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Education >
Programs
Programs
Lunch at
the Museum

 

 

America On Wheels educates, entertains and offers new ways of looking at the history of transportation technology.

Please register in advance for all "Community Programs" by calling 610-432-4200.

We are also offering an educational program on the importance of the Diner to American travelers. Using vintage and current photos of diners, with special emphasis on local diners, we will touch on the history of the diner, compare and contrast diners of the past to those of today, and talk about diner food and menus. We'll even do some diner math, using prices from 1960 compared to those of today!

 

 
     
How Does that Engine Work?
Curious about what makes an engine work? Come to this class and find out! The first day will offer a presentation by an experienced instructor on how an engine works, followed by a hands-on examination of the parts of an engine. Also see many types of engines. The second day will offer a hands-on taking apart of a one-cylinder engine by the students to further understand what makes it tick! We are keeping the class small (limit of ten) so there can be a great deal of student involvement.

Each day will be 2 ½ hours for a total of 5 hours. This lesson is designed to be both educational and fun!
 

Guest Age Range:
10 - 15 years

Cost to Student:
$30.00 per student

Location:
America On Wheels
5 North Front St
Allentown, PA 18102


Class Size:

Limited to 10 students each class

Safety Around the Roadways: This program is designed to highlight the potential safety issues and hazards students may face on their journeys, to school while riding a bike, skateboard, or walking with a friend. Students will discuss how they can avoid potential dangers and will work on establishing a safe route home or to school.

Museum Scavenger Hunt: Level 1 (6-10 yrs.) Level 2 (11 years - adult)

Students will explore various exhibits as they embark on a museum scavenger hunt. By answering the questions pertaining to each gallery, students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of transportation.

Car Tunes: This program is designed to give students a basic understanding of musical instruments. Through this hands-on learning activity, students will develop a greater appreciation of music by recognizing that music can be produced by seemingly unlikely objects. After discussing the many different kinds of musical instruments and importance of each, students will create and design their own instrument out of spare car parts and discuss the possible ways to play and showcase their work.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention: This program is designed to engage the student in the discovery of how humans have invented mechanical automotive components and re-engineered existing mechanical devices for the automobile based on the recognition of need. Students will identify the major forces for change through an interactive presentation, investigate the actual physical changes by visiting the collection, and develop ideas for the future automobile in the classroom. The old adage, "Necessity is the Mother of Invention," will be the operative phrase throughout the course.

Museum Tour: This tour is designed to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity about the various methods of road transportation in America. Either with a docent or self-guided, students and their chaperones will explore the many exhibits in the museum while gaining an understanding of the history of transportation in America with special emphasis on the Lehigh Valley.

Transportation Storybooks: Through historically accurate books such as Eat My Dust (about Henry Ford), and Alice Ramsey's Great Adventure (the first woman to cross the US in a car), children will gain a deeper understanding of early motoring while experiencing the wonderful related exhibits.

Transportation Crafts:

  1. License Plate Rubbing - accompanied by a lesson on the importance of license plates
  2. Matchbox Tracks - children dip the wheels of the car into paint and make colorful track. Where are you going? Where have you been? Let your imagination go wild….
  3. Refrigerator Magnets - in the shapes of vehicles in the museum.

Cut-Away Engine Lesson: Expert instructors, using a real engine that has been cut-away, will explain the inner workings to groups of students. Children will have a chance to move the engine parts.

'Investigation Station'
There will be an antique trunk full of transportation related items, such as: a windshield wiper, a side-view mirror, a camshaft etc. Children will pull them from the trunk and try to identify. This will be followed by a full description of the item and what it is used for. Very hands-on!

If you are interested in visiting the museum, participating in one of our programs, or would like to volunteer your time and talents as an education docent, please let us know by contacting the Education Coordinator at education@americaonwheels.org or (610) 432-4200, ext. 14. Based on the level and size of the group, we will offer educational, entertaining, and age appropriate activities.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at America On Wheels!


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America On Wheels - 5 North Front Street Allentown, PA 18102

Copyright America On Wheels © 2011, all rights reserved.
America On Wheels is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization as provided by IRS regulations. A copy of official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.