When I first introduced the concept of order of operations to my students, I quickly saw how essential it was for building a strong math foundation. Without it, solving multi-step problems can feel like a guessing game! Once my students understood the rules, everything started to click. Suddenly, they were solving expressions with confidence and avoiding common math pitfalls. Today, I’m sharing some engaging order of operations activities and resources that can make this concept stick!
What is Order of Operations?
Before jumping into order of operation activities, I always take time to break down the basics with my students. I would explain that order of operations is the set of rules that tell us the correct sequence to solve expressions. Without these rules, one problem could have multiple answers. That’s usually not how math works!
We often use the acronym PEMDAS (or GEMDAS) to help our students remember the order: Parentheses (or Grouping Symbols), Exponents, Multiplication/Division, and Addition/Subtraction. I like to remind my students that multiplication, division, and addition, subtraction are done in the order they appear from left to right. This keeps them from falling into the trap of always multiplying before dividing or adding before subtracting.
Why Is Understanding Order of Operations Important?
If you’ve ever had a student ask, “Why do we even need to learn this?” then you know how important it is to connect math concepts to real life. Understanding order of operations helps our students solve everyday problems. This could be calculating discounts while shopping or figuring out how long a road trip will take.
Beyond real-world applications, learning the correct order of operations sharpens critical thinking skills. It teaches our students to analyze problems carefully, follow structured steps, and make logical decisions. All skills that are useful far beyond the math classroom!
Understanding order of operations ensures consistency in math. Imagine if everyone solved problems in their own order. Math would become chaotic, with different people arriving at different answers for the same problem! The standard rules ensure that no matter where our students are or what calculator they use, they will always arrive at the same correct solution.
It also builds a foundation for more advanced math. As our students progress, they encounter algebra, exponents, and equations where following a precise sequence is essential. Without a strong grasp of order of operations, higher-level math can feel overwhelming. Mastering this concept early sets our students up for success in algebra and beyond.
Applying order of operations encourages perseverance. Multi-step problems can feel intimidating at first. When our students have a clear process to follow, they gain confidence. They learn to break down complex problems into manageable steps. This reinforces a growth mindset that carries over into other subjects and real-life problem-solving.
Order of Operation Activities With Real-Life Connections
One of my favorite ways to make order of operation activities meaningful is by tying them to real-life scenarios. Shopping is a great example because our students encounter multi-step calculations all the time. When they calculate total prices, apply discounts, or determine the best deal between different brands, they unknowingly use order of operations. By breaking these problems down in the right order, they can make more informed financial decisions, which is a skill they’ll use forever.
Cooking is another scenario where the order of operations plays a role. When adjusting a recipe to serve more or fewer people, students need to apply multiplication and division in the right sequence. If they miscalculate the ingredient amounts by skipping steps, they might end up with an off-tasting dish!
Sports statistics are another example of order of operations activities. Whether analyzing batting averages, player efficiency ratings, or game scores, our students often have to perform multiple calculations in the correct order to interpret data accurately. Many of my students love seeing how math is used in their favorite sports, making this connection a meaningful one.
Even technology relies on order of operations. When using formulas in spreadsheet applications or coding in a programming language, the software follows a specific order of operations to process calculations correctly. I liked showing my students real-world applications where missing a single step could completely change an outcome. It reinforced the importance of structured problem-solving.
The key to making order of operations meaningful is showing our students how often they already use it without realizing it. Whether they are shopping, cooking, following sports, or working with technology, the concept surrounds them daily. When our students see how order of operations connects to their world, they are far more likely to engage with and remember the process.
How to Teach Order of Operations
Introducing PEMDAS
After introducing our topic it is time to teach students what the correct order is for solving problems. I always taught my students PEMDAS using the mnemonic sentence “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.” This silly sentence helps them remember the abbreviation for the order. Next, students must understand what each letter in PEMDAS stands for and how to identify them in the expression. The notes page in my Order of Operations Lesson is the perfect way to introduce this.
My Order of Operation lesson begins with a Fold It Up activity that introduces the concept using either PEMDAS or GEMDAS. I had my students fold a sheet of paper into sections. Then, they wrote down key steps in the order of operations and examples. This created an interactive reference tool they could use throughout the unit.
Putting it to Practice
Once students understand PEMDAS and how to use it, it is time to work through some problems together. I always started my order of operations lesson with guided practice before letting my students try it on their own. This helps to make sure that everyone is on the same page, gives time for answering questions, and builds student confidence. My order of operation worksheet includes step-by-step problems that help our students build confidence before tackling more complex expressions.
I always had my students complete ONE step at time, rewriting the rest of the expression, with that step complete. Sometimes we added ‘upside down carrots’ going from the numbers that had been used to the number replacing them in the expression. There were often students who wanted to complete 2 steps at a time so they didn’t have to rewrite as much, but I was a stickler for only doing one step at a time – students tended to make fewer mistakes because their work was more organized doing one step at a time.
Once my students grasped the process, they completed the “You Try It” section independently or with a partner. This is a great way to give them another level of independence while still being readily available to answer questions or correct misunderstandings.
Independent practice pages provided extra reinforcement with a variety of problems that required my students to apply their knowledge in different ways. At the end of class, I always used the exit tickets to quickly assess their understanding. These mini-check-ins helped me determine if they needed further review or reteaching before moving on.
Inside my Order of Operations Lesson, you can find all of the note pages, practice problems, and exit tickets in both printable and digital formats. For added flexibility, I made sure to include Google Slides and Google Forms versions, making it easy for you to assign digitally and track your student responses.
Engaging Order of Operation Activities
We all know that just teaching a lesson and completing a few practice problems isn’t enough for our students to master these important math concepts. That’s why it is important to build in time for them to practice and review in a variety of ways. Choosing different types of practice activities helps to ensure that you are helping all students, no matter their learning style, connect with the material in a way that will stick.
Here are some of my favorite activities for reviewing and practicing order of operations.
Math Doodle Wheel for Order of Operations
The Order of Operations Math Wheel is an interactive and structured way to help your students visualize each step of solving expressions. This is a great resource for breaking down the concept into individual steps. It helps make the concept more approachable for your students. This math wheel is great to use as a note-taking device when first teaching the concept or on day two or three, to review the key steps with students.
To start, give your students a blank or partially completed wheel, depending on their level. They work through the steps of order of operations, filling in definitions, examples, and practice problems in each section. Some versions allow your students to take full notes on their own, while others provide fill-in-the-blank sections to guide their learning.
Once their math wheels are complete, your students have a hands-on, color-coded reference tool they can keep in their notebooks throughout the year. They can revisit it during independent practice, homework, or test preparation. As an added engagement factor, your students can color in their wheels after completing all the math problems correctly. This reinforces their learning and helps them retain the information.
By incorporating the Order of Operations Math Wheel into lessons, your students get a structured, engaging note-taking approach that reinforces each step in a way they can visualize and remember. Whether used as a class activity, small group support, or independent work, this tool makes order of operations both accessible and effective.
Color By Number Order of Operation Activity
The Order of Operations Color by Number activity blends math practice with creativity. This is a great resource that is both engaging and effecting in reinforcing the concept. Your students solve order of operations problems, then match their answers to a color key that directs them on how to color in a fun pattern. This built-in self-checking feature helps them quickly spot errors. If their picture doesn’t look right or they can’t find their answer, they know to revisit their math work!
You can introduce this activity after your students have had some guided practice. It allows them to apply their skills independently in an approachable way. Since the resource includes multiple versions, you can differentiate by assigning different difficulty levels based on student needs. Some problems include only basic operations, while others integrate parentheses and exponents.
This activity works well for independent practice, small group rotations, or even as a fast-finisher task. There’s also a digital version available, allowing your students to complete the activity using Google Slides. Instead of coloring by hand, they use the fill tool to color each section. It makes it a seamless addition to technology-integrated classrooms.
Truth or Dare Order of Operations
My Truth or Dare: Order of Operations game turns math practice into an interactive and competitive challenge. To start, divide students into small groups of three to four. Then, give each group a set of Truth and Dare cards. The Truth cards contain straightforward true or false order of operations questions. The Dare cards challenge your students with more complex expressions or require them to solve the problem and/or explain their process aloud.
Your students take turns selecting either a Truth or a Dare card. They solve the problem presented on the card and record their answer on the provided recording sheet. The point system keeps things exciting! Truth cards are worth one point, while Dare cards are worth two or three points depending on difficulty. You might want to designate an answer checker within each group to ensure accuracy and encourage discussion when differences arise. You can also provide answer keys for groups to check their own work at the end.
Footloose Task Cards Add Movement to Learning
My Order of Operations Footloose Task Cards add movement and excitement to math practice. This game is about actively engaging your students while reinforcing their order of operations skills. You can start by printing and laminating the cards. Each card contains problems requiring your students to evaluate expressions with exponents, parentheses, and multiple operations.
You need to distribute one task card per student. Instruct them to solve the problem on their grid and to write their answer in the numbered box that corresponds to the card number. Once they’ve recorded their answer, they return the card to the location they found it and pick up a new one. The process continues until all of your students have completed as many cards as possible.
For added movement, you can tape the task cards around the room. This allows your students to move freely as they work. This keeps the energy level high and provides an alternative to traditional seatwork. Your students will love the challenge of solving problems quickly and accurately while competing by themselves or with classmates. The game ends when all problems have been completed, and students can check their answers using the provided answer key.
Engage Your Students With Effective Order of Operations Activities
Teaching order of operations doesn’t have to be a repetitive process of memorizing steps. By including interactive order of operations activities, hands-on resources, and engaging real-world applications, your students can develop a deeper understanding of how these rules apply to everyday problem-solving. Whether using an order of operation worksheet, playing a game, or working on a creative activity, the key is to provide meaningful practice that reinforces these essential skills. With the right approach, your students will be successful in order of operations. They will also build the confidence to tackle more complex concepts with ease!
Additional Resources
Finding engaging and effective ways to teach order of operations is essential for ensuring our students grasp the concept and feel confident applying it. If you’re looking for even more ways to reinforce learning, there are additional resources available that can provide extra practice, differentiation, and creative approaches. These resources below will help you take your order of operations activities to the next level!
- Order of Operations Activities Bundle
- Free Order of Operations Activity
- How To Do Order Of Operations: An Extensive Guide For Teachers
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