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Order Up! Solving Steps

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Lesson Plan

Order Up! Solving Steps

Students will learn that math problems with a mix of addition and subtraction need to be solved in a specific order: from left to right. They will practice solving these problems accurately.

Understanding the order of operations is a fundamental skill that helps students solve more complex math problems in the future. It builds a strong foundation for algebra and ensures consistent, correct answers.

Audience

2nd Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through a story, visual aids, and guided practice, students will learn and apply the left-to-right rule for addition and subtraction.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Order Up! Solving Steps Slide Deck, Order Up! Solving Steps Worksheet, and Order Up! Solving Steps Answer Key

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Math Mystery (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "Imagine you have a recipe. If you don't follow the steps in order, what might happen to your cake?" (It won't turn out right!)
    * Explain that math problems are similar – sometimes there's a special order to follow.
    * Introduce the idea that today, we'll become 'math detectives' to solve problems in the correct 'order.'
    * Display a simple problem like 5 + 3 - 2 and ask students if they think there's only one way to solve it.

Step 2

Introduction: The Math Road Trip Story (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Use the Order Up! Solving Steps Slide Deck to introduce the concept.
    * Slide 1: Title Slide - Engage students with the exciting title.
    * Slide 2: What's the Rush? - Present a scenario where different answers come from different orders.
    * Slide 3: Our Math Road Trip Rule! - Introduce the
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Slide Deck

Order Up! Solving Steps

Let's become Math Detectives and solve problems the right way!

Welcome students and get them excited about being 'math detectives' today!

What's the Rush?

Take a look at this math problem:

5 + 3 - 2 = ?

What answer do you get?




Present this problem and ask students how they would solve it. Write down a few different answers if they come up with them. This sets up the 'mystery'.

Our Math Road Trip Rule!

When we see a math problem with only addition and subtraction,

We solve it like we're on a road trip!

Go from LEFT to RIGHT!






Start at the beginning and work your way to the end!

Introduce the 'Math Road Trip' analogy. Explain that just like on a road trip, we go from left to right. This is our main rule for today!

Let's Try It!

Let's solve 5 + 3 - 2 = ? together.

  1. Start on the LEFT: 5 + 3

    • 5 + 3 = 8

  2. Now we have: 8 - 2 = ?

  3. What's the answer? 8 - 2 = 6

So, 5 + 3 - 2 = 6!

Work through the example problem step-by-step, modeling the left-to-right approach. Emphasize doing one operation at a time.

Your Turn! (Together)

Let's solve another one together!

10 - 4 + 7 = ?

Remember: LEFT to RIGHT!

What's the first step?


What's the next step?


What's the final answer?


Present another example for guided practice. Have students share their steps or solve it on mini-whiteboards if available.

Time for Practice!

Now it's your turn to be a super math detective!

You'll get a Order Up! Solving Steps Worksheet to practice solving problems by going from LEFT to RIGHT.

Explain that it's time to practice their new detective skills independently using the worksheet.

Detective Work Complete!

Great job, Math Detectives!

Remember our super rule for addition and subtraction problems:

Always go from LEFT to RIGHT!

Why is following the order important in math?

Summarize the main rule and praise their effort. Ask a quick reflection question.

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Worksheet

Order Up! Solving Steps Worksheet

Instructions: Be a Math Detective! Solve each problem by going from LEFT to RIGHT. Show your steps!

Problem 1:

7 + 2 - 3 = ?

Show your steps:







Answer:


Problem 2:

12 - 5 + 8 = ?

Show your steps:







Answer:


Problem 3:

4 + 6 - 5 + 1 = ?

Show your steps:












Answer:


Problem 4:

15 - 3 - 2 + 7 = ?

Show your steps:












Answer:


Problem 5:

8 + 4 - 6 = ?

Show your steps:







Answer:


Challenge Problem:

20 - 10 + 5 - 3 = ?

Show your steps:












Answer:


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Answer Key

Order Up! Solving Steps Answer Key

Instructions: Review the steps to solve each problem, working from LEFT to RIGHT.

Problem 1:

7 + 2 - 3 = ?

Steps:

  1. Start on the left: 7 + 2 = 9
  2. Now we have: 9 - 3
  3. 9 - 3 = 6

Answer: 6

Problem 2:

12 - 5 + 8 = ?

Steps:

  1. Start on the left: 12 - 5 = 7
  2. Now we have: 7 + 8
  3. 7 + 8 = 15

Answer: 15

Problem 3:

4 + 6 - 5 + 1 = ?

Steps:

  1. Start on the left: 4 + 6 = 10
  2. Now we have: 10 - 5 + 1
  3. Next on the left: 10 - 5 = 5
  4. Now we have: 5 + 1
  5. 5 + 1 = 6

Answer: 6

Problem 4:

15 - 3 - 2 + 7 = ?

Steps:

  1. Start on the left: 15 - 3 = 12
  2. Now we have: 12 - 2 + 7
  3. Next on the left: 12 - 2 = 10
  4. Now we have: 10 + 7
  5. 10 + 7 = 17

Answer: 17

Problem 5:

8 + 4 - 6 = ?

Steps:

  1. Start on the left: 8 + 4 = 12
  2. Now we have: 12 - 6
  3. 12 - 6 = 6

Answer: 6

Challenge Problem:

20 - 10 + 5 - 3 = ?

Steps:

  1. Start on the left: 20 - 10 = 10
  2. Now we have: 10 + 5 - 3
  3. Next on the left: 10 + 5 = 15
  4. Now we have: 15 - 3
  5. 15 - 3 = 12

Answer: 12

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