Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science
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The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations. The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science sponsored by the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, as an Affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science is organized with the following objectives:
- To promote greater participation in science and mathematics activities among the youth of Pennsylvania.
- To improve the quality of achievement in mathematics and science by encouraging students to participate in research and develop original ideas.
- To develop an understanding of the scientific community through close association with leaders in the sciences.
- To seek the improvement of science clubs activities through the cooperative regional and state meetings.
- To inculcate among its members true scientific attitudes and humanistic ideals that shall lead to the greater development of service to man.
Why should I do this?
Your participation in PJAS is two-fold. One is to meet the goals listed above. PJAS encourages STEM careers and the future engineers and scientists of this country. The second reason to participate is for the awards. While PJAS is not a competitive event, you have the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in trips and scholarships. Most Parkland Juniors were able to win $16,000 toward tuition at Penn State. All we ask is your commitment to a well thought out Science Project.
What is it?
PJAS starts with a regional competition. Students compete against a rubric (not other students) and are graded on how well they follow the scientific method. While it is important to have a project suited to your age level, students are primarily graded on their dedication to the scientific method. If all steps of the rubric are followed, you will most likely achieve a First Place. There are four places offered consisting of first-third and honorable mention. A student who receives First Place at a Regional Event has the opportunity to move onto the State Competition.
Important Dates
PJAS regionals - February 24th, 2018 at Northampton Community College.
PJAS states - May 20th-22nd, 2018 at Penn State Main Campus. (Note: this date is different than that of previous years. It is NOT the same weekend as Mother`s Day. Buy your mom some flowers!)
PJAS states - May 20th-22nd, 2018 at Penn State Main Campus. (Note: this date is different than that of previous years. It is NOT the same weekend as Mother`s Day. Buy your mom some flowers!)
Tips for Presenting
Once your project meets all the standards required by PJAS, the next step is presenting your project. We represent Parkland High School so make sure you dress formally and arrive on time to present both Regionally and at States. Practice your speech and do not read the slides. All judges can read so they are looking for you to expand on your slides. Talk fast and practice because going over time results in an automatic 2nd place.
Tips for Winning Scholarships and Camps
We recommend practicing your interview skills for the awards. Each one is different as most are given out by third parties. For the Penn State scholarship, the most important part is convincing them you want to attend Penn State. Leave early from the award ceremony to sign up for an interview as the lines become too crowded.