Introduction
Order of operations is a crucial concept in mathematics that helps students perform calculations with accuracy and consistency. The importance of understanding the order in which to perform mathematical operations cannot be overstated. To make learning this concept more engaging and enjoyable for students, here are 12 fun activities that can be employed by educators to effectively teach and practice the order of operations.
1. PEMDAS Bingo
Create bingo cards with order of operations problems, and have students solve them using the PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction) method. When they find the answer on their bingo card, they can mark it off. The first student to complete a row or column wins.
2. Order of Operations Relay Race
Divide your class into teams and set up a relay race. Give each team a set of cards with a complex order of operations problem. Each team member must complete one step of the problem before passing it on to the next person in line. The first team to successfully complete all steps wins.
3. Math Scavenger Hunt
Create a series of math problems that require students to use order of operations to solve. Hide these problems around your classroom or outdoor area. Students must find and solve each problem using the correct order of operations, then move on to the next clue.
4. Order of Operations War
This card game is similar to traditional war, but instead of comparing simple numbers, students compare their solutions to order-of-operations problems. The player with the highest value after solving the problem wins both cards.
5. Musical Math Chairs
Arrange chairs in a circle, each with an order-of-operations problem attached to it. Play music while students walk around the chairs—and when the music stops, they must solve the problem on their chair before sitting down.
6. Order of Operations Puzzle
Create a puzzle with interlocking pieces, each containing an order of operations problem. Students must solve each problem and connect the pieces according to a numbering system that corresponds to the correct answers.
7. Coding Challenges
Incorporate coding into your math lessons by having students create simple programs that demonstrate the correct order of operations.
8. Order of Operations Jenga
Label each Jenga block with an order of operations problem. Students must solve the problem on the block before removing it from the tower, ensuring they understand the concept while also testing their dexterity.
9. Artful Math
Combine math and art by having students create visuals or artistic representations of order-of-operations problems and solutions. This helps enforce understanding while tapping into students’ creative sides.
10. Beat-the-Clock Challenges
Create timed order-of-operations challenges for your students, with different levels of difficulty for added excitement. Students race against the clock to correctly solve as many problems as possible.
11. Math Jeopardy
Develop a Jeopardy-style game with categories based on different aspects of order of operations, such as solving parentheses or exponents first. Have students compete in teams to answer questions correctly and earn points.
12. Order of Operations Charades
Write complex math problems that require order-of-operations knowledge on notecards. Students must draw a card and then act out the solution step-by-step using only body language and gestures, while their classmates attempt to guess the correct process.
Conclusion
Teaching order of operations using engaging and enjoyable activities can make all the difference in helping students grasp this vital mathematical concept. The 12 activities listed above can be easily integrated into any classroom setting, catering to various learning styles and transforming what might have been an ordinary math lesson into an immersive, memorable experience for both educators and students alike.
