The relative effectiveness of two types of health education materials developed for children in grades 4 through 6 was evaluated. Materials tested were a comic book and a slide tape presentation, both of which emphasized a participatory role as health consumer. A total of 278 students, in 8 fifth-grade classes, participated. Students were randomly assigned into four groups: (1) comic book only; (2) slide tape units only; (3) comic book and slide tape; and (4) traditional health education films (control). The relative effectiveness of the comic book and slide tapes was tested in four 1-hour class sessions. The sessions dealt with what it is like to be a consumer, learning about oneself, asking questions and listening, helping to decide what to do, and taking care of oneself on a daily basis. All students compiled personal health records and learned about physical examinations. The effectiveness of the materials was demonstrated in both cognitive and affective test results. Knowledge scores increased according to the amount of innovative materials presented. Reaction questionnaire results showed generally positive opinions of the materials, with the comic book rated especially positive. (Authors/JD)