The use of the inquiry approach in the teaching of elementary science is examined and advocated in this publication. The position that an inquiry approach is the best way to teach and learn science is upheld and its influence on the development of positive attitudes towards science is stressed. Section titles include: (1) "A Tale of Two Teachers" (contrasting the approaches taken by two science teachers); (2) "What Is Inquiry" (explaining the process of inquiry as it relates to the nature of science, the teaching of science, and the learning of science); (3) "The Learning Cycle: A Model of Inquiry Teaching/Learning" (discussing the stages of this model); and (4) "Status of the Inquiry Approach in Science Education" (including recommendations for promoting the inquiry approach). A list of ten references is also provided. (ML)