About the Iowa Junior Academy of Science

The Iowa Junior Academy of Science provides research grants to middle and high school students, review comments by Iowa scientists and science educators for student science research projects, assistance for teachers overseeing student projects, research mentoring, recognition and awards, and the opportunity to present research at the IJAS Science Symposium at Iowa's professional general science meeting -  the Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting, 

Middle and high school students in public or private schools, home school students, participating in student research mentoring programs through institutions of higher learning may join IJAS either as individuals or through group/organization memberships.

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

The Iowa Junior Academy of Science was founded by the Iowa Academy of Science in 1932. The major objective of the Junior Academy is to promote the study of and participation in science by elementary and secondary students and teachers. IJAS Programs are developed to:

•  Promote an understanding of the importance of science and scientific research to meet many essential needs of society

•  Encourage students with interest and aptitude in science to participate in science research

•  Promote formal and informal discussions of science and scientific research by student groups, including teachers and members of the senior Academy, as appropriate

•  Help students explore career opportunities in science

The conduct of affairs and programs of the IJAS is the responsibility of the Student Programs Committee, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Iowa Academy of Science.

History

In 1931, the IAS special committee on High School Science Clubs was granted $75.00 to develop the Junior Academy of Science of Iowa. The committee held a luncheon at the State Teachers Association meeting in order to involve educators in the plans for development of the Junior Academy. Members of IAS presented papers on the benefits of high school science clubs at each of the 1931 Teachers Association science section meetings. Iowa State Teacher's College Extension published an article explaining the plan for the Junior Academy in an issue of its Science Bulletin, which was delivered to all Iowa High Schools. The Junior Academy officially began in 1932. Fifteen schools joined in the first year. The goal has always been to encourage schools to develop science clubs and other special science programs.

The first annual report of the Junior Academy stated, "We believe that this is one of the most significant pieces of work that the Iowa Academy of Science has attempted to sponsor. The Academy can do much to foster science among the young people of the state and in this way can reach many local communities in Iowa." This sentiment remains true today.

The specific activities, policies, and programs of the Iowa Junior Academy of Science have changed throughout the years. Since 1970, special emphasis has been placed upon extending the investigative themes of secondary science courses. This has given rise to a coordinated program of student activities in the sciences and in scientific research.

Through sponsorship by the Iowa Academy of Science, the IJAS has an important and direct relationship to the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS), which is sponsored by the National Association of Academies of Science (NAAS), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and other regional and national organizations. As such, it is through the IJAS that Iowa's student delegates to the AJAS/NAAS/AAAS conference are selected each year.

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