Theodore Roosevelt teacher uses motorized bees to teach hands-on tech

As a science and technology teacher at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich school district, Regina D’Orio brings hands-on learning into the classroom, helping young students learn problem-solving skills while making science and technology fun.

Her students build race cars to learn about motion and friction. They guide miniature, motorized bumble bees through mazes to learn the basics of computer coding, use iPads to program robots to perform dance moves and design their own seed pods sturdy enough to survive a drop onto a classroom “island.”

To learn about coastal erosion, students build miniature lighthouses to test whether they can withstand the force of water.

“She has a real gift for planning lessons that combine engineering principles with science,” said Devra Small, Theodore Roosevelt’s principal. “The students are so engaged because it’s fun.”

D’Orio, 55, of Seaford, has taught in the district for 28 years, including the past 16 at Theodore Roosevelt.

“I’m truly lucky to be part of a school district that holds STEM in such high regard,” D’Orio said. “I have the best job in the whole district,” she added. “I smile every single day.”

Beyond the classroom, D’Orio organizes the school’s annual Science Night and leads its annual Earth Day assembly, in past years enlisting fellow teachers to dress as polar bears and sea turtles.

For her, teaching is all about making connections with students.

She especially loves moments when students are eager to share what they’ve learned with one another. Recently, she said she overheard one of her students gush, “I love science.”

“That’s my inspiration,” D’Orio said.

Over the years, D’Orio has inspired thousands of students, including some who have gone on to become teachers themselves.

Megan Castrogiovanni, a kindergarten teacher at Theodore Roosevelt, had D’Orio as her fourth-grade teacher at James H. Vernon School.

Castrogiovanni, 26, remembers D’Orio as “super warm and nice” and someone who got her students excited about learning.

D’Orio was also one of the reasons Castrogiovanni wanted to become a teacher and return to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich district. She said D’Orio has been a mentor and an inspiring teacher to Castrogiovanni’s students.

“She has this magical way of teaching,” Castrogiovanni said. “My kids absolutely adore her.”

Brenda Murphy, a music teacher at Theodore Roosevelt who has co-taught with D’Orio, described her as “a top-notch educator and human” and “probably the kindest person I’ve ever met.”

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