Petersen Automotive Museum to Offer Free Educational Live Streams Amid School Closures

In response to school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum — which is temporarily closed until March 31, 2020 — will offer free educational live streams beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020

For students looking for supplemental learning activities during school closures, the Petersen Automotive Museum will offer free educational live streams twice daily beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Daily presentations will consist of a lecture at 10 a.m. and a hands-on activity at 1 p.m. In addition to live stream programming, the museum will offer downloadable worksheets and coloring sheets. The museum will remain closed to the public until March 31, 2020, or until further notice.

Although lessons are open to parents and children of all ages, the subject matter is targeted for children ages 12 and under. The program schedule is below, and topics are subject to change.

Tuesday, March 17, 10 a.m. – Force and Motion

Cars are about motion. While it may seem simple to press a pedal and move forward, there are dozens of forces interacting that must be balanced to produce motion. From Newton’s laws to different types of energy, students will learn the simple physics behind the automobile.

Tuesday, March 17, 1 p.m. – Balloon Cars

For a car to move, a force must be applied. Students will explore propulsion and Newton’s Third Law of Motion by making their own balloon cars.

Wednesday, March 18, 10 a.m. – History of the Car

Cars have been in existence for more than a century (or longer, depending on when you start). Join the Petersen as it explores the evolution of the automobile.

Wednesday, March 18, 1 p.m. – License Plates

License plates identify vehicles as properly registered with the state but may also serve as a canvas. Students will create their own license plates and decorate them to show off something about their home state.

Thursday, March 19, 10 a.m. – Storytime Featuring “Go, Dog, Go!” By P.D. Eastman

Students will read the beloved tale about dogs and their cars.

Thursday, March 19, 1 p.m. – Animal Cars

Students will make a car of their favorite animal with materials found around the house.

Friday, March 20, 10 a.m. – Design Process

Utilizing the car, students will explore how things go from idea to finished product.

Friday, March 20, 1 p.m. – Car Models

A critical part of automotive design is creating a model. Students will create car models to show how the modeling process can help to explore design choices.

Future lessons will cover propulsion, aerodynamics, racing and a host of other topics.

“The Petersen Automotive Museum offers students an opportunity to gain an education during school closure and in between their digital course loads,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “Our special programming will broaden kids’ knowledge and expose them to the world of the automobile.”

To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum’s online educational programming, access daily lecture and activity documents, and view the live streams, visit www.petersen.org/online-education. For more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, visit www.petersen.org.