This report describes the rationale, methodology, findings, and recommendations of "Project Synthesis," a research study which synthesized and interpreted information found in six selected databases. Using a discrepancy model, five focus groups (biological sciences, physical sciences, inquiry, elementary school science, and science/technology and society) each determined desired (ideal) states, described actual states, and offered recommendations based on discrepancies between the actual and desired states in their particular area of science education. Chapter 1 contains an overview and summary of the project and five focus groups. Chapters 2-4 are focused on the desired biology program, actual biology programs, and discrepancies between the actual and desired biology programs, including information gaps, needed research, and recommended solutions. The desired state of physical science programs, actual state of physical science programs, and status and needs of precollege physical science education are considered in Chapters 5-7. The desired state of inquiry, status of inquiry, and an analysis of and recommendations for the role of inquiry in science education are discussed in Chapters 8-10. The status and needs of science education in the elementary grades and the interaction of science/technology and society and its place in precollege science education are considered in Chapters 11 and 12 respectively. (JN)