Forty-five educators, mathematicians, scientists, cognitive scientists, and curriculum and technology experts met during January 16-19, 1986, in an attempt to synthesize the current state of knowledge about science education and to recommend actions designed to strengthen the field. This report describes the themes that emerged from the discussions at the conference. Four major recommendations were made by the group that were intended to encourage the development of an integrated research base in education. The recommendations are to: (1) establish centers for collaboration in science and mathematics education; (2) expand opportunities for sharing information and building communication networks; (3) increase the fundamental understanding of science learning and instruction; and (4) strengthen the response of research in science education to real instructional needs. The bibliography includes a selected list of papers written by the participants and a set of review articles. (TW)