THE ILLINOIS JUNIOR ACADEMY OF SCIENCE EXISTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. THE PROCESS STUDENTS FOLLOW FOR THE IJAS GIVES THESE STUDENTS SOME INSIGHT INTO THE PROBLEMS AND METHODS OF THINKING THAT ARE PARTICULAR TO THE SCIENTIST. THIS PROCESS ENCOURAGES THESE STUDENTS TO FIND INFORMATION CONCERNING NEW INVESTIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES IN SCIENCE. IT GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO USE, AND GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF, SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT. IT GIVES A REASON FOR STUDENTS WITH A SPECIAL INTEREST IN SCIENCE TO GO BEYOND THE CLASSROOM CURRICULUM AND DEVELOP THEIR OWN INVESTIGATION(S). IT ENCOURAGES STUDENTS IN THEIR PROGRESS TOWARDS A CAREER IN SCIENCE.