Rock Out with PEMDAS: Order of Operations Adventure!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 1:43 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn the order of operations (PEMDAS) with a fun rap song and become a math master! We'll explore parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction in the correct order to solve equations.

Video Resource

Order of Operations Song | PEMDAS Rap for 5th Grade

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Duration: 1:43
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
  • Parentheses
  • Exponents
  • Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
  • Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define the order of operations (PEMDAS).
  • Students will be able to apply PEMDAS to solve multi-step math problems.
  • Students will be able to explain why the order of operations is important.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they've ever heard of PEMDAS or the order of operations. Explain that PEMDAS is a set of rules that tells us what to do first when solving a math problem with more than one operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponents, parentheses). Mention 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' as a memory tool.
  • Video Time! (5 mins)
    Watch the 'Order of Operations Song | PEMDAS Rap for 5th Grade' video by NUMBEROCK. Encourage students to pay attention to the lyrics and Stan's dance moves, as they explain the order of operations.
  • PEMDAS Breakdown (10 mins)
    After the video, review each step of PEMDAS: * **P**arentheses: Solve what's inside parentheses first. * **E**xponents: Calculate exponents. * **M**ultiplication and **D**ivision: Do these from left to right. * **A**ddition and **S**ubtraction: Do these from left to right. Write out 'PEMDAS' on the board. Provide simple examples of each step.
  • Practice Problems (15 mins)
    Work through several practice problems together as a class, demonstrating each step of PEMDAS. Start with simple problems and gradually increase the complexity. For example: * 2 + (3 x 4) = ? * 10 - 2² = ? * (6 + 4) / 2 = ?
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Have students work on practice problems individually or in pairs. Provide assistance as needed. You can use worksheets or create problems on the board.

Interactive Exercises

  • PEMDAS Board Game
    Create a simple board game where students must solve PEMDAS problems to move their game pieces. This can be done as a class or in small groups.
  • PEMDAS Card Sort
    Create cards with different math operations and numbers. Students must arrange the cards in the correct order to solve the problem using PEMDAS.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to follow the order of operations?
  • What happens if you don't follow PEMDAS?
  • Can you think of a real-life situation where order matters?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Attention to Detail

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 'P' stand for in PEMDAS?

Correct Answer: Parentheses

Question 2:

What should you do after you solve the parentheses in a math problem?

Correct Answer: Exponents

Question 3:

Which operation comes first, multiplication or addition?

Correct Answer: Multiplication

Question 4:

What does PEMDAS help us do?

Correct Answer: Solve math problems in the correct order

Question 5:

In the expression 2 + 3 x 4, what should you do first?

Correct Answer: 3 x 4

Question 6:

If you have both multiplication and division in a problem, which do you do first?

Correct Answer: The one that comes first from left to right

Question 7:

Which operation comes last in PEMDAS?

Correct Answer: Addition

Question 8:

What is 3²?

Correct Answer: 9

Question 9:

What does the E stand for in PEMDAS?

Correct Answer: Exponents

Question 10:

According to PEMDAS, 2 x (4 - 1) equals?

Correct Answer: 6

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

PEMDAS helps us remember the ______ of operations.

Correct Answer: order

Question 2:

The 'P' in PEMDAS stands for ___________.

Correct Answer: parentheses

Question 3:

After solving for parentheses, you solve for __________.

Correct Answer: exponents

Question 4:

In PEMDAS, you do multiplication and ___________ in the same step from left to right.

Correct Answer: division

Question 5:

Adding and __________ are the last operations in PEMDAS.

Correct Answer: subtracting

Question 6:

If you have 2 + 4 / 2, you should divide 4 by 2 __________ adding.

Correct Answer: before

Question 7:

Dear Aunt Sally helps us remember the letters in __________.

Correct Answer: PEMDAS

Question 8:

3 x 3 is an example of what?

Correct Answer: exponents

Question 9:

When solving a math problem, always work from left to __________.

Correct Answer: right

Question 10:

Without the order of operations, math problems might have more than one __________.

Correct Answer: answer

Educational Standards

4.N.2.4:Apply and analyze models to solve multi-step problems requiring the use of addition, subtraction, and multiplication of multi-digit whole numbers. Use various strategies, including the relationship between operations, the use of appropriate technology, and the context of the problem to assess the reasonableness of results. 4.A.2.2:Solve for a variable in an equation involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division with whole numbers. Analyze models to represent number sentences and vice versa.

Teaching Materials

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