The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

NSF
NSF
  • Home
  • The Program
    • NSF Noyce Program Directors
    • NSF Noyce Program Solicitation
    • Consider Becoming an NSF Noyce Principal Investigator
    • Become a Noyce Scholar or Teacher Leader
      • Noyce Scholar Profiles
      • Noyce Alumni Profiles
    • Voices From the Field Videos
  • Project Locator
    • Select from Map
    • Advanced Search
    • Submit Information
  • In the News
    • In the News
  • Meetings
    • 2022 Noyce Summit
    • 2021 Noyce Summer Events
    • 2020 Virtual Noyce Summit
    • Archived Noyce Summit Materials
    • Noyce Regional Meetings
  • Resources
    • Noyce Track 4 Research Book
    • Proposal Preparation Toolkit
    • Noyce Project Videos
    • Noyce Summit Abstract Catalogs
    • Reports
    • Toolkits
    • ARISE Research Community
  • Contact

Kathleen

RETURN TO SCHOLAR LIST

Noyce Scholar Profile

Kathleen Robbins

Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Earth Science Education

Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Earth Science, grade 9

Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar

Name of Noyce institution:
York College, CUNY

Current academic or teaching status:
New Teacher, Fall 2011

School and school district:
Harry S. Truman High School

Background:

I have always been passionate about Earth science. Even as a kid, I couldn’t wait to get out and explore nature. I’ve been a city girl for over twenty years, but getting back to nature is what recharges me. I’m continuously fascinated by seeing how the Earth renews itself.

Why do you want to teach:

My hope is to share my passion. While not everyone will fall in love with my subject matter, I do feel that I can make it relevant to them and help them to better understand the world around them.

Describe a memorable teaching experience:

Early in my education observations, I was helping ELL students who were learning about earthquake focus at subduction zones. A boy could not grasp that the further the distance from the point of subduction, the deeper the focus. I found myself pantomiming; I took a step away from our “fault line” (a seam in the linoleum) and asked the boy where the earthquake happened, on the surface? He said “no, it’s down” so I stooped. We repeated this question, and I stepped and stooped, stepped and stooped. I saw the look of comprehension. His friend was looking curiously at me in my stooped position and asked his friend what I was doing. I looked on as he explained to his friend the concept of focus depth with respect to distance from subduction point. At this moment, I realized how much I truly enjoy teaching.

What does the Noyce program mean to you:

Being a Noyce scholar has been incredibly rewarding. The recognition of hard work well done and the opportunity for continued improvement is greatly appreciated. The financial support has allowed me to focus more on my teaching. I encourage all my classmates to strive for this honor.

What’s New

  • 2021 Noyce Summer Events
  • 2021 Noyce Project Videos
  • Proposal Preparation Webinars
  • 2020 Virtual Noyce Summit
  • 2020 Noyce Project Videos
  • Frequently Asked Questions for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
  • Become a Noyce Scholar or Teacher Leader
  • Consider Becoming an NSF Noyce Principal Investigator
  • Noyce Alumni: Where Are They Now?

Check out our ARISE website for research & opportunities!

Checking In

NSF

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant Numbers DUE-2041597 and DUE-1548986. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

AAAS

The World's Largest General Scientific Society

  • About Noyce Program
  • AAAS ISEED
  • Subscribe to ARISE
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2022 American Association for the Advancement of Science