The Iowa Junior Academy of Science
Founded by the Iowa Academy of Science in 1932
The Iowa Junior Academy of Science is generously supported by the Iowa Space Grant Consortium.
Iowa Junior Academy of Science Online Handbook
Learn about...
Applying for Starr and LORAL Trust Student Research Grants
How to do science research
Connecting with Iowa scientists for research guidance
Preparing for your poster and oral research presentations
How to qualify, register and present your research at the IJAS Science Symposium/IAS Annual Meeting
IJAS awards and recognition
Meeting other science students from across Iowa
The advantages of being part of the Iowa Junior Academy of Science
More...
IJAS Online Handbook
The IJAS handbook explains how middle and high school students may participate in the IJAS research program, including writing and submitting STARR Research Grants. IJAS encourages the development of research, oral presentation skills, writing skills, and presenting research in poster and oral formats.
IJAS encourages students to explore their interest in science with the help of Iowa scientists and science educators. IAS members enjoy volunteering their time to help students learn about the scientific process. IAS members are friendly, very knowledgeable and like to work with new or experienced students at all grade levels.
The IJAS Science Symposium
The IJAS experience culminates at the IJAS Symposium. The symposium is held annually in April with the IAS Annual Meeting at one of Iowa's colleges or universities. Students present their research and receive feedback IAS professional members. The symposium is not the same experience as a science fair. Not only do students present their research, they meet Iowa scientists, science teachers, graduate and undergraduate students, and their peers from across Iowa and attend general sessions and symposiums that cover a variety of scientific topics. This connection with the IAS Annual Meeting is a unique science experience in Iowa.
The IJAS Handbook
Below you will find the Table of Contents for the IJAS Handbook. the handbook covers many of the questions you may have about participating in the IJAS program. Some topics include step-by-step instructions. IJAS students use similar presentation guidelines required of professional scientists at national or international science conferences. These guidelines are outlined in detail in the handbook.
The IAS staff or any of our participating members will happily answer your questions. We welcome new or experienced students at all middle and high school grade levels.
Participation in IJAS activities requires IJAS membership. Middle and high school students may join as an individual member, be part of an IJAS school membership, or participate in a program partnering with IJAS. Home school students are encouraged to participate.
IJAS Handbook Table of Contents
Click on the buttons to learn more.
An * indicates students must be IJAS members to participate. IJAS programs are very affordable. Contact the IAS office if you have questions.
Benefits include learning how to design, conduct, and present science research through the IJAS review and comment process by Iowa scientists and science educators. Student are also eligible to attend the IJAS Science Symposium held with the Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting in April, win recognition, scholarships and an opportunity for high school students to attend the AAAS/American Junior Academy of Science Annual Meeting the following February.
NOTE: Topics with an * pertain to IJAS Student Research Grants and the IJAS Science Symposium
Scholarship Opportunities
IJAS Schedule
Check the IJAS schedule day-by-day.
Who is eligible to join IJAS?
Learn about IJAS, who may join, member opportunities, and join IJAS.
*IJAS Research Opportunities
Starr and LORAL Trust Grants
Lean how to apply for student research grants and review other research opportunities.
*Submitting a Research Grant
or Review Only Proposal
This includes step-by-step instructions on how to submit your grant proposal and the submission form.
*Attending the IJAS Science Symposium
and the IAS Annual Meeting
This section shows how to submit your abstract, register, how to prepare your presentations, and includes tips about what to expect.
*Awards and Scholarships
Learn about the awards presented at the IJAS Science Symposium along with other awards that do not require IJAS membership.
Request a Visiting Scientist
Would you like to have an IAS scientist visit your classroom? Here is how you do it.
Opportunities for IJAS members and Non-members
The list below includes activities made available to science students by organizations and academic institutions.