Order of Operations | Project Based Learning
Students will work in teams to solve a practical budgeting and planning challenge that requires careful use of the order of operations. Through a project-based task, they will explain, calculate, and justify each step in multi-step expressions while connecting the math to real-life decision making.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Order of Operations | The rules that tell us the sequence for solving an expression: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction. |
| Expression | A math statement with numbers, symbols, and operations, but no equals sign. |
| Evaluate | To find the value of an expression. |
| Parentheses | Symbols that group parts of an expression and tell you to solve them first. |
| Exponent | A number that shows how many times a base is multiplied by itself. |
| Justify | To explain and support your answer with reasoning or steps. |
Present 3 short expressions on the board and model one example of following the order of operations.
Solve the warm-up problems individually, then compare answers with a partner.
Introduce a simple real-world scenario: planning a class event budget with costs, discounts, and quantities that require correct operation order.
Listen, ask clarifying questions, and identify where order of operations will matter.
Distribute the project handout, circulate, and ask guiding questions to check for correct sequencing and reasoning.
Work in small teams to solve the scenario, complete calculations, and write short explanations for each step.
Ask teams to post or share one key solution and one explanation. Facilitate quick peer review.
Review another team's work, check for accuracy, and leave one positive comment and one question.
Address common errors and invite teams to revise any incorrect steps.
Correct mistakes, improve explanations, and prepare a final version of their work.
Provide an exit ticket with one multi-step expression and one short response question about why order matters.
Individually solve the expression and write a brief explanation.
Review the main rule of order of operations and ask students to share one mistake they will avoid in future work. Reinforce that careful step-by-step thinking prevents errors in both math and real-life decisions.
Formative assessment will include teacher observation during group work, accuracy of the project solution, peer review notes, and the individual exit ticket. Students should demonstrate correct calculations and clear explanations of their reasoning.