Purpose:To compare and contrast concepts Description: The Venn Diagram is one of the most basic graphic organizers currently used by teachers. Using the Venn Diagram form, students are able to compare and contrast characteristics of two concepts, ideas, or words. They provide a visual display of similar and different attributes that can be used to launch discussion, writing, or further research.
Procedure:
Draw to overlapping circles on an overhead transparency or chart paper.
Label each side with the name of one of the things you are comparing.
Fill in one side with attributes belonging to that item.
Fill in the other side with attributes belonging to that item.
Now fill in the center area where the two items share attributes.
Hint: Venn Diagrams can be used to compare more than two items by adding additional circles. However, students will need to become comfortable with using a basic Venn before you introduce multiple concepts in the same diagram.
While the Venn Diagram is in almost every teaching strategy book, directions for this activity were modeled after:
Lipton, L., & Wellman, B. (1998). Patterns and practices in the learning-focused classroom. Guilford, Vermont: Pathways Publishing.