Representing & Understanding Data with Venn Diagrams

Representing and understanding data using a Venn diagram is a first grade, Common Core math skill: 1.MD.4. Below we show two videos that demonstrate this standard. Then, we provide a breakdown of the specific steps in the videos to help you teach your class.

Prior Learnings

Your students should be familiar with Kindergarten skill of describing measurable attributes, like length (K.MD.1) as well as directly comparing two objects with similar and measurable qualities, identifying which object has “more of/less of” the quality and describing the differences (K.MD.2). 

Future Learnings

In future grades, understanding and representing data will help your students make decisions about the tool's students use to measure the length of an object by selecting and using tools such as a yardstick, meter stick, rulers, tape measures, etc. (2. MD.1). They will also be able to measure and determine how much longer an object is when compared to another, expressing the difference in “terms of a standard-length unit” (2.MD.4). 

Common Core Standard: 1.MD.4 - Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer data point questions

Students who understand this principle can:

1. Organize up to three categories of data into a chart or other display. 
2. Ask and answer questions regarding data points. 
3. Compare data up to three categories. 

2 Videos to Help You Teach Common Core Standard: 1.MB.4

Below we provide and breakdown two videos to help you teach your students this standard.

Video 1: Compare and Contrast Batman and Superman

The video compares Batman and Superman using a Venn diagram. Though the teacher addresses the students as second graders, the content aligns with the Common Core 1st grade skill known as 1.MD.4. 

The video has two different circles that have slightly overlapping parts.

1. The gray circle represents Batman and only his qualities.
2. The red circle represents Superman and only his qualities. 
3. The combination of gray and red represents the qualities Batman and Superman share.
   

The video explains this is compare and contrasting, finding the similarities and differences between the two characters. It lists qualities only Batman has, then qualities only Superman has, and finally qualities they both have. 

Below is a picture of the final diagram from the video. 

Video 2: Comparing the Number of Red Gifts and Fruits

‍The video follows Ivan for his birthday. His mother bought him many gifts that were red and also lots of fruit since he likes the color red and enjoys fruit. Ivan is very excited about this and wants to write about them in his journal. He uses a Venn diagram to sort his gifts.

1. He first draws a circle to represent all of the red gifts.
2. He then draws a circle to represent all of the fruit.
3. He remembers some of the fruits are red. 
4. He makes sure the two circles have an overlapping part. 
5. Ivan groups the items in the circles.
   a. The red fruits go inside the overlapping parts.
6. The items inside the circles are called the data. 
   a. Data is any item that is recorded or listed. 
   

The second half of the video discusses how to understand and interpret data from a Venn diagram. 

In order to find out what type of items Ivan’s mom bought more of, your students can count the number of red items, including the two fruits in the overlapping section, and then they can count the number of items in the fruit section, including those in the overlapping section. 

1. There are 6 items in the red circle.
2. There are 8 items in the fruit circle.
3. Therefore, his mother bought more fruit than red items. 
   

Below is a picture of the completed diagram from the video. 

Want more practice?

Give your students additional standards-aligned practice with Boddle Learning. Boddle includes questions related to Comparing and Measuring Lengths plus rewarding coins and games for your students to keep them engaged. Click here to sign up for Boddle Learning and create your first assignment today.

*Information on standards is gathered from The New Mexico Public Education Department's New Mexico Instructional Scope for Mathematics and the Common Core website.