This study aimed to examine the influence of attitudes toward science and perceptions of learning difficulty on elementary school students’ science achievement and to identify the most dominant affective factors. A quantitative, correlational design was employed. The sample consisted of 372 students in grades IV, V, and VI from six elementary schools representing urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Data was collected using a science attitude questionnaire, a perceived learning difficulty questionnaire, and a short-answer science achievement test. Data analysis employed validity and reliability testing, multiple regression, F-tests (ANOVA), and partial t-tests. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the model was significant (F (7, 364) = 34.5; p < 0.001), R² = 0.399, indicating that the five variables together accounted for 39.9% of the variance in students’ science achievement. Attitudes toward science was the strongest predictor (β = 0.441; t = 9.22; p < 0.001), followed by perceived learning difficulty (β = 0.181; t = 3.84; p < 0.001). Partial t-test analysis revealed significant differences by school location, with peri-urban students outperforming rural students (B = 10.492; p < 0.001) and urban students (B = 6.663; p < 0.001). These findings confirm that affective factors and the learning environment play important roles in shaping elementary school students' science achievement.
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