Southern
California
Junior
Academy of
Sciences

Welcome to the Southern California Junior Academy of Sciences (SCJAS) Web Page.

Research Training Program for High School Students (Grades 9-12)

Since 1980, this program has challenged participating high school students and introduced them to the rigors and rewards of scientific research. High school teachers are asked to encourage students who show real potential as future scientists and who want to do research and have projects in mind to apply. The application process consists of submitting a form and a project description: a double-spaced, two page proposal consisting of a statement of purpose and a summary of the objectives, procedures, equipment and supplies, importance to you and to society and a bibliography. Note: The function of this proposal is to show your area of interest and that you have sufficient background in the area for research.  You may not actually work on the project submitted, but we will try to place you with a mentor in your general area of interest. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a sponsoring teacher is required. A selected student will be placed with a professional scientist who has appropriate laboratory facilities and who will act as the Research Director.

A word about finding a Research Director (Mentor). Most faculty at colleges, universities and research institutions and medical schools have web pages that indicate their research interests. To find a mentor, look at the department web pages for such institutions and find someone working in an area of your interest. You can contact them by e-mail to express your interest and refer them to our web page for information about this program. Don't be discouraged by a rejection. Keep looking!

The student is expected to average eight hours per week to complete the project and to attend Saturday meetings of the Junior Academy (SCJAS), where participants will meet with other researchers and get helpful tips on preparing a paper and making an oral presentation. The program will be completed with the submission of a written report to the Research Director and the Academy and an oral presentation at the Academy's Annual Meeting in the Junior Academy section. An abstract describing the oral presentation will be due in March, and the written and oral reports are due at the beginning of May. Some members of the Research Training Program are invited to present their research at the national meeting of the American Junior Academy of the National Association of Academies of Science at the AAAS annual meeting.

Applications for next year's program are available in March and due in late May of the preceding year.
View, then Print Forms for 2007-2008 Click for Page 1 -Page 2. For information, contact dguthrie@jsd.claremont.edu or call 909 607-2836 (Dan Guthrie).

Annual Meeting:  The annual meeting a which students will present their work is held as follows:

                            2007:  California State University, Fullerton; June 1-2

                            2008: California State University, Dominguez Hills

Information on the Preparation of Posters for AJAS students.

get instructions for building a poster here

get a poster template here

Obtain a fund requests form for Mentors here

Photos from recent A.A.A.S. conference of some of our participants can be found  at

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/enigmax23/album?.dir=/90dd&.src=ph&.tok=phAYNgEBzwCe1Ix7

            The week that I spent at the AmjAS meeting was a week that I will never forget.  The conference was a chance to share information with fellow peers instead of competing with them.  Besides talking about science, I also met many interesting kids from all over the nation and easily conversed with them about normal high school subjects.  Everyone was courteous, kind, and easy to get along with.  Besides the valuable scientific knowledge gained, I also appreciated the exposure to sub-cultures very different than our Southern California one.  Not only did we have plenary lectures and talks but we were also treated to tours of the city, fancy meals, and other activities designed to allow us to be acquainted with others.  These others include my fellow delegates from So Cal since I really never talked to them before.  Overall the experience was great and the presentations, events, and White Castle burgers will never be forgotten.   Daniel Chin

 

Mrs. Gloria Takahashi is the contact for the Junior Academy .

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Last updated 11/01
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