In this unit of work we are going to look at how to draw and use Venn diagrams to represent information and to solve problems.
For the teacher, the large number of possible diagrammatic representations involved in preparing to teach this topic can make Venn diagrams lessons a challenging topic, and this unit provides visual resources to support teaching the delivery of these concepts.
Learners often struggle to interpret the logic of Venn diagrams and with associating notation with everyday words, for example, the use of the Union symbol to represent the word ‘or’, whilst extended learners may struggle to appreciate that what is not included in a set is as important as what is included.
This module tackles both these issues, providing a range of resources which help to develop an understanding of the notation, and to present problems that help to tackle the issues surrounding the use of the notation and its links to everyday English.
Learners following the extended curriculum will have an opportunity to develop their understanding of Venn diagram notation further, through the use of an additional/alternative lesson that explores subsets and the empty set in more detail.
This unit of work is just one of several approaches that you could take when teaching this topic, and you should aim to adapt the resources to match ability level of your learners, as well as your school context.