Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science
Encyclopedia
Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a state-wide science fair in Pennsylvania
that was founded in 1934. It includes both a regional meet as well as a state meet at Penn State University. The science fair is open to all students of participating schools in grades 7-12. Winners of regional meets are invited up to the state meet, where they are given the opportunity to win a wide range of scholarships up to $2,000.
. Each of these regions holds a private science fair at the end of winter (usually February or March.) This competition is held by one of the schools participating. At each state meet, students are separated into groups of 10-14 based on what category their project is in. These groups present before the same judges are have their scores announced together.
of the Pennsylvania State University
in the middle of May. Participants spend 3 days on campus (Sun.-Tues.) and stay in the college dorms. On the second day, presentation and awards take place. Anyone who scores a 1st award or perfect score must also attend a special award ceremony.
The special award ceremony has a range of monetary prizes. Most notably are the $2,000/year Penn State scholarships in Engineering as well over 12 assorted prizes ranging from $500–$2,000. These special awards are meant to reward the most gifted and dedicated participants in the program.
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
that was founded in 1934. It includes both a regional meet as well as a state meet at Penn State University. The science fair is open to all students of participating schools in grades 7-12. Winners of regional meets are invited up to the state meet, where they are given the opportunity to win a wide range of scholarships up to $2,000.
Regional Meetings
The program is split up into 12 regions (Including regions 1a, 1b, and 1c) which span from Philadelphia to Lake ErieLake Erie
Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the tenth largest globally. It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. It is bounded on the north by the...
. Each of these regions holds a private science fair at the end of winter (usually February or March.) This competition is held by one of the schools participating. At each state meet, students are separated into groups of 10-14 based on what category their project is in. These groups present before the same judges are have their scores announced together.
Scoring Rubric
PJAS, unlike many other science fairs, is judged based on a rubric rather than the other participating students. The rubric consists of 5 categories, each of which has a maximum score of 5. To go on to the state meet, participants must receive a 1st Award (an average of 4 or greater) or a perfect score (25 points.) Participants who receive 2nd awards (a score between 3 and 4) may be eligible to go on the state trip as a timer. Participants that go over 10 minutes in presentation length are automatically disqualified for a 1st award.State Meeting
The state meeting is held at the main campusUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
University Park, Pennsylvania is an unincorporated community in Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States, and is the location of the flagship campus of the Pennsylvania State University....
of the Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service...
in the middle of May. Participants spend 3 days on campus (Sun.-Tues.) and stay in the college dorms. On the second day, presentation and awards take place. Anyone who scores a 1st award or perfect score must also attend a special award ceremony.
The special award ceremony has a range of monetary prizes. Most notably are the $2,000/year Penn State scholarships in Engineering as well over 12 assorted prizes ranging from $500–$2,000. These special awards are meant to reward the most gifted and dedicated participants in the program.