The Scientific Theory and Method Project (STAMPS) is concerned with students' understanding of two areas of science in secondary schools. One is understanding what a scientific theory is, and the other is understanding the methods used in conducting scientific research. In the science curriculum these topics are often described as the process of science as opposed to scientific facts. Students, along with learning about the content of the different scientific disciplines, need an emphasis on the scientific process as well. Two questions are considered concerning students engaging in various activities presented to them: (1) how do students think about these problems; and (2) what kinds of activities and materials are best suited for this kind of introduction to the scientific method? Three components of a unit dealing with these questions have been developed and piloted. The computer program "The King's Rule" was used to introduce hypothesis formation and testing. The program "The Scientific Method" was used to study experimental conditions and the effects of phenomena under investigation. The third unit experiments with natural language phenonema. The pilot program is presented along with excerpts and transcripts taken during trials of the program. (MVL)