The results of the first International Association for the Evaluation of Education Achievement (IEA) survey of science subjects are summarized in this document. The purpose of this survey was to gather data from nationally represented samples of schools, teachers, and pupils from 19 countries and determine the factors accounting for variations between pupils, schools, and the various national school systems. The survey showed that the most variation between schools and pupils in terms of measured achievement and skill was attributed to factors outside the school. The rationale, aims, and Sweden's participation in a second survey are also reviewed, including the objectives and sample populations of the Swedish survey. (Author/DS)