Obama Portraits: A Journey Through Art and History

A Kai XR Adventure

About This Adventure

Take your students on an inspiring journey through art and history with a virtual field trip to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Here, they will explore the groundbreaking portraits of First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama.

This Learning Adventure is perfect for Black History Month, Women's History Month, social studies, history, and art classes. Designed with High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), Kai XR’s engaging platform offers a unique opportunity to discuss the significance of representation in art. Teachers can help students dive into the cultural and historical context of these iconic portraits while learning about the artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, who broke barriers in the art world with their work.

Try this Adventure for Free!

For quick access, log in with Clever or Classlink.

What Makes This Adventure A Must-Have?

This Learning Adventure provides an engaging way for students to connect with art and history through the lens of the Obama portraits. It encourages critical thinking about artistic expression and introduces students to the artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald. The immersive activities help make classroom learning more dynamic and meaningful.

gif of the portrait gallery with obama portrait

This Adventure Includes:

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Slideshow Mini-Lesson

Dive into a rich, standards-aligned presentation highlighting the creation and cultural significance of the Obama portraits, including insights into the artistic approaches of Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald.

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Virtual Field Trip

Step inside the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery to view the Obama portraits up close and learn about their impact on art and history.

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Short Answer Question

Students reflect on the themes, artists, and importance of the Obama portraits while responding in writing.

Additional Information

Materials
We recommend students get started using a tablet or laptop/desktop. Students over 13 also have the option of using a VR headset such as a Meta Quest.
Time
30 minutes
National Standards*

*Kai XR accommodates state standards with paid school subscriptions.
Example: Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)

Elementary:
2.12 The student will recognize major works of art and analyze their significance.

Middle School:
United States History II (USII).1 The student will demonstrate skills for historical and geographical analysis.

Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic.
National Social Studies Standards (NCSS)
D2.His.5.3-5: Explain connections among historical contexts and people’s perspectives at the time.

View Adventure Slideshow

Why Teachers Love This Adventure

person looking at obama portraits

Educators enjoy this Kai XR Learning Adventure for its ability to combine dynamic content with engaging activities that bring art and history to life. Designed to fit seamlessly into various classroom contexts, it sparks curiosity and fosters deep understanding.

More reasons why teachers love this adventure:

Engaging and Interactive

Students immerse themselves in history through dynamic content and activities.

Aligned with Standards

Supports Common Core, NCSS, and other state standards for history, civic understanding, and critical thinking.

Flexible Use

Perfect for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, or lessons on the contributions of significant figures in American history.

Fosters Critical Thinking

Encourages students to analyze historical events and their impact on society through hands-on and multimedia activities.

Try Our Obama Portraits Adventure Today

Teachers enjoy their first five lessons free on Kai XR! Explore the Obama Portraits Adventure and other engaging Learning Adventures designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding in your classroom.

Add this Adventure to get started with your students.

screenshot of a kai xr adventure

Use This Adventure for Free with Your Class

For quick access, log in with Clever or Classlink.

FAQs

1.  What are High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM)?

HQIM are rigorously designed, standards-aligned resources that ensure effective teaching and learning. Kai XR incorporates HQIM in every Adventure for impactful educational experiences.

2. Is the Obama Portraits Adventure free to try?

Yes, teachers can try their first five Kai XR Adventures for free, including this one.

3. How do I access the Adventure?

Simply log in with Clever or Classlink for easy access. Once logged in, click on Add to My Adventures on the Adventure Details page.

4. Do I need special equipment to use Kai XR?

No, students can access Kai XR on web browsers in their tablets, laptops, or desktops. VR headsets are optional for students aged 13 and older.

5. How does this lesson align with educational standards?

The lesson is aligned with Common Core and National Social Studies Standards and accommodates state-specific standards like the Virginia SOLs.

6. Can I use this for Black History Month?

Absolutely! This Adventure is perfect for Black History Month, Women's History Month, or other social studies, history, and art classes.

In memory of my sunshine, Ky(ra) G. Frazier. Love you to the moon and back.