Venn Diagram Introduction
I believe it is important for students to recognize that Venn diagrams are used as a tool for learning that will allow them to think critically, as well as compare and contrast two items. This is an especially helpful tool for visual learners, as it gives them an opportunity to contrast sets that relate to any subject area within the visual form of a Venn diagram. As an advocate of themed studies, or unit studies, I would teach the concept of Venn diagrams along with other curriculum.
The time frame for this activity would be 30 minutes. I would participate in this initial activity, and follow up with class with more in-depth examples of Venn diagrams, and then start to have the students create their own diagrams on content outside of the subject of math. For instance, if we were studying plants in science, we might study the similarities between greenhouse plants and outdoor plants, after having participated in the creation of a greenhouse and observation about the similarities and differences of the plants.
Activity
I would first share with the class the definition of a set – a group of information with similarities. I would share why Venn diagrams are used, to compare and contrast information. I would then simply follow the definition with a basic example of a cyclical Venn Diagram. I would then pass out the following handout, that would allow students the opportunity to start to compare and contrast information on their own. This will give them the chance to have a clear visual of what a Venn diagram might look like, using the hands-on approach to kinesthetic learning, and it will allow them to take a broader concept, in utilizing their critical thinking skills with simple knowledge, that will allow them to further explore and utilize Venn diagrams more effectively to compare different information.
I would let the class work in groups of two to complete this lesson, and collectively as a group, share our answers, the outcome of our Venn diagram.I would have the students call out their answers to me and write them out on a board or large sheet of paper to describe how the sets can be unique, and how we can use the information to create a separate set from the original sets of information. In the example on the worksheet, what numbers have both straight and curvy lines.
I would follow this activity with a group session, where students would move the chairs from the workspace and physically create a cyclical Venn diagram. I would have the students create a “set,” based on information learned in another area, such as English, and use this to further enhance their understanding of Venn diagrams.
I would have each student evaluate two books and then, after having physically created a Venn diagram on the floor of the classroom, have students select a book that they preferred, one over another. This would create a visual reference for students to participate in, to allow them to see how sets are formed, and how Venn diagrams are used to compare information. Students that cannot decide between the two books, would be placed in the middle, linking the books together.
I would then ask the following questions:
What is a set?
What is a Venn diagram?
How do we compare items?
Why might we use Venn diagrams?
Is it useful to have a visual to compare and contrast information?
I would provide the following worksheet for a class assignment later in the day, or for homework.
Around the room, I would display other examples of how to compare and contrast information utilizing Venn diagrams, such as the example provided below. I would try to coerce the idea of utilizing Venn diagrams for all subject areas. Students would be assessed based on their ability to complete the additional sheet provided and discussion on Venn diagrams would continue through immersion and utilized in all subject areas to enhance their understanding and to utilize Venn diagrams regularly, specifically for visual learners.
References
Venn Diagrams, Acquired March 12, 2008. http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/tvsearch.php?keywords=venn+diagrams&go.x;=0&go.y;=0&sitesearch;=1
Graphic Organizers. Scholastic. Acquired March 12, 2008. www.scholastic.com
