Coding and Prototype Design Engineering Field Trip Grade 9-12

Students will engage in the engineering design process by exploring how to create and test prototypes that solve real-world problems. Through inquiry and hands-on building, they will develop key engineering skills—including design thinking and basic coding—while constructing and refining functional wheeled robots.

*This is a beginner engineering workshop geared toward students in grades 9-12 with little to no coding experience, or students in grades 6-8 who have proficient coding experience.

Wooden Car Model Engineering Field Trip Grade 5-8

During this field trip to the automobile museum, students will engage in hands-on learning by building a wooden F1 car kit, which will provide them with an opportunity to explore fundamental engineering principles. The project will help students develop creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination as they assemble the car, while also promoting STEM education through the application of problem-solving techniques. As they construct the car, students will gain an understanding of basic mechanical engineering concepts such as design, assembly, and functionality. Additionally, the use of a remote control to operate the finished car will allow students to connect the theoretical concepts of engineering with real-world applications, fostering a deeper appreciation for technology and engineering. By the end of the activity, students will have developed critical thinking skills, teamwork, and a better understanding of how engineering influences design, motion, and performance in vehicles.

Balloon Car Engineering Field Trip Grade K-4

In this project, students will explore the role of engineers in solving problems and designing functional solutions. They will learn about potential and kinetic energy, understanding how energy is stored (in the stretched balloon) and then transferred into motion (as the car moves). Through hands-on experimentation, students will design and test their own balloon-powered cars, using the engineering design process to make improvements based on testing. They will collaborate with peers, problem-solve, and communicate their ideas, while reflecting on how changes in their designs affect the car’s performance. Ultimately, students will gain a deeper understanding of both engineering and energy concepts, while developing skills in creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Guided Art Sketch with Resident Artist Richard Smyth Grade 3-12

Join us on Fridays at the museum for guided art sketch field trips led by resident artist Richard Smyth. During each session, Richard will select a car for students to sketch and provide expert instruction on capturing the unique angles, ellipses, and sense of motion that bring vehicle drawings to life. All materials—including sketch paper, pencils, erasers, drawing boards, and ellipse guides—will be provided by the museum. This field trip is open to student artists of all skill levels, from novice to expert. 

About the artist:  Richard Smyth, born in Colchester, England, has been passionate about drawing since childhood, captivated by the forms of buses, trains, cars, ships, and aircraft. After completing an apprenticeship at the Metal Box Company (UK), he moved to the U.S., working for Anderson Kitzerow Studio in Chicago, where he honed his skills under master retoucher Jack Kitzerow. Richard later ran his own business specializing in airbrush illustration and photo retouching for major corporations. He has since returned to painting his favorite subjects—trains, planes, automobiles, and boats—and is a founding member of the American Society of Railway Artists. His work is held in many private collections. Richard studied at the London College of Printing, Twickenham Technical College, and Northeastern College Chicago.

***All of our online lesson plans can also be hosted in-house and incorporated into a field trip at the museum by our educational staff.  If you would like to bring your students to the museum, please note which lesson plan you would like hosted on our field trip inquiry form.