As part of its successful pivot to digital throughout the pandemic, The Petersen’s new virtual school tours allow students and teachers to explore the history and science behind the automobile along with worksheets, STEM-related activities, and live lessons with a museum educator.

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 30, 2020) – The Petersen Automotive Museum has announced a new program to offer customized virtual school tours for students and teachers engaged in distance learning. Supported by the museum’s Hammertime Global Education program, the virtual tours are designed to educate students and inspire the next generation of car enthusiasts. The 60-minute virtual tour experience walks students and teachers through the museum’s exhibits and is followed by a live lesson with a museum educator. Structured by grade level, the classes focus on various subjects, including science, history, performing arts, English language arts, visual arts, and digital literacy. Students are encouraged to participate at a distance in a range of collaborative discussions, problem-solving exercises, and analysis techniques related to the automobile. This approach supports individual learning and contributes to others’ knowledge.

The tours and lessons align with the California Curriculum Standards. Topics include:

• Kids on the Move (Grades K-2)

  • Using a blend of science-based hands-on activities and creative movement exercises, students learn how cars work and how cars and roads have changed over time.

• Made in LA (Grades 3-5)

  • Students explore the history of Los Angeles through the lens of car culture, where they engage with a cross-section of local cars from the collection and learn the stories behind the people who built, designed, and customized them.

• Manufacturing Mobility (Grades 6-8)

  • Students examine the impact the automotive industry has had on the American economy, urbanization, and infrastructure. Additionally, students learn how the auto industry has offered defined social mobility for many Americans, from incoming immigrants to long-settled populations.

• Driven by Design (Grades 9-12)

  • This course provides students with an enhanced comprehension of the innovation and design process, specifically related to the evolution of car design and technology. Moreover, the history of alternatively powered cars is introduced; students engage in a critical analysis of transportation’s social and environmental impact to further the transportation needs of the future.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer students and teachers the ability to learn about automotive history in an enjoyable and safe environment,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “The museum believes that the automobile can be an essential learning tool for students, and part of the museum’s education initiative is to deepen their knowledge and connection to topics that support California’s curriculum standards.”

To learn more about The Petersen’s virtual school tours, such as the tour descriptions, prices, and how to sign up, please visit this link. For more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit the museum’s website.

About Petersen Automotive Museum

The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, California, 90036. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit Petersen.org.