Venn diagram
Visual tool composed of two or more overlapping circles used to show relationships between sets of items.
Additional information
In the classroom, the term “Venn diagram” is most often used to describe a specific type of graphic organizer that shows similarities and differences between two or more items. When used to compare two items, these may be referred to as double bubble charts.
In many cases, these graphic organizers are not true Venn diagrams according to the strict mathematical definition of the term. For more on classification, double bubble charts, and true Venn diagrams, see the article “Higher Order Thinking with Venn Diagrams.”
Examples and resources
- Higher order thinking with Venn diagrams
- Graphic organizers are powerful ways to help students understand complex ideas. By adapting and building on basic Venn diagrams, you can move beyond comparison and diagram classification systems that encourage students to recognize complex relationships.
- By David Walbert
- Blank Venn diagrams
- Printable blank diagrams are available from 2learn.ca.
- Introduction to Venn diagrams
- This lesson plan can be used to introduce the mathematical concept of Venn diagrams to students in many grade levels.
- Basic Venn diagrams
- An overview on using double bubble charts as graphic organizers from The Graphic Organizer.
