Order of Operations

I get it, I get it, as an upper elementary math teacher, we can teach order of operation to 5th grade students for what can feel like forever – So long that you may feel like you are running low on new ideas to teach it anymore.

If that’s the case, then consider using these 5 fun and exciting Order of Operations activities to keep your students hooked.

All these are my favorite activities. They include both printable and digital options so there is something for everyone.

Color by Number Order of Operations Activities

Getting students excited about the order of operation topic can be a challenge but not if you are using the right activities to engage and drive kids to think more about the order of operation. 

It is equally important that kids learn why learning about the order of operations is important. Basically it makes sure everyone of us arrives at the same answer to a particular problem.

This activity combines the key critical concepts of order of operations (PEMDAS) with the fun of coloring. 

Here is how Order of Operations Activities works:

Students are given a worksheet with various math problems that they have to solve using the correct order of operations to find the answers. 

Each answer corresponds to a specific color which they will then use to color sections of a picture.

As they solve the problems correctly, a colorful image starts appearing providing the immediate visual feedback and a sense of accomplishment.

Pixel Art Order of Operation Activities

Want something quick for digital stations? No worries, I got you covered.

These Order of Operations activities are creative and engaging at the same time so your kids won’t get bored. 

The activities involve solving the order of operations problems using google sheets. Each correct answer reveals a portion of the pixelated image. Students write the answers to the problems into the designated cells. 

This is not all. The digital activity involves practicing both types of problems: with and without exponents. 

Wait, that’s not all. You will also get students handouts that go with the digital activity and keep them accountable aka showing their work.

Exciting Task Cards and Story-based Maze

Capture your kid’s attention using story-based gamified learning just like this Save the Queen Maze Activity. 

In this Save the Queen order of operation activity, students look for ways to help Save the Queen Bee that is lost in the wild on her way back home. 

Students must correctly solve problems to help her find her way back to Hive! You can choose to use with or without exponents to differentiate the topic. 

The best part is that the activity is highly engaging and self-checking so you do not have to spend time grading the papers.

In the end, use the reward card certificates for positive reinforcement for your kids.

What’s Included:

• 1 Save the Queen Game Maze Activity (Order of Operations – Beginner)
• 1 Save the Queen Game Maze Activity (Order of Operations – Advance)
• Each Maze has 12 Task Cards with different problems (A total of 24)
• 1 Colored Reward Card & Story Card
• 1 Black and white Reward Card and Story Card
• 1 Student Recording Sheet
• Answer Keys of all

Solve the Room Order of Operations Activities

 This one is the most fun and dynamic activity to implement in your classroom. My kids enjoy and look forward to playing this activity. This is the reason why I have made Solve the Room activities for 5th grade Bundle, so you do not have to do the work. 

Now let’s move on to the nitty gritty of the activity. Basically here is how it works. You post task cards with problems for students to work on at different stations or different areas of your classroom. 

Then give each student a recording sheet to record their answers, Students move around the room finding these problems. Kids then solve and record them on the recording sheets. 

Why you should try this activity:

• Engagement: Traditional worksheets can sometimes bore students, but Solve the Room adds an element of excitement and movement, keeping students motivated and interested.
• Concept Mastery: Students often struggle with the order of operations. This activity offers repeated practice in a fun and hands-on way, helping kids to solidify their understanding.
• Classroom Management: By moving around the room and focusing on different tasks, students are less likely to become restless or distracted, leading to better classroom management.

Free Order of Operations Practice Digital PowerPoint Game Activity

Want a FREE fun and festive activity to help your students master the order of operations? 

This interactive game is perfect for bringing some cheer into your classroom while reinforcing essential math skills.

What is it?

This engaging PowerPoint game challenges students to solve order of operations problems with a winter theme.

Each correct answer helps them progress through the game, while a wrong answer directs kids to try the problem again. This helps to reinforce learning and ensure that students understand the order of operations before moving on.

Check out this Free Order of Operations Practice Digital PowerPoint Game Activity! 

That’s a lot of content for a single topic in 5th grade math topics.

All of these activities and more are available in the lesson pack Bundle in my TPT shop. It includes:

• Digital Pixel Art Activities
• Google Slides Activity
• Order of Operations Task Cards Printable
• Order of Operation Worksheets 
• Story-based Save the Queen Game 
• Order of Operation Color by Number 

Click here to purchase!

Want to have more 5th grade teaching ideas, Click here to learn more.