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Venn Diagram Builder

Run the Venn Builder Fullscreen
Edit Venn Builder Using the p5.js Editor

About This MicroSim

This interactive Venn diagram helps learners understand set relationships through hands-on classification. The example compares properties of Cars (Set A) and Boats (Set B), requiring students to categorize items into four regions:

  • A only: Properties unique to cars
  • B only: Properties unique to boats
  • A and B (intersection): Properties shared by both
  • Neither: Properties that apply to neither

How to Use

  1. Drag items from the panel on the right
  2. Drop items into the appropriate Venn diagram region
  3. Receive feedback - green for correct, red for incorrect with explanation
  4. Track your score at the bottom of the canvas
  5. Reset to try again

Learning Objectives

By interacting with this MicroSim, learners will be able to:

  1. Identify the four distinct regions of a two-set Venn diagram
  2. Classify items based on shared and unique properties
  3. Distinguish between set intersection, union, and complement
  4. Apply logical reasoning to categorization problems

Embedding This MicroSim

1
<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/automating-instructional-design/sims/venn-builder/main.html" height="502px" width="100%" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Grade Level

Middle School through High School (adaptable for elementary with simpler categories)

Duration

15-20 minutes

Materials

  • Computer or tablet with web browser
  • Optional: printed Venn diagram worksheet for additional practice

Suggested Activities

  1. Exploration (5 min): Students freely explore the MicroSim, dragging items and observing feedback
  2. Discussion (5 min): Class discusses the logic behind each placement - why does "Has wheels" belong only to Cars?
  3. Challenge (5 min): Students try to achieve a perfect score without any incorrect placements
  4. Extension (5 min): Students suggest new items that could be added to each category

Assessment

  • Completion with 100% accuracy
  • Verbal explanation of why each item belongs in its region
  • Creation of a new Venn diagram with different categories

Customization Ideas

This MicroSim can be adapted for different subjects:

  • Biology: Plants vs Animals
  • Grammar: Nouns vs Verbs (with words that can be both)
  • Geography: Coastal Cities vs Capital Cities
  • History: Ancient Rome vs Ancient Greece
  • Math: Even Numbers vs Multiples of 3

References

  • Venn, J. (1880). On the Diagrammatic and Mechanical Representation of Propositions and Reasonings
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics - Set Theory Standards