Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide nonprofit organization in Pennsylvania founded in 1934 by the Pennsylvania Academy of Science as an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Students in grades 7-12 conduct independent scientific research experiments following the scientific method before delivering a presentation detailing their results. Goals 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 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. History The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) appointed a national executive committee in the early 1930's to coordinate the activities of the various state Junior Academies of Science. A paper was presented at the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS) meeting in 1932 that appointed a committee to consider developing of a junior academy in Pennsylvania; the senior PAS became the parent organization of PJAS. On March 31, 1934 in Reading, PA, delegates from 14 high school science clubs across Pennsylvania approved a constitution for the organization to officially form The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. Dr. Otis W. Caldwell from Columbia University served as an official delegate of AAAS and welcomed the new group as Pennsylvania joined Indiana, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, and others that already established junior academies of science. Dr. Karl F. Oerlein of the California State Teachers College served as the first State Director of PJAS until 1941. PJAS continued to grow thanks to the dedication of many adult sponsors, students, and alumni. State Meetings were held at various resorts and convention centers throughout Pennsylvania until 1990 with the last State Meeting held at the Seven Springs Resort. PJAS's continued growth caused the organization to move its State Meetings to Pennsylvania State University at University Park, PA where