Iowa Junior Academy of Science

IJAS Membership Opportunities and Research Partnerships
Join or Renew Your Membership

Sponsored by the Iowa Academy of Science and supported by the Iowa Space Grant Consortium

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The IJAS Science Program - A Unique Experience

IJAS members learn science research methods, receive mentoring from scientists, and may participate in science fairs and the State Science and Technology Fair culminating with the IJAS Science Symposium. 

A science symposium is a conference where researchers present and discuss their work. Together with academic or scientific journals symposiums provide an important way for scientists to exchange information within and across scientific disciplines. The IJAS Science Symposium is not a science fair. Presenting research results at Iowa's IJAS Science Symposium is the culmination of a research project. The symposium is held with the Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting, Iowa's only general science meeting. 

The IJAS Science Symposium brings science students together to experience a science meeting. The students are the presenting scientists. They present to other students, teachers, and scientists from Iowa. They are invited to attend part or all of the IAS Annual Meeting to see professional scientists present their research. The IAS Annual Meeting is an exciting opportunity for Iowa students to experience. The students receive recognition through awards, scholarships, and a chance to be an Iowa delegate to the American Junior Academy of Science meeting. 

Four Ways to Participate in IJAS Research Programs

1 - The Starr Research Grant Program

For Iowa middle and high school students wanting funding for their science research project. Their project is reviewed by Iowa scientists who provide comments to improve the project and evaluate it for funding. Funding is determined by the Student Programs Committee of the Iowa Academy of Science.

• Apply for a Starr Research Grant of up to $200. All applicants receive comments from Iowa scientists.

• Applicants receiving a grant are eligible to present during the IJAS Science Symposium at the IAS Annual Meeting. Students not receiving a grant may present at the IJAS Science Symposium after presenting at an approved regional science fair or the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa.

• Learn research, communication, budgeting, and organizational skills. Discover by doing!

• Students are eligible for IJAS recognition; including awards, scholarships, and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the American Junior Academy of Science/AAAS Annual Meeting in February.

• Meet scientists from Iowa and the nation.

2 - IJAS Starr Research Review Only Program

For Iowa middle and high school students wanting only feedback about their research project before beginning work. The students do not request funding. 

• Submit your research proposal requesting review comments by Iowa scientists.

• The proposal does not require a budget although students are encouraged to include one.

• Attend the IJAS Science Symposium after participating at an approved regional fair and/or the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa.

• Students are eligible for IJAS recognition; including awards, scholarships, and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the American Junior Academy of Science/AAAS Annual Meeting in February.

3 - LORAL Trust Student Research Grant Program

For Iowa high school students wanting funding for either a science research project or mileage reimbursement to participate in a science research experience with an academic or other research organization. Funding is determined by the Student Programs Committee of the Iowa Academy of Science.

Apply for a LORAL Trust Student Research Grant of $201 to $2000. All applicants receive comments from Iowa scientists.

• Applicants receiving a grant are eligible to present during the IJAS Science Symposium at the IAS Annual Meeting. Students not receiving a grant may present at the IJAS Science Symposium after presenting at an approved regional science fair or the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa.

• Learn research, communication, budgeting, and organizational skills. Discover by doing!

• Students are eligible for IJAS recognition; including awards, scholarships, and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the American Junior Academy of Science/AAAS Annual Meeting in February.

• Meet scientists from Iowa and the nation.

4 - Research Experiences

The LORAL Trust Student Research Grant offers mileage reimbursement to qualifying students participating with college, university, or other organizations that offer research experiences to Iowa high school students.  

• Students work in partnership with professional researchers.

• The projects must be student projects to qualify but the partnership may provide advice, funding, or equipment.

• Students are eligible to present their research at the IJAS Science Symposium and other participating science fairs.

• Students are eligible for IJAS recognition; including awards, scholarships, and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the American Junior Academy of Science/AAAS Annual Meeting in February.

• Click on the button below to learn about approved partnerships.

4 - IJAS Observation Program

For students wanting to experience a science symposium without presenting research. 

IJAS students are eligible to attend the IJAS Symposium/IAS Annual Meeting as observers. Students observe research presentations, participate in IJAS activities, and may attend part or all of the IAS Annual Meeting. Observers learn how a science meeting is conducted and meet other students and scientists from Iowa and the nation.

Membership Types

School Membership Dues: $50.00 per school year. Other organizations, such as home school groups, may participate in Junior Academy activities for a group fee. Contact the IAS office for details.  

 School Membership Benefits:

• Access for all participating students and the sponsor teacher/scientist to the IJAS Handbook.

• Access to the STARS (Science Teachers And Research Students) Guide to Iowa Science events for 7th-12th graders.

• Students are eligible to submit proposals for Starr Student Research Grants.

• Each member high school may nominate one or more students to receive an OSSA medal. One student is selected from each nominating member school. The school may select the winner or request that IAS make the selection.

• Member schools may send students and chaperones (max. 2 adults and 10 students) to the IAS Annual Meeting (as non-competitors) for the costs of meals (registration fee waived).

• Participation in the IAS Visiting Scientist Program.

• Other benefits as outlined in the IJAS-Handbook.

Individual Membership Dues: Dues are $5.00 per school year. The Individual IJAS Membership is designed to allow a single student from a non-IJAS school to participate in the IJAS program.  Students from member schools who wish to receive personal IJAS communications may also join as an individual. 

Home School Students: Home school students are welcome to join the Iowa Junior Academy of Science. The Iowa Academy of Science will work with parents or home school associations to arrange for individual or group memberships and to find suitable mentors to assist students in their research methods.

Individual Membership Benefits:

• Submit proposals for a Starr Student Research Grants or for review comments only.

• Present at the IJAS Science Symposium and attend the IAS Annual Meeting.

• Mentoring opportunities with Iowa scientists and science educators.

• Receive personal communications about IJAS events.

• Other benefits as outlined in the IJAS-Handbook.

Join IJAS or Renew Your Membership

The Join button links to the Iowa Academy of Science Registration and Membership website.

Students who win a place as an Iowa delegate to the AAAS/American Junior Academy of Science must be current IJAS or IAS members in order to claim the award.