Conceptual Physical Science

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 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. 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 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 Leeward Community College. In addition to authoring textbooks, John is currently an adjunct faculty member at St. Michael’s College in Coldchester, Vermont. Leslie A. Hewitt Leslie is also coauthor of 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.

Prologue: The Nature of Science

PART 1: PHYSICS

1. Patterns of Motion and Equilibrium

2. Newton's Laws of Motion

3. Momentum and Energy

4. Gravity, Projectiles, and Satellites

5. Fluid Mechanics

6. Temperature, Heat, and Thermodynamics

7. Heat Transfer and Change of Phase

8. Static and Current Electricity

9. Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

10. Waves and Sound

11. Light

PART 2: CHEMISTRY

12. Atoms and the Periodic Table

13. The Atomic Nucleus and Radioactivity

14. Elements of Chemistry

15. How Atoms Bond and Molecules Attract

16. Mixtures

17. How Chemicals React

18. Two Classes of Chemical Reactions

19. Organic Compounds

PART 3: EARTH SCIENCE

20. Rocks and Minerals

21. Plate Tectonics and Earth’s Interior

22. Shaping Earth’s Surface

23. Geologic Time—Reading the Rock Record

24. The Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climatic Effects

25. Driving Forces of Weather

PART 4: ASTRONOMY

26. The Solar System

27. Stars and Galaxies

28. The Structure of Space and Time