This study investigated the types of tactics and strategies students used in working with computer simulations and examined if the skills acquired when using the computer simulation could be applied in other settings. Sixth grade students (N=50) from three different schools participated in the study and were observed over a period of six weeks. Tape recordings were made of the groups working with the computer simulation and individual interviews were conducted. Four test measures were completed by each student (one prior to the computer work and three afterward). The prior measure tested the logical thinking ability of students and the three measures which followed the use of the simulation measured attitudes toward computing, knowledge of the procedure and skills in using the simulation, and the ability to transfer simulation skills to new topics. It was found that as the students used the computer simulation more they acquired more of the knowledge needed and appeared to be able to solve paper and pencil problems like those found in the simulation. Attitudes were also more favorable for students using the computer simulation the most. The program gains, however, did not translate into greater ability to transfer skills to new, non-computer tasks. (ML)