Order of Operations

5E Lesson Plan: Order of Operations

Objectives:

• Students will identify and understand the order of operations in mathematical expressions.

• Students will apply the correct order of operations to solve mathematical problems.

Engage (20 minutes)

• Introduction: Begin by presenting a math problem with multiple operations but without parentheses, such as .

• Ask students to solve the problem individually. You’ll likely get different answers.

• Discuss the different answers and ask students to explain their methods. This will highlight the need for a standard order of operations.

Explore (30 minutes)

• Group Activity: "Operation Scramble"

• Divide the class into small groups.

• Give each group a set of cards with numbers and operation symbols (+, -, ×, ÷, ( )).

• Challenge them to create different mathematical expressions using the cards and solve them.

• Encourage them to experiment with different groupings and operations to see how the placement of parentheses changes the outcome.

• Have groups share some of the expressions they created and the different results they obtained.

Explain (30 minutes)

• Introduce the Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS):

• Explain the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) or BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction).

• Detail that it provides a standard order for solving mathematical expressions.

• Use examples to illustrate each step. For instance:

• Parentheses:

• Exponents:

• Multiplication and Division: (from left to right)

• Addition and Subtraction: (from left to right)

• Interactive Whiteboard Session:

• Work through several example problems on the interactive whiteboard, step-by-step, involving the whole class in determining the correct order of operations.

• For example:

• 

Elaborate (25 minutes)

• Real-World Problem Solving:

• Present word problems that require the use of order of operations to solve. For example:

• "Sarah bought 3 notebooks for $2 each and 2 pens for$1.50 each. How much did she spend in total?"

• Translate the word problem into a mathematical expression:

  .

• Guide students to solve the problem using the correct order of operations.

• Digital Tool Integration:

• Use online math games or interactive tools that focus on order of operations. These games often provide immediate feedback and can make practice more engaging.

Evaluate (15 minutes)

• Quick Quiz:

• Administer a short quiz with problems that require the application of the order of operations. Include a mix of straightforward calculations and word problems.

• Example Questions:

• Solve:

• Solve:

• Word Problem: "John has $20. He buys 3 candy bars for$2 each and a drink for $3. How much money does he have left?"

• Class Discussion:

• Review the quiz answers together, discussing common errors and reinforcing the correct procedures.

By the end of this lesson, your students should have a solid understanding of the order of operations and be able to apply it confidently to solve mathematical problems!