This study investigated common features of students' attitudes towards studying science and mathematics in comprehensive and secondary schools in three countries. Data were obtained by conducting a survey (N = 581) in Norway, Finland and Russia. A Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided a model with a three-factor solution consisting of factors: the perception of the teacher, anxiety towards science and mathematics, and motivation. The results suggest that most students are motivated to study sciences and mathematics. Data analysis indicate gender differences in attitudes to students' future studies and career plans.  Most girls recognized the importance of these subjects for their future studies and careers, while boys showed more interest than girls in local career opportunities in industry. Teachers have a significant role in directing students' attitudes toward science and mathematics. Students experienced that the teachers who use innovative teaching approaches, both motivate and reduce anxiety, in their learning process.

This study investigates the suitability of the STEM Career Interest Survey (STEM-CIS) to measure secondary school students’ aspirations towards STEM subjects and careers. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the initial structural validity of the adapted STEM-CIS survey, where the science subscale was extended to four science disciplines, to align with the way science is taught in Finland and Russia. The results indicate that the interest in STEM subjects in general is not at a high level in any of the countries. There is a traditional gender gap regarding STEM subjects in every dimension, which favors females in biology and males in technology and engineering. STEM stereotypes among students—due to low exposure to STEM professions at school—can explain students’ low interest despite high self-efficacies. Our study shows that we must increase informal learning opportunities inside and outside school and improve career counselling for students so that they will be more informed of STEM career opportunities.

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Students should learn about the Sami people’s traditional knowledge and approach to nature in science education. Science teachers, therefore, must become proficient in Sami culture and traditions. Sami traditional practitioners have expertise, and it is important to bring out their voices. In this case study, six reindeer owners are interviewed, and the results show that the siida welcomes student participation in reindeer herding as a means of enabling students to learn about Sami culture and language. Sami traditional knowledge is strongly linked to nature and can help to strengthen students’ connection to nature. Strong connections to natureincrease environmental awareness and can contribute to students making more sustainable choices. Learning about Sami traditional knowledge together with Sami reindeer herders in nature as a learning arena embraces several elements in education for sustainable development and is a context that lends itself well to socio-scientific issues as education for sustainable development.