As the nation pursues the goal of becoming first in the world in science achievement among students, many are advocating an instructional approach that emphasizes activities and learning by doing. Instructional approaches in science education that involve activity and direct experience have become collectively known as hands-on science. This document presents 10 questions frequently asked by elementary and middle school teachers about hands-on science teaching and learning. Each question is followed by answers in three categories: responses from classroom teachers, thoughts from the curriculum and activity developers, and notes from the educational research and literature. The questions considered in this document are: (1) What is hands-on learning, and is it just a fad? (2) What are the benefits of hands-on learning? How do I justify a hands-on approach? (3) How does a hands-on science approach fit into a textbook-centered science program? (4) How can practicing teachers gain experience with hands-on methods? (5) Where do I find resources to develop hands-on activities? (6) How is hands-on learning evaluated? (7) What are some strategies for helping students work in groups? (8) How does or should the use of hands-on materials vary with age of students? (9) Hands-on science can be expensive. How do I get materials and equipment? (10) Where do you keep materials and equipment once you get them? Final comments note that different educators have different concerns related to each question, that none are as simple as they may first appear, and that the answers offered in this booklet will soon have to be supplemented by questions and answers more immediately related to local needs and priorities. (70 references) (PR)