The lines on the museum’s vibrant facade were fabricated to resemble a racetrack. (photo courtesy of the Petersen Automotive Museum)

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 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. The tours and lessons align with the California curriculum standards.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer students and teachers the ability to learn about automotive history in an enjoyable and safe environment,” Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry Karges said. “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.”

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

Students in grades three through five will 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.

Middle school students sixth through eighth grade will examine the impact the automotive industry has had on the American economy, urbanization and infrastructure. Additionally, students will learn how the auto industry has defined social mobility for many Americans, from incoming immigrants to long-settled populations.

High school students will be given an enhanced comprehension of the innovation and design process, specifically related to the evolution of car design and technology.

The history of alternatively powered cars will be introduced and students will engage in a critical analysis of transportation’s social and environmental impact to further the transportation needs of the future.

For more information, visit petersen.org/distance-learning.