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. This approach became the foundation of his landmark textbook, Conceptual Physics, which has since reached the hearts and minds of millions of students worldwide. Paul has taught as a guest teacher at numerous 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. Paul is also a coauthor of Conceptual Physical Science (with John and Leslie), as well as coauthor of Conceptual Integrated Science (with Suzanne, John, and Jennifer).

John is author of Conceptual Chemistry as well as a coauthor of Conceptual Physical Science (with Paul and Leslie), and coauthor of Conceptual Integrated Science (with Paul, Suzanne, and Jennifer). John obtained his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, which was followed by a two year postdoctorate in pharmacology at the Medial College of Virginia. He taught chemistry at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and then at Leeward Community College where he received tenure and was highly active in the development of distance learning programs and student-centered learning curricula. In addition to authoring textbooks, John is currently an adjunct professor at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. Through his company, Conceptual Productions, John is the executive producer of Conceptual Academy as well as the author and illustrator of science-oriented children’s books (Styraki.com). He was a finalist in the 2013 Flame Challenge for this video lesson explaining what is the nature of time. An avid songwriter he also produces music, which can be found through JohnAndrew.net.

Leslie is coauthor of Conceptual Physical Science as well as Conceptual Physical Science Exploration (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 the connections between scientific concepts and life in the everyday world.