This four-part publication is designed to assist New York school personnel in designing local elementary science programs that will help students increase their scientific literacy. Part I addresses various topics related to implementing a local elementary science program, considering local planning, Regents goals, science instruction, time allotment, program evaluation, humane treatment of animals and birds, conservation day, and safety. Part II lists and defines goals for problem-solving, skills, positive science attitudes, and science content. Science content goals are specified for three age levels (ages 4-7: life/physical sciences; ages 7-9: life/physical sciences; ages 9-11: life/physical sciences and ecosystems) while the components of problem solving, skills (including inquiry, process, and language arts skills), and science attitudes are the same for all three levels. Part III contains an overview of three types of program activities (units, mini-units, and unit starters) and information on establishing a cross-reference between program activities and the science syllabus. Part IV is a series of appendices. They include a statement of Regents goals for elementary and secondary students for 1984, a list of elementary science goals and criteria, safety suggestions, a syllabus-program correlation chart for the three age levels, and information on developing programs at the local level. (JN)