Lesson Plan: Order of Operations with PEMDAS Shuffle

Subject: Math
Grade: 5th, can be adapted for other grade levels

Integration of Learning Outcomes:

· Students will be able to solve mathematical problems by using the order of operations.

Standards

· M05.B-O.1.1: Analyze and complete calculations by applying the order of operations.
· M05.B-O.1.1.1: Use multiple grouping symbols (parentheses, brackets, or braces) in numerical expressions and evaluate expressions containing these symbols.
· CC.2.2.5.A.1: Interpret and evaluate numerical expressions using order of operations.

Procedures

Beginning

· Take Pre-Assessment side of worksheet (see below)

Middle

· Order of Operations Study Jams. Ask questions along the way.
· Draw PEMDAS boxes on board (see picture). Students will copy into their notebooks.
· PEMDAS shuffle: dance/sing along



· If time permits: guided practice from problems in textbook (enVision's Math p. 77). If your school does not use enVision's, replace with your school's textbook or a related worksheet.

End

· Take Post-Assessment side of worksheet (see below)

Differentiation

· Multiple intelligences: singing/dancing
· Technology: 21st century learners
· Walk through Video: Visual Learners

Formative/Summative Assessment

· Pre/Post Assessment: collect worksheets
· Observations

Materials/ Technology

· Pre/Post Assessment worksheet
· Order of Operations Study Jams
· Computer and projector
· Promethean Board
· PEMDAS Shuffle
· enVision’s Math textbook

Reflection of Instruction

At first, students understood the concept of PEMDAS.  They understood that you should follow the steps in that order.  What threw them off was that multiplication and division go from left to right, and addition and subtraction go left to right when in the same problem.  I provided some examples to show that students would get different answers if they didn’t go from left to right.  They could pick up that the answers would be different, but I still don’t think that students understood why.  They didn’t fully grasp the concept of going left to right. 

I understand the confusion, because I experienced the same confusion when I was younger.  In fact, I don’t think I was properly taught the order of operations in grade school.  I was taught PEMDAS, but I don’t believe I was ever taught that multiplication/division and addition/subtraction go together from left to right. In result, I was solving problems wrong for years.  This is why I wanted to address this misconception this early.  Students may not encounter these types of problems on their homework or tests, but they need to know it for down the road.

I will want to revisit the order of operations again.  They will have extra practice between homework and class time over the course of the next few days.

On a side note, students really enjoyed the PEMDAS Shuffle.  The dance moves helped them use their whole brain, and gave them a way to remember PEMDAS.

Pre/Post Assessment Worksheet: