Order of Operations

Introduction

When you do anything that involves a series of steps there has to be an order things need to get done. For example, if you are playing a video game that has different levels there is an order in which the levels need to be passed in order to get to the final quest. Can you go yo your classes whenever you want or do you have to follow the order of the schedule you were assigned to? Does 2+5 x 3 equal 21 or 17? You will be using a Webquest to find out the order of operations that must be followed when evaluating mathematical expressions so that everyone gets the same answer.

Task

You are going to determine the order of operations that is used to evaluate mathematical expressions. Once you have done this, you will discover memory devices the United States uses to remember the order of operations and compare them to those that other countries use. Then create your own mnemonic and illustrate it using Microsoft Word. There will be several checks for understanding along the way including a matching challenge and an online quiz. Finally, you will work with a partner to analyze a problem that was done incorrectly and create a PowerPoint presentation that identifies the error in the problem and demonstrates the correct way to evaluate the problem with a step-by-step explanation.

Process

1. What is the order of operations?

Go to Order of Operations - PEMDAS and answer questions 1-4 on your WebQuest handout.
View the TeacherTube Order of Operations and answer questions 5-10 on your WebQuest handout. You can always pause or rewind if you need extra time to write down answers. (There is no sound with this video.)
Play the Matching Game, assess how you did and circle your response on your WebQuest handout (#11). If you feel you need more practice, try playing the Matching Game again or read the lesson Order of Operations With Exponents and try the five problems after the tutorial.

2. What are some memory devices used to remember the order of operations?

Go to Wikipedia's definition of Order of Operations and scroll down to the Acronyms and More examples sections. Answer questions 12-13 on your WebQuest handout. View the illustrated mnemonics Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally and Panda Express Makes Delicious Avocado Soup. Create your own mnemonic and illustrate it using Microsoft Word. Fill in #14 on your WebQuest handout.

3. Find the error.

With a partner, take the online Order of Operations Quiz. Answer questions 15 and 16 on your WebQuest handout.
You and your partner will create a small PowerPoint slideshow \PThe answers to each problem are NOT correct. You will need to identify the error that was made, find the correct answer, and explain how to evaluate the problem. You will present your slideshow to the class. Check to make sure you have met all the requirements for your slideshow by filling in question 17 on your WebQuest handout.

Evaluation

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4
Webquest Handout	10 - 13 correct answers	14 - 15 correct answers	16 - 17 correct answers	18 - 20 correct answers
Participation	Off task, talkative during presentations, frequently requires assistance	Requires frequent reminders to stay on task, needs assistance, some talking during presentations	Stays on task, self-motivated, good listener during presentations	Stays on task, self-motivated, good listener during presentations, helps others
Mnemonic Device	Mnemonic is the same as the example, no graphics, unorganized	Mnemonic uses many of the same words from the examples, few graphics	Mnemonic is mostly original, graphic exists for each word, organized	Mnemonic is completely original, graphic exists for each word, organized
Finding my Error PowerPoint Slideshow	Made several formatting mistakes, was unable to correctly identify the error and failed to explain how to solve the problem	Made several formatting mistakes, was unable to correctly identify the error or correctly explain how to solve the problem	Followed almost all of the formatting requirements, great description of the error and how to evaluate the problem	Chose one of the challenge problems, followed all of the formatting requirements, excellent description of the error and how to evaluate the problem
Partner work/Presentation	Did not cooperate, presentation was unclear	One person did most of the work, only one person spoke during the presentation	Helped each other, took turns, both spoke during the presentation, some difficulty speaking	Helped each other, took turns, both spoke clearly and loudly during the presentation

Conclusion

Congratulations! You completed the Order of Operations WebQuest! You learned the correct order of operations by creating a mnemonic to help you remember.

During this WebQuest, you were not asked to evaluate any problems with integers, but if you would like an extra challenge that includes positive and negative numbers try playing Operation Order! There is also an Advanced Set of 10 problems with integers you can try.

Finally, take a look at this video on PEMDAS

Credits

WebQuest.Org provides training materials and a WebQuest database.
Building Blocks of a WebQuest provides the purpose of each WebQuest section and links to examples.

Teacher Page

Order of Operations

Learners

This WebQuest focuses on 6th-8th grade order of operations problems without integers. Students need to know how to evaluate expressions involving powers before beginning this WebQuest. It is helpful if students know how to insert graphics into Microsoft Word as well as how to make a simple PowerPoint slideshow. If students are unfamiliar with PowerPoint, the Finding My Error presentation can be written on a transparency and presented on an overhead instead.
Curriculum Standards
This WebQuest requires students to think critically and be able to work collaboratively. The Math Standards Addressed include:
Using the correct order of operations to evaluate algebraic expressions, Algebra and Functions 1.4 (6th Grade), 1.2 (7th Grade)
Evaluating expressions involving integer powers, Number Sense 2.3 (7th Grade)
Using algebraic terminology correctly, Algebra and Functions 1.4 (7th)
Expressing the solutions clearly and logically using symbolic and verbal work to explain the solutions, Mathematical Reasoning 2.5 (6th Grade), 2.6 (7th Grade)
Resources Needed
One computer for each student is required in order for students to work independently on the first two steps of the process. However, the WebQuest will still work if there are not enough computers for every student if you have them work in pairs for all three steps of the process. Each computer will need to have internet access, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
Print the WebQuest handout for students before they begin the WebQuest.
One teacher can implement this lesson, but it would be helpful to have a parent or teacher's assistant circulate around the room.
Give the students a timeline to help with their pacing on completing the WebQuest. Depending on their computer and WebQuest experience, allow approximately one hour per task with an additional hour to practice their Finding My Error presentation, review the rubric, and complete the conclusion. Early finishers can try the Operation Order game and the Advanced Set of problems in the conclusion. Extra Credit could be offered for completing these challenges.