BETTENDORF, IOWA (February 20, 2026) — Families are invited to attend the Bett STEAM Expo on Saturday, March 7, 10AM-1PM, at Bettendorf Middle School (2030 Middle Rd). This free community event will feature hands-on exhibits in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) designed for kids and families to explore and learn together.
We are also excited to welcome special guest Alex Turner, the 2026 Visiting Science Scholar. A 2012 Bettendorf High School graduate and research scientist, Alex will share insights into his work at Google DeepMind, focused on reducing the risks of superintelligent AI systems.
Plus, don’t miss planetarium shows at 12PM and 1PM at the Donald A Schaefer Planetarium at Bettendorf High School.
Come discover, explore, and experience STEAM with us!
Exhibits
Art — Bag Printmaking
Art Department
Students will print their own bag to use for carrying materials and projects throughout the STEAM Expo.
Backyard Birding
Wildbirds Unlimited
Learning how to use binoculars to identify different species of birds.
Bett Esports
BHS Esports
Play video games with members from the Bettendorf High School Esports team.
Birds of Prey
Scott County Conservation — Wapsi River Environmental Education Center
Join Director Dave Murcia and learn about the lives of native raptors, including where they live, how they hunt, and what you can do to support these beautiful predators. Live raptors will be presented!
Building the future, from plans to reality
Russell
Put your creativity to the test and explore different paths to take a project from concept to reality. We will use spaghetti and marshmallows to build structures. Use your own creativity to see what you can build, or work from plans to bring the structure to life!
Chemistry Fun with SAU
St Ambrose University Chemistry Department
A fun, hands-on chemistry activity with the St. Ambrose University Chemistry Department that lets you discover how chemistry is part of everyday life!
Chibitronics Take and Make
Bettendorf Public Library
Learn about what's going on at the library, get a sneak peek at Summer Reading, and grab a to-go kit!
Codes and Ciphers
Mark Twain Elementary
Have you ever wanted to be a spy? Or crack a code? Come learn how to use different ciphers to send a secret message.
Coding with Dot and Dash Robots
Putnam Museum and Science Center
Explore block-based coding with Dot and Dash robots! Program Dot's lights and sounds, navigate Dash through a maze, and learn core coding concepts. Engage in hands-on experimentation and discovery with the Putnam, while coding with Dot and Dash robots!
Fire/EMS
Bettendorf Fire Department
Students will meet Bettendorf firefighters and EMS staff and explore the professional gear and equipment they use to keep the community safe.
Inside the Hive: A Beekeeping Adventure
We are local beekeepers
Step into the world of bees! Explore real beekeeping equipment, try on a child-sized bee suit, and learn how bees grow with a hands-on life-cycle model. Kids can take on the role of a beekeeper, discover surprising facts about honeybees, and test their skills in our fun “Find the Queen” challenge. This interactive exhibit invites young scientists to get curious, ask questions, and experience the buzzing excitement of beekeeping up close. Join the adventure!
Instrument Petting Zoo
West Music
Have the opportunity to hold, play, and learn about different instruments. Play Now Play for Life!
Iowa's Animals
Kirkwood Community College
Explore the different sizes of mammals that live in Iowa and see what careers with animals you could pursue.
Materials Science
SSAB
Is steel always trustworthy? Learn how steel is made, tested, and examined to determine its strength.
Navigation on the Mississippi River
US Army Corps of Engineers
Explore an interactive lock and towboat display and learn how these systems keep river traffic moving safely and efficiently.
Nuclear Safety: Source Seekers
Constellation Energy — Quad Cities Nuclear Power Plant
Students will be dressed in the same personal protective equipment used by nuclear-industry personnel when entering contaminated areas within the plant. They will then use handheld radiation monitors to locate simulated radioactive sources (blocks). As students move closer to these sources, the monitors will begin to alarm. This activity helps reinforce the concept of radiation and introduces students to proper radiation worker practices.
Obstacle Course Challenge
St Ambrose Physical Therapy Department
Kids will be directed through fun physical challenges in a unique obstacle course designed by physical-therapy students.
Pass Like a Pro
Quad City Steamwheelers
We will teach students how to "Pass Like a Pro," throw a spiral, and "move" like a pro athlete.
Puzzles, Logic, and Games, Oh My!
BCSD Math
Tickle your brain with logic puzzles, play a game with family members, or create patterns in this math-themed exhibit.
Robotics Hands-On Demo
Bettendorf Robotics Team
Check out our two robots that will complete challenges laid out this season in the FIRST Tech Challenge game called DECODE.
Science Applied to Life
3M
Experiment with polymer science by making bouncy balls.
Scout Fun with Sticks
Scouting America
Explore a variety of different experiments and activities with (popsicle) sticks, including catapults, an amazing flying machine, and exploding stick chain reactions.
Snail in a Jar
BHS Conservation Club
Learn how to help wildlife in your backyard & build a self-sustaining snail-in-a-jar ecosystem!
Spins and Spirals
Figge Art Museum
Create colorful spins and spirals using tabletop spin art and spirograph machines, exploring patterns, motion, and creativity through hands-on design.
STEAM with Nature
Bettendorf Girl Scouts
Experience STEAM with nature and paint a picture with plant materials.
Stormwater Erosion and Sediment Control
The City of Bettendorf
Explore a stormwater model that shows how rain moves through the city. Students will also see erosion- and sediment-control devices and learn how they help protect local waterways and keep our water clean.
The Physics of Sound
Parker Audiology
Traffic Safety
Bettendorf Police Department
Learn about traffic safety with Bettendorf police officers.
UI Health Care STEM Education
University of Iowa Health Care STEM Education
Engage with medical students from UI Health Care Carver College of Medicine to learn about careers in health sciences through interactive hands-on STEM activities and medical simulations.
Welding / Manufacturing
Welding/Manufacturing
Test your skills using virtual-reality welding and excavator simulators, and experience what it’s like to operate heavy equipment and perform skilled trades in a hands-on, high-tech way.
Wetland Wonders
Nahant Marsh Education Center
Discover the hidden world of wetlands at our hands-on educational booth. Learn how wetlands work, why they matter, and explore the unique adaptations that help life thrive in the marsh.
What's Your Blood Type?
ImpactLife Blood Center
Knowing your blood type can be important in an emergency. This exhibit allows you to find out your blood type and learn how you can help others. All minors who wish to participate must have a parent/legal guardian present to sign a permission slip.
