Venn Diagrams and Logic. Adapted from an article by Frances Van Dyke in Mathematics Teacher. (Non-math lesson)

This lesson utilizes graphic organizers to teach deductive reasoning so that students may more easily determine whether or a not a conclusion is true or false. This lesson plan uses graphic organizers to teach deductive reasoning, allowing students who are more visual learners to prove or disprove conclusions. This lesson, although created for math classes, is also beneficial to an ELA teacher teaching logic and uses more nonmath examples than math examples. Examples, worksheets, and reference sheets may be modified based on classroom needs.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • Define direct, indirect and transitive reasoning.
  • Give examples of direct, indirect and transitive reasoning.
  • Identify valid and invalid arguments.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Direct Reasoning Activity Sheet 
  • Indirect Reasoning Activity Sheet 
  • Transitive Reasoning Activity Sheet 
  • Valid or Invalid Arguments Activity Sheet 
  • Reference Sheet

References

Contributors: