School Programs
San Diego Automotive Museum, found in historic Balboa Park, provides unique hands-on STEAM workshops for grades TK-8th. Each of our programs is in alignment with the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
School Programs
At the Museum or At Your School
Workshops are available in the Museum or our education team can bring these experiences to your school. Museum workshops include a customized self-guided tour that ties in the STEAM concepts students learn in the program.
Each school program is designed to spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and connect classroom learning to real-world engineering and transportation concepts. Through guided exploration, age-appropriate challenges, and hands-on activities, students gain confidence while discovering how innovation, teamwork, and design shape the vehicles and systems we use every day. Our programs support educators by reinforcing STEM standards while delivering an engaging, memorable learning experience beyond the traditional classroom.
Registration for STEAM Workshops coming soon!
School Program
Forces at Full Speed
Grades 2-5
What makes a vehicle move efficiently? In this school program, students will learn about the science behind vehicle dynamics.
Students will learn how friction plays a crucial role in a vehicle's speed through a series of hands-on experiments. Then they will have the opportunity to build and race their very own balloon car creations. To recap and solidify the concepts we end with a group discussion on why the winner's car was so efficient.
Standards: NGSS: PS2.A, B and MS-ETS1-1
School Program Chaperones
All school programs chaperones in the ratio receive free entry. Additional chaperones out of the ratio will be charged the regular admission price. Field trips are already discounted and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. A non-refundable deposit may be required.
Youth to Chaperone Ratio Requirements:
- Kinder and younger: 1 chaperone per 3 students
- Grade 1- Grade 8: 1 chaperone per 4 students
- Grade 9 and up: 1 chaperone per 6 students
Interested in volunteering or supporting the IGNITE program?
To schedule a STEAM Workshop or if you have any questions regarding our education programs, please contact our Head of Education: education@sdautomuseum.org.
Spring Camp
Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3
Buckle up for a school program full interactive, car-themed learning at the museum! Campers will explore the world of transportation through hands-on activities, storytelling, games, and creative projects, making this the perfect way to jump-start your child’s spring break.
School programs are led by experienced educators and museum staff committed to safety, engagement, and meaningful learning outcomes for every student.
$175 for Non-members
$160 for Members
Register by January 31 and save $15!
Morning Session
Grades K-2
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Our morning session for grades K-2 is designed to introduce young learners to transportation basics, from road signs and simple road rules to the many kinds of vehicles we see on the road every day. Through museum tours, engineering activities, role-play, and crafts, campers will learn how cars move, stay safe, and become responsible community members.
Session is limited to 15 campers.
Afternoon Session
Grades 3-5
1:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The afternoon session for grades 3-5 shifts into high gear, building on these foundations with more complex transportation concepts. Campers will explore automotive and road system history while learning how a car functions and runs. Through guided lessons, activities, and hands-on engineering challenges, campers will have the opportunity to assemble a model engine!
Session is limited to 15 campers.
Available Discounts
Register on or before January 31 to receive $15 off the total registration fee.
Refer another camper and register by February 27 to receive $10 off.
Got a questions? Email: education@sdautomuseum.org