How To Develop A
Research Portfolio
Updated April 2015
Why Should You Have A Research
Portfolio?
• It’s your Science Research resume
• Colleges love it!
• Increases organizational skills & time management
• Assist future research students
• It is required for the course
Required Material for Research
Portfolio
• 5” three ring binder
• At least 12 dividers w/tabs for labels
• Lots and lots of paper!
• Printer & Ink
Required Content
For EVERYONE
1. Table of Contents
• First page of Portfolio
• Should include your name (large font)
• Your contact info. (professional email)
• School & Program
• Date the portfolio was last updated
• List of Contents of Portfolio as divided by
sections/tabs
2. Bi-Weekly Assessments
• White copies of Bi-weekly assessment sheets
• Arrange in chronological order
3. Reference List
• Only the most recent, updated version
• May include general interest articles
• Use the correct format
Sophomores- at least 10
Juniors- at least 15
Seniors- at least 20
4. Journal Articles &
Summaries
• Summary w/cited reference first
• Include entire Journal article RHSQ’d (highlighted
& noted)
• Include other Journal articles you have/plan to
read (at end of section)
• Bulk of your portfolio
5. Emails & Contact Log Sheets
• Record of professionals you have been in contact
with (mentor emails, etc.)
• Name
• Date
• Type (Email/phone/text/personal)
• Details of conversation (printed emails are
fine)
• Arrange in chronological order
6. Class Presentations
• Copies of printed PowerPoint presentations
and/or boards
• Include feedback/rubrics
• Include notes/scripts (if you have any)
7. Classwork & Other
Assignments
• In-class assignments
• Vocabulary lists
• Textbook assignments & Notes
8. Research Responsibility
• Describe your participation in extracurricular
events that earned you Research Responsibility
points
• Include Marking Period (MP) & number of
research points
• Use resume format (not paragraphs)
Example:
MP 2: 4 points
-Attended 3 Research Club Meetings (3)
-Provided feedback on another student’s
presentation (1)
9. Abstract(s) of Your Research
• Include all revisions (dated)
• Arrange in chronological order
10. Research Plan and IRB/SRC
• Research Plan
• Must follow WESEF form guidelines (bullet
format, include role of mentor/student)
• IRB/SRC
• Include approval coversheet w/comments
• Date of approval must be included!
11. Awards & Presentations
• List of presentations & awards
• Include dates/locations
Example:
Poster Board Presenter
WPHS Annual Research Symposium
May 18, 2015
Poster Board Presenter
Westlake Sophomore Competition
June 6, 2015
Additional
REQUIRED Pages
SOPHOMORES ONLY
12. Mentor List
• At least 25 listed
• Full names of any professional who may be able
to help, or has helped you
• Title/position
• Business address
• Email
• Phone number(s)
• Notes/comments
*Ask for help before you print (there is a way to do
it without printing out lots of blank pages)
13. General Interest Articles
• Related to your topic
• Entire article printed
• Separate citation including date, authors, etc.
14. Previous Research Topics
• Articles, notes & email communications from
topics you have since abandoned
• Arrange by topic
• Date all material
• Brief explanation of why topic was abandoned
Additional
REQUIRED Pages
Juniors & Seniors
12. Competitions & Forms
• Separate section for each competition (INTEL
STS, WESEF, JSHS, etc.)
• Competition information (date, location)
• Instructions
• Completed Forms
• Reflection on competition experiences
13. Research Paper
• Juniors:
• Introduction, Review of Literature,
Methodology
• Paragraph format, past tense
• Include past revisions w/comments, etc.
(dated)
• Seniors:
• Final version of your Senior paper must be
included (cover page, data tables, graphs, etc).
• Include past revisions w/comments etc.
(dated)
14. Data Collection & Analysis
• Include raw data
• Include statistical analysis data/results (if
performed)
• Excerpts from lab notebook/notes (if allowed by
the lab)
• Tables, Graphs, Visuals & Questionnaires
Optional Sections
Optional/Additional Materials
• Class syllabus
• Checklists
• List of Conferences attended
• Resume
• Research related recommendation letters
What not to include
• Notes from other subjects
• Recommendation letters that are not research
related
• Extra copies of materials
• Outdated references or vocabulary lists (keep
newest versions only)
When to Update Your Portfolio
• BEFORE assessment meetings that require a
portfolio review
• Before meetings with mentors, colleges, or
others of influence
• In January & June
Portfolio Grading
• As 50% of your FINAL (other half to be
determined)
• UHS participants- FINAL
• Due in late May/early June (date to be
determined)
• Rubric used
• Grade based mainly on organizational skills and
thoroughness/details
QUESTIONS?