John Venn, English mathematician created the Venn diagram as an educational tool to show relationships between mathematical concepts. However, it is now used in all subject areas to show similarities and differences between two or more concepts. Venn diagrams are common in elementary and high school classrooms.
Traditional Venn diagram format is created by overlapping two same size circles to make 3 sections. Its purpose is to illustrate similar and different characteristics between two or more concepts. It is ideal to only compare two to three concepts at one time, as it is less confusing to the learner.
Hula Hoops are a great resource for teachers to illustrate the elements of a Venn diagram. Teacher uses two hula hoops and has them overlap. To create a Venn diagram from hula hoops; place one hula hoop on the ground and place the other hoop on top. The second hoop should be placed about 20 cm from the edge. The finished Venn diagram will have three sections with the middle area being the smallest area.
After the hula hoop Venn diagram is created, it can be used as model to the class. The diagram will have 3 sections, a center area and one area to its left and the other to its right. The right section and left section will be labeled and the center is the common area. Create labels and place in the appropriate section.
Next students will physically place the items into the appropriate part of the graphical organizer. Students decide what object goes into one of the three sections based on the labels. The items that could be placed in both of the labeled sections will be placed in the common area in the center.
How to Make a Venn Graphical Organizer
- Draw a circle by tracing a circular object or with the aid of a compass.
- Draw a second circle the same size but have it intersect the first circle.
- The diagram should have 3 parts with the middle having the least area.
- Label the two outer areas.
- Middle area does not need a label as it is a combination of the outer labels.
Venn diagrams can be incorporated into all curriculum to review or teach a concept. Venn diagrams are easy and quick graphical organizers for all learners to create. Venn graphical organizers can be used as early as kindergarten.
Teacher may choose to review colours with kindergarten students. Red and green are sample labels for the Venn diagram. She will have an array of objects that are red, green, and red and green for students to classify in the Venn diagram. This activity would work well using hula hoops for the demonstration.
Sample Venn Diagram Activities
Mathematics Activities:
- compare 3-D solids
- evens and multiples of 3
- money concepts
- area and perimeter
Language Art Activities:
- compare two stories
- compare the two main characters in a story
- compare authors
- compare settings
Science Activities:
- fresh water and salt water
- carnivore dinosaur and herbivore dinosaur
- flowering plants and non flowering plants
Social Studies Activities:
- Modern Egypt and Ancient Egypt
- Pioneer Children and Modern Day Child
- Urban Community and Rural Community
Venn diagrams are another wonderful tool to incorporate into the classroom. Often this is one of the first graphical organizers teachers introduce because of its simplicity. Venn's is a teaching tool to compare, contrast, and to illustrate relationships around a multitude of concepts.
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