Ds just threw me a curve ball and decided that next year instead of the Earth and Life Science that I have mostly all figured out, he wants to do physics. Since the holidays are going to fly buy, and the spring normally has me doing a thousand things at once, I thought I best ask now. I was considering Hewitt's Conceptual Physics, though he will have the math background to handle quite a bit of Algebra based physics. I am assuming that the mathematics in Algebra based would be fairly substantial and the major fixture of the curriculum. That has not really worked out before as Ds is not really looking to stretch himself in science. He is curious, but needs a bit of depth and content to keep him going. I am looking for something like the Apologia Chemistry or GPB Chemistry. Some math, but light and not central to the science. Anyone have experience here? Does the edition of Hewitt matter? We are looking at the college version instead of the high school. Is there something in the high school edition that we really should have that is not in the college edition? Supposedly there are no answers, but you can purchase a practice workbook which contains the odd answers along with extra problems. Is this accurate? For the tenth edition there is Problem Solving in Conceptual Physics for Conceptual Physics appears to be the practice workbook. What is in Practicing Physics for Conceptual Physics? Are there any other programs out there that are not mathematics central that might be better, more interesting, or that I should consider? I'll throw this up on the high school board if needed, but I was wanting to see if anyone here has info for kids who are younger, but really want content. ETA: He will be in sixth grade next year, through Algebra 1 and about half of Geometry. He will also have completed Earth Science and Chemistry.

We're going to use Hewitt's CP for 9th grade, what would you call it on a transcript? Would a University consider it a full Physics credit or can we call it something else then do Physics again (at CC)? My original intention was to do ICP or Physical Science and I still might, but it seems that it is assumed (by many on these boards) that neither of those is H.S. level? Our state universities don't require anything specific other then 3 sciences, 2 of them being labs. Physical Science is an approved course at the H.S. level in the P.S. here but I have no idea if they actually offer it. ETA: we will be doing a "lab" as well. Not sure if what I have planned constitutes a FULL lab, still need to research that.

I have an upcoming 9th grader and 8th grader. I am planning to do the physics first sequence with them and so plan to use Hewitt's Conceptual Physics next year. I have read many of the threads on this course and didn't find this specifically, so hopefully this isn't a repeat question. I found a cheap used copy of the 9th Edition (orange/red sunset cover with rocky cliffs) but now I see the High School Edition (with the ferris wheel) and wonder if that edition would be better. My kiddos are average to above average and do well with their school work overall. The younger one definitely has gravitated more toward science than the older. Both are good readers. This will really be their first course with an actual textbook (other than math). Reading through the first couple chapters of the 9th, I think it might be a slow start for them but I think they would adjust. I am planning on using other resources to supplement/enforce. I want them to enjoy the course and learn a lot! Could anyone compare the two for me to help me decide which might be a better fit for my kids? What are the differences in the texts? Is the high school one substantially easier? I've seen cheap used copies of this one as well so it won't cost me much to buy it too, but was just wondering if anyone has any insight. Thanks so much, Michelle in IL

Since Conceptual Physics (I'm going to shorten that to CP from now on) gets recommended so often, I thought it might be nice for it to have its own thread with a self-explanatory title. That way, if folks are searching, it's easier to find. I did a search but couldn't find a master thread so hopefully this doesn't already exist. Please feel free to add on to the thread! *Originally posted by lisabees! A free, online edition of the text (looks like the 9th ed): http://www.dsusd.k12...k/htm/_cp9e.htm Thread the link came from: http://forums.welltr...s/#entry4720185 *Originally posted by MyThreeSons! The "Next Time" questions: http://www.arborsci....-time-questions Thread the link came from: http://forums.welltr...e/#entry3954577 *Lori D. gave a link to CP videos online which, if they're the same as the ones offered for sale on ArborSci, are a FANTASTIC deal!!! (...considering that both ArborSci and Amazon want $1200 for the DVD set - gack!) http://www.dsusd.k12...k/htm/_cp9e.htm She also gave a wonderful list matching up the chapters in CP with TOPS science kits and other science equipement: http://forums.welltr...s/#entry4566286 Ooooooooo... Here's her list with links! http://forums.welltr...e/#entry3306269 *Regentrude gave some scheduling advice: http://forums.welltr...n/#entry4410028 *ElinorEverywhere has a syllabus that she had offered in past - if you ask her nicely, she might still be willing to share: http://forums.welltr...m/#entry3938352 *Pearson home page for CP editions from 2006 and earlier: http://www.phschool....k&wcsuffix=0000 *Pearson home page for CP edition from 2008: http://www.phschool....k&wcsuffix=9999 *Course syllabus, calendar, schedule, and other downloadable resources from a cc that uses CP: http://faculty.cheme...alendar111.html *Free daily practice problems e-mailed to you: http://www.learnconc....com/index.html Presentations, more practice problems, and review packets: http://www.learnconc...opics/index.php Other resources: http://www.learnconc...rces/index.html *CP resources for sale including labs and vodcasts: http://www.teachers....PhysicsLabs.htm *A whole lotta stuff (not specifically related to CP): http://www.physicsclassroom.com/ Scroll down to the bottom of this page: http://www.physicscl...com/curriculum/ and they have links for free packets of pdf worksheets that co-ordinate with their physics tutorials here: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/ *Here are some older threads that talk about CP: http://forums.welltr...y/#entry4869046 http://forums.welltr...b/#entry4878998 http://forums.welltr...s/#entry4868194 http://forums.welltr...c/#entry4745657 http://forums.welltr...p/#entry4698936 http://forums.welltr...y/#entry4490869 http://forums.welltr...t/#entry4417167 http://forums.welltr...t/#entry4408561 http://forums.welltr...s/#entry4009068 http://forums.welltr...m/#entry3937512 http://forums.welltr...s/#entry3850558 http://forums.welltr...s/#entry3840474 *OK... Now I just found another thread on CP resources because apparently my search skills leave something to be desired - started by G5052: http://forums.welltr...s/#entry4616155 *Posted by EndOfOrdinary - an awesome post with lots of Conceptual Physics types of curricula: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/532807-looking-for-the-low-down-on-hewitts-conceptual-physics/?do=findComment&comment=6012204 I've only searched the past year and I know I've missed tons. My apologies if I've missed anyone's contributions to the Hive's collective wisdom - it wasn't intentional! (Pssst... Can anyone tell me how to post links so that a description shows up (but is still a live link) instead of the full web address? I'd love to be able to do that. )

Hello, I am researching Physics and Chemistry resources for 7th grade next year. Initially I thought Chemistry would be harder to find resources for this age group. But I'm discoveing just the opposite with many great Chem options for younger kids such as: * DK Eyewitness Books: Chemistry * McHenry's The Elements * McHenry's Carbon Chemistry * Chemistry 101 However for Physics I'm not finding quite as much. Paul Hewitt's Conceptual Physics and Conceptual Physical Science texts seem to be popular options. Yet they are possibly geared toward an older High School audience. So I'm curious who has used these texts or other 'Conceptual' science based resources during the middle school years? I did find the free Holt Physical Science text to be a good general resource. Though I'm exploring other options. One more that looks very interesting is How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life Thanks for sharing your input and experiences,

OK -- I have a lull in my professional schedule, so I worked on transcripts and am planning ahead. I posting partially for myself, and also to help others that may follow. I decided on Hewitt's Conceptual Physics for my oldest, and found the text and matching TE. I also bookmarked the various links that people have provided on videos, etc. There were a lot of good threads here from 2008 that really helped. For reference, these looked good: http://www.dsusd.k12...k/htm/_cp9e.htm http://w3.shorecrest...Peck/LPeck.html http://www.montereyi.../nrocdemos.html These are specific to that text. Of course there is also Khan Academy, gpb.org, Physics Place, and others that are more general. Anything new out there?

I'm not sure what I need to order. Which edition? Practice book? Teacher resources? Just started a part time job and I don't have time to research. Could some of you wiser women lend a hand? Thanks, Teresa

For those who've used/are using this book, do you have the Teacher Guide/book? The student text does not have answers for the practice problems or Appendix problems and I don't have time to sit and figure the answers out myself!

I have the Prentice Hall 2009 version of Conceptual Physics. I want to know if these tests http://www.millerphysics.com/conceptual-physics-practice-tests.html can be used with it. They are from a different CP edition (not sure which one). Can anyone tell me if these tests will work with the 2009 edition? Certainly it would be easy to match chapter titles with test titles, but I'm unsure if there would be minor differences enough for a test not to be representative of a chapter. That wouldn't be a fair test. I would like to use these tests next year if the test questions are a match with the content of the chapters.

Hoping to make a beneficial contribution... I found this webpage that has tests for Conceptual Physics. http://www.millerphysics.com/conceptual-physics-practice-tests.html

Can someone tell me how you've done this so I don't re-invent the wheel (ha-ha, lame physics pun :) I'm using this for a very bright 8th grader and an average 10 grader that will be working together. Here's what I'm thinking: There are 36 chapters in the book, so that is one chapter per week. Mon-Tues: Read chapter, take notes. Wed: Review Questions (orally) and work Practicing Physics Q's in book. Thurs: Exercises (odds, possibly orally) maybe an experiment, too. Fri: Work odd problems in text. It looks like the Practicing Physics Q's and the textbook exercises cover similar material, so I don't want to do too much of this. We're becoming big fans of Khan Academy, so I may add in videos if it seems like too much time on the same exercises. Also, I don't think the math for the textbook problems is covered in the text. Should I expect that my kids will I need some outside help for these problems? Any ideas for lab experiments? I would appreciate any other suggestions you have!

My 6th grader will finish BJU Life Science this year (it's been a longgg year!). I'd like him to have a good generaly science experiance in 7th grade - fun, challenging (but not too much)- and that gets him ready for high school. I was thinking of Rainbow, but afraid it's not meaty enough. Any thoughts?

If we use Hewitt's Conceptual Physics text what edition should I stay away from or conversely which edition is best (I'd rather not pay for this current edition, abeBooks has some great prices on 8th and 9th editions)?? Secondly, what, if any labs should I be prepared to do and are they included in the text or should I use another text – like: we have TOPS Machines and JVC’s Physics for Every Kid and I was kicking around purchasing Physics with TOYS, but didn’t want to throw good money after bad and purchase 10 things when one really good book would have done it. I have been searching on the forums, but I haven't turned up anything yet, maybe I don't search so well.... Thanks! :bigear:

I'm interested in using GPB Physics teaching/labs with Conceptual Physics. Would these complement each other well? I have the Prentice Hall 2009 Conceptual Physics books: student, TM, and problem solving exercises. I also have TTC Physics in Your Life DVDs. I don't have anything for labs. I have been looking at Georgia Public Broadcasting physics videos this morning. Can anyone tell me if it would be a good idea to use these with Conceptual Physics? I think GPB would provide the lab element that I am missing along with wonderful instructional videos. Also, does anyone have a schedule that links GPB with CP? I am planning CP next year with a 9th grader (taking Alg. I this year in 8th grade), and I would like it to be a physics lab course. I am new (and nervous) about planning a high school science course. I've read about the importance of quality labs vs. quantity labs, but I just want to be sure we *do* enough to put Physics with lab on a transcript. (This would be ok to do using Conceptual Physics, right?) Is there a phone number where I can reach GPB? I would like to inquire about purchasing the teaching materials for physics.

I would really like dd to do the physics, chemistry, biology line-up in high school. Dd is taking Alg. I in 8th, and I have been considering the algebra-based College Physics by Knight, Jones, and Field for 9th grade. Here's the problem: She's taking CPO Foundations of Physical Science; she reads the chapters, answers all of the questions, and does labs with dh who is a mechanical engineer. BUT, she does not test well. I'm really beginning to think College Physics would not be fair to her. She has told me that she needs someone to talk to about physics WHILE she is studying. Since her dad works, she has no one. I have NO physics experience. When she talks through concepts, she really gets it. In this respect, she enjoys physics. Doing poorly on the tests is discouraging to her. What about Conceptual Physics for 9th grade? I've avoided this course because I have not been convinced that it is a solid high school course. It might be just the ticket, though especially if we could combine it with TTC Physics in Your Life which I have and also add labs.... beef it up. If you've used this course, would you share the ISBN numbers to the text you like best.... there are several books I read about last night. Please tell me if CP would be a good substitute for College Physics. Also, what have you done to make it a solid high school course? What other ways can we do non-mathy physics for credit in 9th grade? My goal is to use physics as a prep for chemistry (and chemistry as a prep for biology.) Thanks!

We are scheduled to "start" this week, and as I'm looking over the book I bought for ds (Introductory Physical Science, 7th edition, by Haber-Schaim), I'm really beginning to doubt that this is a good choice. Good book, but not the right one for us. I'm considering CPO Science (Middle School Physical Science) or the high school level (the "O" series?) of Physics by Singapore Science. I had ds read over the sample pages for Singapore's middle school curriculum, and it was completely familiar to him (although there isn't much on which to base an opinion). The high school level had familiar content, too, but he said there was enough new material that it didn't seem like a boring review. I also showed him the CPO Science sample - this was, too, appealing, but it's harder to find, it seems to me (I see bits and pieces on amazon and ebay, but the prices are pretty high - maybe it's the time of year?). DH can help with discussion of this topic, which is great because this isn't my area at all. I know there are several people on here who love CPO, so I'm wondering if anyone here is also familiar with Singapore's Science curriculum. Or, if there's another suggestion, I'd love to hear it. We do not want video instruction - a little here and there would be okay, but we tried Thinkwell last year, and after a few months, he dreaded having to watch those every day.

I have the Algebra curriculum all set. Ds wants to study physics in the fall. What curricula choices do I have? He'll be doing Algebra 1 concurrently. I've heard of Conceptual Physics. What else would you recommend? This would be for a 7-9th grader who is very strong in the sciences.

I have the "ferris wheel" student and teacher editions of Conceptual Physics. What would be a good lab manual or kit to go along with this? Thanks!!

and where to buy? Thanks!

Has anyone used the videos from Hewitt? I know many people use the DIVE program but am wondering about those specific to the book.

I caught my son reading the PH Conceptual Physics book that he picked up at a library sale. He says that he knows most of the material already. Are there any home school test/quiz/lab materials that I can pick up for him so we can turn it into a class for credit, since he's reading it anyway?

Any experience doing Physics in 9th grade? One of the local public schools here does Conceptual Physics in 9th grade. The ps teacher seems to have the same logic as Beginnings Publishing, thinking that it makes more sense to do Physics first (although Beginnings does that in jr. hi only). And this ps teacher says it helps with testing more than the other sciences. This school is one of the more advanced public schools around here, but they are still using this even with non-AP students. I double-checked and they are using the 10-12th grade book by Hewitt, not the 9th grade one. My reasoning is that ds liked physics more than chemistry or biology, but not sure that's enough to consider attacking high school physics in 9th grade. He's doing well in Algebra this year, but he's a youngest child who is not really into challenging himself. Anyone else BTDT? Julie

I have done my research on the WTM boards as well as on Amazon, home school/textbook reviews and other web sites, yet I am still very confused regarding Conceptual Physics. There are so many books, editions, media updates (what does that mean?), practice books etc. that I feel I'm on a wild goose chase. I am sure this is what we want to do for my 10th grade, college bound daughter. Can anyone give me at least a 50/50 on what books and/or resources are must haves for a complete high school course and which are optional but helpful. I would split my million dollar prize for editions and/or ISBN #s. I thank you kindly and now let's play.....Who Wants to be a Physicist? Happy New(ton) Year!!

My ds is 12 and will be in the 8th grade next year. I got Rainbow science for him thinking it would last the two years before high school. Well, he'll be done with it this year. So, now I need to figure out what to do for 8th grade. He is ready for high school level science. He's my science/math guy and wants to work for NASA one day. What would be his coursework through high school? He'd like to study chemistry next year. He has had algebra and did quite well, but we will be spending extra time on it the rest of this year and next year just to solidify it. So, two questions: 1. What would be a good set of high school science courses for a science oriented child? 2. Is there a chemistry course that you recommend? Thanks in advance!

When I was in school this was the typical sequence: 7th Life Science 8th Physical Science 9th Earth Science 10th Biology 11th Chemistry 12th Physics I also doubled up in science in 11th by taking Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology. I've noticed a lot of students taking Biology in 9th so I've been considering my plan for dd who is in 6th this year. I think we will do Botany in 7th but I was trying to decide if we should do Pre-chemistry (or a conceptual chemistry) in 8th and then pre-physics in 9th or combine both with Physical Science. I had always thought that Physical Science was just that-an introduction to physics and chemistry. We could spread Physical Science out over two years (8th and 9th) or finish in 8th leaving 9th for a biology into. followed by a second, more serious, biology. What would be a arrangement to prepare dd for upper level science? I hope we will be doing Geometry in 9th and Algebra 2 in 10th. Am I making sense?:001_smile::lol: