Of the 30 countries that were surveyed in a 2016 study on this topic, 80% described STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as currently a priority area at national level. At the same time, EU countries are still labouring to decrease the number of low achievers in science. Teaching these subjects is a great responsibility for a teacher – and a great challenge, too. How can you motivate your students? How can you instil in them all the enthusiasm, all the wonder that the sciences are due? Here are four steps to help transform science lessons.

PISA’s goal is to provide evidence-based information to educators and policy makers about the strengths and weaknesses of their country’s education systems, progress made over time and opportunities for improvement. In the EU, Estonia and Ireland are outstanding examples, displaying noticeable improvement over time.