This methods book is divided into 13 parts. The first 12 parts (each beginning with a list of performance objectives) focus on: understanding the nature of science and technology; reasons for teaching science to children; a short history of elementary science methods in the United States; the products of science; the processes of science; scientific attitudes; modern science programs; science textbooks; preparing instructional materials; the incidental science experience (a casual or undesigned happening related to science instruction in the classroom); understanding and teaching environmental education in the elementary grades; and teaching science to children with special needs. The last part consists of a list in which traditional and modern science methods are compared and a list of conditions necessary for an effective elementary school science program. Assignments related to concepts, supplementary readings, writing and analyzing performance objectives, preparing for instruction, and textbook appraisal are included in appendices. Lists of resource materials and information on metric measurement are also included in other appendices. (JN)