Venn Diagrams Jenn Smith and Joelle Crane
a.) Venn Diagrams are used to describe and compare attributes and characteristics of items, people, places, events, ideas, concepts, etc. b.) Venn Diagrams are useful for: Comparing and Contrasting 2-3 characters, stories, poems, etc. Sorting and classifying objects according to properties. Problem solving and Teamwork. Prewriting activities. Showing relationships between sets in math. Considering real life situations (choosing options). Using technology and other reference materials. c.) Steps to follow: Introduce the concepts of comparing and contrasting through a variety of games and activities. Ex.) “What’s My Attribute?” game. Introduce and explain the Venn Diagram. Have students ask themselves these questions: 1.What do you want to compare?, 2.What characteristics do the items have in common?, and 3.How are the items similar and different based on characteristics? Ask students to begin filling out similarities, then move to the differences. d.) Suggestions: Provide plenty of practice and instruction for students. When comparing two things with younger children, string, colored yarn, or hula hoops can be used to make circles on the floor. Manipulatives or pictures can be used in place of dialogue. Make the overlapping objects different shapes- ex) mittens. Venn diagrams are a useful tool to launch a written activity when comparing similarities and differences. Allow the older students to make their own Venn Diagrams to use. e.) Technology Uses: Use the Internet to search for more information about the topics. The search will use both subject directories and search engines in the process of finding information. Inspiration 6 software can be used to develop Venn Diagrams. Kidpix can also be used by the younger to children to construct a Venn diagram. They can use the pictures instead of words. f.) To learn more about Venn Diagrams log on to: 1. http://www.Venndiagram.com – Create your own Venn Diagram. View samples of Venn Diagrams in database. Find the top 10 ways to use Venn Diagrams. Worksheets are available. 2. http://www.thegateway.org/ - Provides sample lessons that use Venn Diagrams. (Type Venn into the Search box and click the Search button).
3. http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/graphic_org/venn_diagrams - Allows you to generate Venn Diagrams. Additional Suggestions: 1. Venn Diagram pocket charts are available at teacher store. This allows the teacher to keep the pocket chart for more than one lesson. 2. Use actual students to compare various attributes rather than words. 3. Venn Diagrams can be used in the business world to compare various positions.