1. AP Biology Student Portfolio
School Year 2009 - 2010
Table of Contents
1)Personal Statement/Autobiographical Sketch
(include why you decided to take this course, along with your autobiographical profile along with color
photo)
2)Sample Cover Letter (for a potential employer)
3)Resume'
4)Letters of Recommendation (3)
(these can be from a teac her, coach, church or community leader, etc.)
5)Goal Setting for AP Biology
6)Study Schedule Template
(can be located on the Blackboard website under the “Documents” tab; print and include here in the
portfolio).
7)Career Research Assignment
8)Career Interview
9)Samples of Student Work (5)
(* This includes a minimum of three (3) writing samples)
10)Reflective Entry

2. Personal Statement/Autobiographical Sketch
By
Student Name
The purpose of this autobiographical sketch is to allow the reader/reviewer of this portfolio to become more
acquainted with you in a short time frame. Keep the focus of your sketch on what you want the reader/reviewer to
know about you as a future high school graduate. You are answering the question of why I want to pursue a
career in ___________________ (you complete the blank). Is there anything in your family background or in
your life experiences that will help you answer that question?
Write your autobiography in first person. Write it like a story, not like a resume. You may include such things as:
Family background
Activities
Organizations and clubs
Honors
Interests and hobbies
Church related activities
Significant events in your life
Mechanics:
Double space
12-point font
One page, two pages maximum
Include a copy in your portfolio and be sure to save this to an external drive in addition to your network file.
Photo:
Include a color photograph of yourself no smaller than 4 x 6 in.

3. Sample Cover Letter
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Date
Employer Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Body of Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should
select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.
First Paragraph:
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are
applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request.
Middle Paragraphs:
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Convince the reader
that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph. Make strong connections
between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are
applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you
make with a piece of evidence. Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text.
Final Paragraph:
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on
how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical). You may want to
reduce the time between sending out your resume and follow up if you fax or e-mail it.
Complimentary Close:
Respectfully yours,
Signature:
Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)
Typed Signature

4. Sample Resume
FirstName LastName
6 Pine Street, Arlington, VA 12333
home: 555.555.5555
cell: 566.486.2222
email: phjones@vacapp.com
Education
Arlington High School, Arlington, Virginia
2002 – 2006
Experience
Sales Associate, The Retail Store
June 2005 – Present
• Maintain and restock inventory.
• Provide customer service.
• Operate computerized cash register system.
Child Care
2002 - Present
• Provide child care for several families after school, weekends and during school vacations.
Achievements
• National Honor Society: 2004, 2005, 2006
• Academic Honor Roll: 2002 - 2006
Volunteer Experience
• Big Brother / Big Sisters
• Arlington Literacy Program
• Run for Life
Interests / Activities
• Member of Arlington High School Tennis Team
• Girl Scout
• Piano
Computer Skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Internet

5. Goal Setting for AP Biology
The things I hope to gain from this class are (think of all the reasons you wanted to
take this course):
Primary goals:
1.
2.
3.
Secondary goals:
1.
2.
3.
The grade I would like to make on the AP Exam is: __________
The exam is graded on a scale of 1-5. Scores of 3-5 earn you college credit in laboratory
science, with a score of 5 giving you the most college credit.
I will find the time to perform 1-2 hours of work daily for this course by doing the
following:
1.
2.
I will study each day at (time) ________________ in (place) ________________. I can
help myself remember my goals and work toward them by:
1.
2.
3.
My teacher can help me obtain my goals by:
1.
2.
3.

6. Study Schedule Template
For this portion of the portfolio, you will create a study schedule using a template provided for you. This template
may be found by accessing the class' Google® website via
http://sites.google.com/a/pgcps.org/biobuzzwithberkeley/ . Once in the Google Site, locate the document under
the Student Portfolio Folder. There you should find the files containing the study schedule templates. You may
select any two (2) of the three files to create your schedule. A typewritten copy must be included in the portfolio.

7. Career Research Assignment
Name: __________________________ ________ Date:________ (2 points)
Instructions
1. Save this template on your flash or network drive: click SAVE AS and save it as "Career_Research_Assignment.rtf"
2. Complete this assignment on the computer and include one print-out in your Student Portfolio. Make sure you save
the completed assignment on your external flash drive.
NOTE: Before printing, make sure that you selected appropriate page breaks
(…you don’t want to cut any tables!).
3. Completing this assignment will provide evidence and 10 points towards your Portfolio. See last page for grading
criteria.
To help you determine which career you would like to pursue after high school you will complete a Career Research
Assignment. This will help you plan possible education and career paths.
Part A.
Choose two focus areas you would like to research potential careers from. Name the focus areas and two possible career
choices for each focus area. Use one of the links above to help you decide on the Focus Area and potential careers. These
choices are a best guess. (6 points)
Focus Area (Example) Career Choice
1. Health care 1. Physical Therapist
2. Occupational Therapist
1. Musician/Entertainer
2. Performing Arts
2. Dance Instructor
Part B.
Now to make informed choices. To help you get started on your career research, use any resource (book or internet) to
assist you in answering the questions. Once you have answered your questions, save the results to your Portfolio. You
should have a list of suggestion careers. A great place to complete your research is the Bureau of Labor Statistics' web site:
http://www.bls.gov/OCO/ and http://www.bls.gov/k12/index.htm.
Pick one career to research – Make sure it is of interest to you!
From the results listed, my career to research is:_________________________(1 mark)
Complete the following questions in complete sentences. (Do Not Cut and Paste)
1. Job Description: brief description of job, any personality traits that are helpful, and special skills needed. ( 5 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

8. 2. Working Conditions: the usual hours of work (shift, overtime, weekends etc), are there any age, gender, or physical
requirements? Physical layout of the workplace (office, outside etc.) Hazards or risks of the job. ( 5 points)
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
2. Wages and Earnings: is it salary? Do you get paid overtime? What is the starting wage? Top wage? Average
wage? Future wages? Any benefits such as extended medical, dental, insurance etc? ( 5 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
3. Career Path: Where do you begin in this career? How do you move up? What is the outlook at present? What are
the different levels? How are they different? ( 5 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
4. Education and Training Requirements: describe the education/training or work experience required for this
occupation. Include the type of education, length of training, and cost of training. Do you need special licenses or
certificates? Does the work involve technology? ( 5 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Part C
Identify two post secondary institutions/training schools or on the job training opportunities where you could develop the
skills and knowledge required to gain employment in your chosen career. Give a brief description of each one. Use
complete sentences. (Do not cut and paste)

9. Sample Answer
Post secondary i.e. University of Victoria
Institution/training location
Name of program Bachelor of Education-focus in Social Studies
Brief Description This is a five year degree program where I will specialize in teaching at the secondary level, it will also
include a practicum.
Why I want to learn/train here I think I would like to stay close to home so that I can live at my parents, and save money by not paying
rent. Also this school does not have tones of students, so hopefully the classes will not be too big. When I
graduate I think that I would like to teach in Victoria, so it seems logical to complete my education here.
Post secondary #1 (5 points)
Post secondary
Institution location
Name of program
Brief Description
Why I want to learn/train
here
Post secondary #2 (5 points)
Post secondary
Institution location
Name of program
Brief Description
Why I want to learn/train
here

10. Part D
Education Path: identify the courses Parkdale offers that best fit you focus area/career choice. List 5 possible electives that
you have taken or will take. (5 points)
Electives 1._______________________ Grade ____________
2._______________________ Grade ____________
3._______________________ Grade ____________
4._______________________ Grade ____________
5._______________________ Grade ____________
Part E
Work Experience/Volunteer Experiences/External Courses
Often you have performed valuable skills that assist you in pursuing your chosen career. Briefly describe two
community programs or projects that you could be involved in to gain additional skills or experience related to your
career choice. (4 points)
1.
2.
Part F
Networking (10 points)
Briefly describe a network of 5 people who could help you achieve your chosen career goal. These could be teachers,
coaches, counselors, neighbours, friends, and/or relatives. Name the person, describe the relationship and briefly
describe how they could help you.
Name Relationship How They Can Help
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

11. Part G
Evaluating Websites (9 points)
During this activity, you have used a variety of book references and websites to gather information, now it is important for you
to evaluate which ones you found useful and why. You must evaluate a minimum of three (3) sources that you used to
complete this project.
EXAMPLE: Source #1 Source #2 Source #3
http://www.bls.gov/OCO/ http://www.bls.gov/k12/index.
htm
Ease of navigation The usage of so many
acronyms makes it
difficult to know what link
to utilize at times.
General User Appeal
Very user-friendly with
bright buttons and links
with ease of navigation
Quality & Reliability
As a governmental
agency, the Department
of Labor's website is a
very reliable source.
G. The Wrap Up (15 points)
This is where you need to reflect on all the information you have gathered and write a paragraph(s) that tells me why you are
or are not still interested in pursing the career you have researched. It should be typed and approximately 200-300 words.
*You will be provided with a rubric for exact details on what should be included.
H. Bibliography (5 points)
Create a bibliography, using the proper format, to record where you collected you information from. You must include you
source other than an internet website. Your bibliography should be typed and then attached to your project.
*The Landmark Project website, (http://citationmachine.net/), goes over the proper format for writing a bibliography.

12. Career Research Assignment Rubric and Grading Sheet
Be sure to take your time and complete this assignment in full. This project will be a culminating project that will be
collected towards the end of the school year. HOWEVER, portfolios may be collected at ANY time for progress. The
final due date will be provided for you at a later date.
PORTFOLIO CHOICE: CAREER & EDUCATION PLANNING: RESEARCH EDUCATION, CAREER, & LIFE
INFORMATION
Career Research Activity Grading Rubric:
Gather information on life, career, education, and work options. Meets
1. Documents that several life, career, education, and work options have
been explored.
2. Documents that several labour market information sources, including Work
Futures, have been explored.
3. Documents a thorough self assessment of skills, interests, and aptitudes.
Analyze possible post graduation life, career, work, and education options.
4. Identifies education and training requirements, the influence of parents,
teachers, and friends, and the role of school and community participation
on possible options.
Evaluate the options according to the actions that would need to be taken.
5. Links skills, interests, and aptitudes to the options and evaluates options
according to the actions required for each.
PORTFOLIO CHOICE: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: USE THE INTERNET TO RESEARCH INFORMATION
Apply Internet research skills to a specific activity. Meets
1. Demonstrates use of the Internet to research information. (For a specific
school project/report, personal interest project, and/or community initiative/
activity).
2. Documents specific search techniques used to access relevant
information.
3. Applies technology skills to download and store relevant research
4. Demonstrate that the information incorporated into your activity or project
is translated into your own words.
5. Demonstrates that the information is incorporated into the school,
personal interest, or community activity or project without being
plagiarized.
Evaluate the use of technology as a research tool.
6. Evaluates the quality of relevant websites for ease of navigation,
general user appeal, and quality and reliability of content.

13. Career Interview Questions
In this activity, your job is locate a professional in your career field choice. You are to interview the individual and
provide the responses to the following questions in the portfolio. It would be a good idea to send your interviewee a thank
you card for their time and willingess to assist you in your project.
1. What do you do in your job?
2. What is a typical day like for the position?
3. What hours do you work?
4. What school subjects are important for this job?
5. How and when did you decide to enter this job?
6. What are the most rewarding aspects of the position? What are the most challenging components of the
position?
7. Did you have a career plan that you followed?
8. What major changes have happened in your career area since you have been working?
9. Would you change anything about your job?
10. Did school prepare you adequately for your work?
11. How do you coordinate your family/home/job responsibilities?
12. What personal characteristics are important in your job? (Working with people, data, things, good
speaking and writing skills, working under pressure, working inside or outside.)
Again thank your interviewee for their time and willingess to assist you.

14. Reflective Entry
Name of Student: _________________________________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________________
Subject: _________________________________________________________________
Instructor's Name: _________________________________________________________________
Instructor's Signature: _________________________________________________________________
Answer the following with a minimum of 5 complete sentences. Be sure to use correct grammar and spelling.
1. Describe the assignment including the tools and process.
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2. Write about what you have learned from this assignment. Describe the skills and competencies demonstrated
by this assignment.
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3. Evaluate your performance on the assignment. Identify what you did well and what could be improved.
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15. Career Research Assignment Rubric and Grading Sheet
Points
Page/Activity
18
1. Personal/Autobiographical Sketch (photo @ 8 pts.)
10
2. Sample Cover Letter
10
3. Resume
15
4. Letters of Recommendation (3 @ 5 points each)
10
5. Goal Setting for AP Biology
10
6. Study Schedule Template
100
7. Career Research Assignment
25
8. Career Interview
25
9. Samples of Student Work @ 5 points each
10
10. Reflective Entry
225
TOTAL