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PEMDAS Power Up!

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Lesson Plan

PEMDAS Power Up

Students will be able to apply the correct order of operations (PEMDAS) to accurately solve multi-step numerical expressions.

Mastering the order of operations is a foundational skill that is essential for success in all areas of mathematics, from algebra to calculus. It ensures consistency and accuracy in solving complex problems.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

65 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, guided practice, and independent application of PEMDAS rules.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Slide Deck, Order of Operations Maze, and Exit Ticket

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Slide Deck and practice explaining each step of PEMDAS.
    * Print copies of the Order of Operations Maze (one per student).
    * Print copies of the Exit Ticket (one per student).
    * Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready.
    * Review the generated materials as needed.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook: The Math Mishap Mystery

10 minutes

  • Begin by displaying a simple mathematical expression that can be interpreted in multiple ways if the order of operations isn't followed (e.g., 2 + 3 * 4).
    * Ask students to solve it independently and share their answers.
    * Highlight the different answers and introduce the idea of a
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Slide Deck

PEMDAS Power Up!

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of math?
Let's power up our problem-solving skills!

Welcome students and introduce the challenge.

The Math Mishap Mystery

Solve this:
2 + 3 * 4

What answer did you get?
Why might we get different answers?

Present the ambiguous problem and ask students for their initial thoughts. Emphasize that different answers arise without a clear rule.

Enter PEMDAS: Your Math Superhero!

To avoid confusion, mathematicians created a special order.
PEMDAS stands for:
Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction

Introduce PEMDAS as the solution to the mystery. Explain what the acronym stands for.

P: Parentheses (and Brackets!)

Always solve operations inside parentheses ( ) or brackets [ ] first.
They tell you, 'Do me first!'

Example: (5 + 2) * 3

Explain Parentheses and Brackets. Give an example.

E: Exponents

Next, tackle any exponents or roots.
They represent repeated multiplication.

Example: 4^2 + 5

Explain Exponents. Give an example.

MD: Multiplication & Division

These two are a team! Do them from left to right.
Whichever comes first as you read the problem from left to right, do that one.

Example: 10 / 2 * 5

Explain Multiplication and Division. Emphasize left to right.

AS: Addition & Subtraction

Another team! Do them from left to right.
Whichever comes first as you read the problem from left to right, do that one.

Example: 7 - 3 + 1

Explain Addition and Subtraction. Emphasize left to right.

Let's Solve the Mystery!

Remember our problem: 2 + 3 * 4
Using PEMDAS:
1. Multiplication: 3 * 4 = 12
2. Addition: 2 + 12 = 14

The correct answer is 14!

Recap PEMDAS and walk through the initial mystery problem step-by-step.

Guided Practice 1

Solve: 18 - (4 + 2) * 2

Guided practice problem 1. Encourage students to solve it with a partner or individually, then review.

Guided Practice 2

Solve: 5 * 3^2 - 10 / 2

Guided practice problem 2. Encourage students to solve it with a partner or individually, then review.

Time for the Maze Challenge!

Now, it's your turn to navigate the Order of Operations Maze.
Solve each problem and follow the correct path to reach the finish line!

Introduce the maze activity. Explain the goal and how to complete it.

Independent Practice: Maze Time!

Work through the maze on your own.
Remember to show your steps!
If you get stuck, re-check your PEMDAS steps.

Instruct students to work independently on the maze. Circulate to provide support.

Wrap-up: Exit Ticket Time!

Complete the Exit Ticket to show what you've learned today about PEMDAS.
This helps me know how well you understand the order of operations.

Explain the Exit Ticket as a quick check of understanding.

You've Mastered PEMDAS!

Today we learned to apply the correct order of operations (PEMDAS) to accurately solve multi-step numerical expressions.
How confident do you feel now about solving expressions using PEMDAS?

Review the learning objective and ask students to reflect on their understanding.

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Worksheet

Order of Operations Maze: PEMDAS Power-Up!

Instructions: Start at the "START" box. Solve the problem. Follow the arrow with the correct answer to the next problem. Continue until you reach the "FINISH" box.

+-----------------------+       +-----------------------+       +-----------------------+
| START                 |       | Problem 1:            |       | Problem 2:            |
|                       | ----> | 8 - 4 + 2             | ----> | 3 * (5 + 1)           |
|                       |       |                       |       |                       |
+-----------------------+       +-----------------------+       +-----------------------+
        | (Answer: 6)                     | (Answer: 18)                  | (Answer: 24)
        v                                 v                               v
+-----------------------+       +-----------------------+       +-----------------------+
| Problem 3:            |       | Problem 4:            |       | Problem 5:            |
| 15 / (3 * 1)          | ----> | 2 + 3 * 4             | ----> | (7 - 2)^2 - 5         |
|                       |       |                       |       |                       |
+-----------------------+       +-----------------------+       +-----------------------+
        | (Answer: 5)                     | (Answer: 14)                  | (Answer: 20)
        v                                 v                               v
+-----------------------+       +-----------------------+       +-----------------------+
| Problem 6:            |       | Problem 7:            |       | FINISH                |
| 20 - 4 / 2 * 5        | ----> | (10 + 2) / 3 * 2      | ----> |                       |
|                       |       |                       |       |                       |
+-----------------------+       +-----------------------+       +-----------------------+
        | (Answer: 10)                    | (Answer: 8)                   |
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
```<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>

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Quiz

Exit Ticket

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