Mrs. Giannantonio's Science Fair Headquarters

Introduction to PJAS:
The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition differs from Science Fair competitions in that it uses an oral format. I really like this competition because each student’s project is judged on its own merits, rather than in comparison to other projects. No additional experimentation is needed – students may use the same project that they submitted to the science fair. There is some additional work required – preparation of an oral presentation and making transparencies to accompany the presentation. This competition is optional, however, I encourage students who think that they have strong projects and students who have past experience with PJAS to enter.

Here is how the competition works:

• Students from the same region are grouped into units with other students of similar grade and category of research.
• Several judges are assigned to each unit.
• Students give 10-minute oral presentations, using transparencies as aids. The judges may ask questions after the presentation.
• Each student’s presentation is graded. The student will receive first, second, or third awards, at the award ceremony.
• Students who win first awards at the regional meeting advance to the state meeting where they repeat the process.