Reported is a demonstration project which involved 20 disadvantaged eighth grade students in a series of specially designed physical sciences experiments. It was hypothesized that these students, classified as nonliterate, would respond favorably to an approach which tended to break up their patterns of failure. Moreover, successful science experiences might stimulate in these students a desire to read in order to continue their progress. The science activities involved concepts essential to an understanding of electricity and magnetism, and mechanics and light. The experiments were stimulated by such phrases as "to see the light,""that rings a bell," and "to blow your own horn." The group responded favorably and showed capacity for abstract reasoning. The self-motivated desire for better reading skills was tied in with reading instruction by the classroom teacher. (NH)