Research in science education has begun to identify common characteristics of students who continue to participate in school science beyond the minimum requirements. The overall objective of this study was to synthesize research findings in this area and thus clarify the variables and relationships affecting school science participation. Additional studies that deal with prediction of college science or science career participation were also included to augment this objective given their relationship with secondary school science participation. An examination of the literature resulted in the grouping of the research into three categories. First, a picture of the current enrollment in school science was produced from the studies that cite the number of students that continue in science Second, studies that infer relationships about the variables related to continued participation in science were synthesized to characterize avenues for possible interventions. Third, studies that have conducted interventions in students' participation in science provided examples and insights into the future direction for research. (30 references) (KR)