ABSTRACT This article is an account of a study where five respondents from four compulsory schools were interviewed about science teaching at the lower secondary stage (grades 8?10), following the implementation of a national test in natural sciences in 2002. Furthermore, the array of optional subjects at the lower secondary stage of the same schools was studied. The article describes findings about the respondents? views on students? attitudes towards science, teachers? selection of curriculum content, differentiation and the general impact of the national testing system in on the selection of optional subjects. It is suggested that the national science test has an impact on the above issues and the test should be regarded as part of a complex array of variables that have impact on teaching and learning and to what extent the implemented curriculum deviates from the intended one. Rúnar Sigflórsson er dósent vi? kennaradeild Háskólans á Akureyri. R Ú N A R S I G Þ Ó R S S O N 113 uppeldi_14arg_2hefti_9 copy 12/13/05 9:49 AM Page 113