Inertia 3. Newton’s Second Law of Motion - Force and Acceleration 4. Newton’s Third Law of Motion - Action and Reaction 5. Momentum 6. Energy 7. Gravity 8. Fluid MechanicsII. FORMS OF ENERGY 9. Heat10.  Electricity11. Magnetism12. Waves and Sound13. Light and Color14. Properties of Light15. The Atom16. Nuclear EnergyIII. CHEMISTRY 17. Elements of Chemistry18. How Atoms Bond and Molecules Attract19. How Chemicals Mix20. How Chemicals React21. Two Types of Chemical Reactions22. Organic Compounds23. The Chemistry of Drugs24. NutritionIV. EARTH SCIENCE25. Rocks and Minerals 26. Earth’s Interior27. Plate Tectonics28. Earth’s Surface Features29. Earth History Over Time30. Oceans and Atmosphere31. Driving Forces of WeatherV. ASTRONOMY32. The Solar System33. Stars and Galaxies34. The Structure of Space and TimeAppendix A. Systems of Measurement Appendix B. Linear Motion Appendix C. Vectors Appendix D. Physics of Fluids Appendix E. Exponential Growth and Doubling Time Appendix F. Safety