Competition Guidelines & Eligibility
Students in grades 7-12 are invited yearly to participate in one (1) of the PJAS Regional Competitions conducted within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To complete in a PJAS Regional Competition, students conduct a scientific research project in 1 of the 12 Scientific Categories of Research identified by PJAS and then orally present that research to a team of judges at one of the Regional Competitions.
All participating students must have an adult sponsor. Adult sponsors can be teachers, parents, or scientists. The sponsors guide students through the scientific process and paperwork required to participate in a PJAS Regional Competition. This website provides general instructions for conducting research, as well as very specific guidelines for oral presentations in PJAS competitions.
Please review the information provided and read our Rules and Eligibility Guidelines for additional participant, project, and presentation guidelines and/or requirements to make sure your project stays within the outlined Project Parameters.
Participant Eligibility
The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition is open to all students (parochial, private, public and home schooled) in grades 7 - 12 within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Project Eligibility
Students must conduct their scientific research in 1 of the 12 Scientific Categories of Research and do their oral presentation and submit any applicable SRC/IRB Approval Forms.
Presentation Eligibility
Students must abide by very specific guidelines when giving their oral presentation. It is very important that you take the time to read the Presentation Eligibility Guidelines.
State Competition Eligbility
Eligibility for the PJAS State Meeting is based on a student's participation and award at the Regional Meeting.
Research & Presentation Scoring Rules
Students' research and presentations must conform to following set of Research and Presentation Rules. Students and their research projects are judged on their OWN merit in meeting the Criteria for Judging rather than in comparison to other Students or research projects.