The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using novel demonstrations and hands-on activities on promoting student interest and positive perception of learning environment. Thirty-six 8th graders participated in the experimental group in which they were involved in prediction-observation-explanation of discrepant events or novel hands-on activities for 14 weeks. Their interest of learning science and perception of learning environment were compared with that of a control group, which also consisted of 36 8th graders in the same school. The results of the analysis of covariance revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group on both instruments documenting students¡¦ level of interest in learning science and their perception of learning environment. The post-treatment interview results further consolidated the quantitative finding of the experimental group students¡¦ significant progress on their emotions of learning science.