ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to examine students' perceptions of the value of science and their interest in pursuing scientific careers. Using Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) data from several countries around the world, it explores how schools might influence students' science-related values and career interests, and offers recommendations for school policy and further investigation. The school context can provide students with scientific knowledge and help to develop and cultivate students' value of science. As schools provide a context for learning, acquiring new knowledge and skills, and building relationships, one can examine how these elements contribute to students' interests and career aspirations. Across each of the countries, schools provide activities that can promote science learning. The index of school activities to promote the learning of science from PISA 2006 was derived from school principals' reports concerning which activities to promote students' learning of science occurred at their school.
