BETTENDORF, IOWA (February 25, 2025) — Join us for the Bett STEM Expo on Saturday, March 8, 10AM-1PM, at Bettendorf Middle School (2030 Middle Rd, Bettendorf).
This free event features over thirty hands-on exhibits in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) designed for kids and families to explore and learn together.
Special guest Elspeth Petersen, the 2025 Visiting Science Scholar, will be at the expo! Elspeth, a 2002 BHS graduate and NASA scientist, will share her exciting work at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. She researches life-support systems for astronauts and has contributed to groundbreaking projects like extracting oxygen from lunar rocks and converting Martian air into rocket fuel.
Additionally, enjoy planetarium shows at 12PM and 1PM at the Donald A Schaefer Planetarium at Bettendorf High School.
Originally launched in 2006 as a science fest by two Bettendorf moms, the Bett STEAM Expo has grown into an incredible public event. Don’t miss this opportunity for family fun and exploration!
Exhibits
A weed is just a plant without a purpose
The Herbalist Cottage Apothecary
The use of plants as “medicine” in our body. In addition to providing numerous nutrients for increased immunity, plants offer antioxidant, antibacterial, and hormone-balancing benefits. I will offer basic information about how to use different plant parts in a variety of health-enhancing ways.
Architectural Designs by Harper
Check out the multi-level architectural project designed using Legos, with each room having a unique design and purpose.
Baseball Speed Check Zone
Bettendorf Police Department
Join the Bettendorf Police for a hands-on RADAR demonstration! Kids can test their pitching speed by throwing baseballs into a net while officers track their speed using RADAR technology. A fun way to learn about science and law enforcement in action!
BHS Conservation Club
The BHS Conservation Club will be educating on the importance of recycling, what to recycle, planting native plants, and how to do that. Finally, it will help kids set up a snail-in-a-jar ecosystem.
Birds of Prey
Wapsi River Env Ed Ctr — Scott Co Conservation
Join Director Dave Murcia and learn about the lives of these native raptors, including where they live, how they hunt, and what you can do to support these beautiful predators. Live birds will be on display.
Building a Beat
Common Chord
Common Cord with provide kids the opportunity to experiment with building a looping beat in an accessible way.
Building the future, from plans to reality
Russell Construction
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 to read plans and bring the structure to life!
Bulldog Esports
Meet student-athletes from the Bettendorf High School Esports team! Learn about competitive gaming, strategy, teamwork, and the skills it takes to excel in the fast-growing world of esports. Try out some gameplay and see what it’s like to be part of the team!
Dog-tors and Fuzz-icians in Training!
Klein Animal Clinic
Deep dive into the claw-some world of Veterinary Science! Throw us a bone and check out our fun activities and specimens. Look through the microscope to find bacteria, fungal infections, blood smears, and other cell slides. Look into our patients' mouths and see what their pearly whites are for. Learn how to suture up cuts and how to dress for success in x-rays.
Earwax: it’s not just for Breakfast
Parker Audiology PC
Kids can be hearing doctors (Audiologists) as well as watch videos of earwax removal and learn about infection control.
Experiment with Chemistry
Experience the excitement of chemistry with the St. Ambrose University Chemistry Department! Join us for a hands-on experiment where you’ll explore fascinating chemical reactions and discover the wonders of science.
Fiber Optic Fun
Metronet
Discover the science behind fiber optics! Learn how light travels through thin strands of glass or plastic and see this technology in action with a fun, hands-on activity.
Fun with Science
Bettendorf Girl Scouts
See a Tornado in a glass; power lights with a lemon and program a robot using a marker. Science is fun, and we will have simple activities you can do to experience your inner scientist!
Manufacturing and Welding
John Deere Davenport
Step into the world of welding with a Virtual Reality Weld Simulator! Experience the precision and skill required for welding in a safe and immersive environment.
Materials Science
SSAB Iowa
Discover how SSAB Iowa inspects and analyzes steel plates! Learn about the cutting-edge technology and techniques used to ensure strength, durability, and quality in steel production. A fascinating look into the science behind one of the world’s most essential materials!
Math Fun
Bettendorf Schools
Come explore a variety of games and puzzles designed to tickle your brain.
Navigation on the Mississippi River
Corp of Engineers
Discover the efficiency and impact of water transportation on trade and the environment. Explore how a boat navigates through a lock system and compare the cargo capacity of semi-trucks, rail cars, and barges!
Nuclear Power
Constellation — NAYGN
Learn about nuclear energy/power, the cleanest source of carbon-free energy, at the Quad Cities Nuclear plant located in Cordova, Illinois.
Our Feathered Friends: Beaks and Feathers
Wild Birds Unlimited
Learn how birds are uniquely adapted for flight and how different kinds of bird beaks are best for different kinds of foods.
Planetarium Shows
The Bettendorf High School Donald A Schaefer Planetarium
Explore the wonders of the night sky this month! Discover what celestial objects are visible and learn how scientists determine the elements that makeup stars and planets through the science of spectroscopy.
Robotics in Action
Bettendorf Robotics
Join the Bettendorf Robotics teams as they showcase their competition robots from the 2024-25 season! Kids will have the chance to see the robots in action and even take a turn operating them. Don’t miss this hands-on STEM experience!
Screen Printing Art
Bettendorf Art Department
Get creative and try your hand at screen printing! Print your own custom bag to take home as a fun keepsake.
Science Applied to Life by 3M
Learn how science applies to life and take home hands-on experiments that teach you how the world is put together.
Scouting through STEM
Illowa Council, Scouting America
An interactive exhibit showcasing the connection between Scouting and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Explore hands-on activities and creative design challenges that highlight the skills Scouts use in the great outdoors and beyond!
Simple Circuits
Putnam Museum and Science Center
Simplicity is key when it comes to making electricity. Discover what it takes to build a simple circuit in this electrifying exhibit!
Skull Study
Nahant Marsh
Students will examine animal skulls and investigate the structure and function of a variety of skull replicas. Students will learn to identify the parts of a skull and make determinations about what animal the skull belongs to, based on the number and shape of teeth, skull size, and other features.
St Ambrose Physical Therapy Obstacle Course
St Ambrose University Doctor of Physical Therapy
Our PT students will take participants through an obstacle course that will challenge them to maneuver their way to the finish — building confidence and resilience while turning movement into pure fun!
St Ambrose The PA Profession
St Ambrose Master of PA Studies Program
Learn about a physician assistant (PA) 's important role in conducting physical exams by assessing a patient's overall health, gathering medical history, and performing routine evaluations.
STEAM Library Opportunities
Bettendorf Public Library
Discover exciting STEAM opportunities with the Bettendorf Public Library! Stop by for STEAM Kit Giveaways packed with hands-on learning fun, and explore the Creation Studio, a creative space designed for students of all ages to tinker, design, and build. Learn how these resources can spark curiosity and inspire future innovators!
Stormwater — keeping our streams clean
The City of Bettendorf
Learn how stormwater plays a crucial role in keeping streams clean by carrying away pollutants and preventing buildup that can harm aquatic life. Proper stormwater management helps filter contaminants, reduce erosion, and maintain healthy waterways for the environment and community.
Watersheds in Motion
Scott County Conservation
Check out a tabletop display of how rain moves pollution into our waterways and learn about endangered species found in Iowa that are directly related to water quality.
What is your Type?
ImpactLife Blood Services
Learn about the importance of blood donation and the different types of blood types. Blood typing will be available for those interested. Minors must have a parent/guardian present to sign the permission slip.
What's the Buzz? Beekeeping!
Bees are important pollinators and provide us with honey, pollen, wax, and propolis. What does a queen look like? Do you know that not all honey bees sting? What is a honey super? Learn about the roles of bees, the reign of the queen bee, and how to keep bees!
You can print anything, but why?
Quad Cities Additive Manufacturing Community of Interest
Learn about past and future 3D printing outreach events. Let students know it's not just for engineers.
