Conceptual Physical Science Explorations

Focused on the idea that the rules of the physical world can be taught using a conceptual approach that emphasizes qualitative analysis, the Hewitt team has created a text that is highly readable, flexible, and hands-on. Thirty-four concisely written chapters allow you to better select topics to match your course and the needs of your students in a one- or two- semester course. Conceptual Physical Science Explorations, Second Edition presents a clear and engaging introduction to physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth sciences. The authors use analogies and everyday examples to clarify key concepts and help students better understand the world around them. The textbook’s consistent, high-quality coverage stimulates active learning with critical thinking exercises, hands-on experiments, review questions, and quantitative problems. Conceptual Physical Science Explorations is less rigorous in coverage and written more simply than Conceptual Physical Science, Fourth Edition, and directed primarily to college courses where students are less well prepared, and in some cases, remedial.

The Second Edition features updated content, new Chapter Opening statements, and more.

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.