Illinois Junior Academy Of Science

**Illinois Junior Academy Of Science (IJAS) Context Profile**

1. **Organization Mission & Cause:**
   - The Illinois Junior Academy of Science (IJAS) is dedicated to promoting scientific research and education among students in Illinois. Their mission is to encourage young scientists to engage in scientific inquiry and innovation, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of science. They aim to provide students with opportunities to present their research and compete in science fairs, thereby enhancing their educational experiences and preparing them for future scientific endeavors.

2. **Type of Activities:**
   - **Science Fairs and Competitions:** IJAS organizes regional and state science fairs where students can present their research projects.
   - **ISEF Participation:** They facilitate student entries into the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), requiring a submission fee and adherence to specific guidelines.
   - **Educational Programs:** The organization offers resources and support for science education, including workshops and seminars for students and educators.

3. **Tone of Voice:**
   - The tone of IJAS is formal and professional, reflecting their focus on education and scientific rigor. Their communication is clear and instructional, aimed at guiding students and educators through the processes of scientific research and competition entry.

4. **Emoji Usage:**
   - There is no evidence of emoji usage in their communications. The tone and content are maintained in a formal and professional manner, suitable for an educational and scientific audience.

5. **Key Facts:**
   - **Founding Info:** IJAS has a long-standing history of supporting science education in Illinois, although specific founding details are not prominently featured on the website.
   - **Scale and Impact:** The organization operates statewide, impacting numerous schools and students by providing a platform for scientific exploration and competition.
   - **Volunteer Info:** While specific volunteer opportunities are not detailed, the organization likely relies on educators and science professionals to support their events and programs.

6. **Writing Guidelines:**
   - **Clarity and Precision:** Ensure all communications are clear, precise, and free from ambiguity, especially when detailing submission processes and requirements.
   - **Formal and Educational:** Maintain a formal tone that aligns with the educational and scientific nature of the organization.
   - **Instructional Content:** Provide detailed instructions and guidelines for participation in events, ensuring that all necessary steps and deadlines are clearly communicated.
   - **Professional Language:** Use professional language that reflects the organization's commitment to science education and research.

This context profile should guide AI assistants in generating content that aligns with the Illinois Junior Academy of Science's mission, tone, and communication style, ensuring consistency and relevance in all interactions.

LXCL:Enjoy the full conference with access to all activities.

Current Teachers

LXCL:Currently attending WIU

Current WIU Students

Pre-Service Teachers Outside of WIU

High School Students

Conference Presenter

Every spring since 1985 the Science Education Center has hosted the Annual PreK-8 Science Update Conference. The purpose of this local conference is to bring teachers together to share activities and ideas for improving the teaching of science in preschool through 8th grade. Presenters at this conference includes outstanding science teachers who are willing to share their expertise. The conference also includes commercial exhibitors who share what is new in the area of science education.&nbsp; 2026 Theme: From Curiosity to Discovery: Reigniting Inquiry in K&ndash;12 Science This conference is designed for early elementary through the middle school educators who desire to learn more about teaching science as it aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards. Presenters will be sharing strategies, ideas and activities for linking their science instruction to the three Dimensions of Science: Scientific &amp; Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, Disciplinary Core Ideas and the NGSS Performance Expectations. The conference includes:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Hands-On Science Activities&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Science Materials Displays &bull; Curriculum Resource Displays</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Environmental Education Displays &bull; Children&#39;s Literature in Science Displays in the Curriculum Library</li></ul>The conference program schedule is:&nbsp;<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">8 am: Registration &amp; Exhibits;&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">8:30-9:25 am: Concurrent Sessions #1;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">9:35-10:30 am: Concurrent Session #2;&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">10:30-11:00 am: Exhibits &amp; Refreshments; 11:00-11:55 am</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">12:00-1:00: Lunch in the Horrobin Hall All Gym Announcements</li></ul>Multiple presentations by practicing science teachers are planned for PreK-8 classroom teachers during each of the three 55-minute morning sessions. These 55-minute presentations will provide practical and classroom tested ideas for science activities and will include a variety of informational handouts and activity sheets.&nbsp; Session #3 will be immediately followed by the mini-sessions where participants move from station to station of their choice spending 10 minutes receiving information on a specific topic, demonstration, or activity plus a handout for reference. Time will permit participants to visit 5 or 6 stations of the 10 or more stations at levels (PreK-3), (3-5) and (4-8). For further information contact- Dr. Singh at Maurice G. Kellogg Science Education Center, Fax (309) 298-2800; or email:&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:mail-to: a-singh@wiu.edu" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;">a-singh@wiu.edu</a>

Dear <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you so much for registering for the WIU PK-8 Science Update and Research Conference - IJAS Region 1. Your commitment to advancing science education is helping us inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. We&#39;re thrilled to have your support for this important event, which brings together passionate educators and experts at Horrabin Hall, Macomb, IL. Together, we aim to innovate and improve science teaching from preschool through 8th grade. We can&#39;t wait to share an enlightening and inspiring experience. Warm regards, The Illinois Junior Academy of Science &amp; WIU Team

Every spring since 1985 the Science Education Center has hosted the Annual PreK-8 Science Update Conference. The purpose of this local conference is to bring teachers together to share activities and ideas for improving the teaching of science in preschool through 8th grade. Presenters at this conference includes outstanding science teachers who are willing to share their expertise. The conference also includes commercial exhibitors who share what is new in the area of science education.  2026 Theme: From Curiosity to Discovery: Reigniting Inquiry in K–12 Science This conference is designed for early elementary through the middle school educators who desire to learn more about teaching science as it aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards. Presenters will be sharing strategies, ideas and activities for linking their science instruction to the three Dimensions of Science: Scientific &amp; Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, Disciplinary Core Ideas and the NGSS Performance Expectations. The conference includes:<ul><li>Hands-On Science Activities </li><li>Science Materials Displays • Curriculum Resource Displays</li><li>Environmental Education Displays • Children's Literature in Science Displays in the Curriculum Library</li></ul>The conference program schedule is: <ul><li>8 am: Registration &amp; Exhibits; </li><li>8:30-9:25 am: Concurrent Sessions #1;</li><li>9:35-10:30 am: Concurrent Session #2; </li><li>10:30-11:00 am: Exhibits &amp; Refreshments; 11:00-11:55 am</li><li>12:00-1:00: Lunch in the Horrobin Hall All Gym Announcements</li></ul>Multiple presentations by practicing science teachers are planned for PreK-8 classroom teachers during each of the three 55-minute morning sessions. These 55-minute presentations will provide practical and classroom tested ideas for science activities and will include a variety of informational handouts and activity sheets.  Session #3 will be immediately followed by the mini-sessions where participants move from station to station of their choice spending 10 minutes receiving information on a specific topic, demonstration, or activity plus a handout for reference. Time will permit participants to visit 5 or 6 stations of the 10 or more stations at levels (PreK-3), (3-5) and (4-8). For further information contact- Dr. Singh at Maurice G. Kellogg Science Education Center, Fax (309) 298-2800; or email: <a href="mailto:mail-to: a-singh@wiu.edu">a-singh@wiu.edu</a>