The Junior Academy of Science is the Junior Division of the Missouri Academy of Science. This brings together middle and high school students from the southwest Missouri area to present research papers to local scientists and professionals for judgment.
Students compete for recognition and an opportunity to advance to the state level.
Scientists of the State of Missouri organized in 1934 to form the Missouri Academy of Science. Statewide interest at a high level continued until activities made necessary by World War II caused disruption of Academy Affairs except for some activity in the College Section. From the group of twelve persons who initiated the reactivation of the Academy in 1963, the membership has grown steadily to more than 800. Activities of the Academy have expanded to include the awarding of modest grants for projects proposed by high-school and college students, and to sponsor the establishment of a Junior Academy of Science. Since its reactivation in 1963, the Missouri Academy of Science has regularly held annual meetings at 16 different sites around the state.