The article reviews the literature on students' attitudes towards science over the past 20 years, highlighting the declining interest in science among young people and the implications for future scientific careers. It argues that understanding and addressing students' attitudes is crucial for improving science education. The review discusses the factors influencing attitudes, including gender, teaching quality, curriculum, and cultural variables. It emphasizes the importance of gender and teaching quality, suggesting that research should focus on identifying aspects of science teaching that make school science engaging for students. The article also notes that a growing body of research on motivation offers insights into creating classroom environments and activities that can increase students' interest in science. The review highlights the persistent 'swing away from science' in many countries, with declining numbers of students choosing to study science at the point of choice. It also discusses the impact of this decline on the economy and the need for a more balanced approach to science education. The article concludes that attitudes towards science are complex and influenced by various factors, and that a better understanding of these attitudes is essential for improving science education.The article reviews the literature on students' attitudes towards science over the past 20 years, highlighting the declining interest in science among young people and the implications for future scientific careers. It argues that understanding and addressing students' attitudes is crucial for improving science education. The review discusses the factors influencing attitudes, including gender, teaching quality, curriculum, and cultural variables. It emphasizes the importance of gender and teaching quality, suggesting that research should focus on identifying aspects of science teaching that make school science engaging for students. The article also notes that a growing body of research on motivation offers insights into creating classroom environments and activities that can increase students' interest in science. The review highlights the persistent 'swing away from science' in many countries, with declining numbers of students choosing to study science at the point of choice. It also discusses the impact of this decline on the economy and the need for a more balanced approach to science education. The article concludes that attitudes towards science are complex and influenced by various factors, and that a better understanding of these attitudes is essential for improving science education.