Mathematics · Primary 6

Active learning ideas

Order of Operations with Integers

Active learning works well for order of operations with integers because it forces students to confront their misconceptions through immediate feedback. When students see their peers solve the same problem differently, they must justify their steps aloud, which strengthens their understanding of BODMAS rules.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Integers - S1

• 20–35 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Escape Room
• 30 min · Pairs

Pairs: Error Hunt Challenge

Provide pairs with 10 expressions containing common BODMAS errors involving integers. Students circle mistakes, rewrite correctly step-by-step, and justify changes. Pairs then exchange papers with another pair for peer review and class discussion of top errors.

Evaluate the importance of following the order of operations in integer calculations.

Facilitation Tip

During the Error Hunt Challenge, circulate to listen for pairs debating why the order of operations matters, stepping in only when they reach an impasse.

What to look for

Present students with a problem like: -5 + 3 x (-2). Ask them to write down only the first operation they would perform and why. Then, ask them to write down the final answer.

• Remember
• Apply
• Analyze
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 02

• Escape Room
• 25 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Expression Relay

Divide class into small groups and line them up. Give the first student a simple integer expression; they solve one operation and pass to the next, who continues until complete. Groups race, then verify answers as a class.

Critique common errors made when applying BODMAS/PEMDAS with negative numbers.

Facilitation Tip

For the Expression Relay, set a timer no longer than 3 minutes per problem to maintain urgency and focus.

What to look for

Present two different solutions to the same problem, one correct and one with a common error (e.g., adding before multiplying with negative numbers). Ask students: 'Which solution is correct and why? What specific rule was broken in the incorrect solution?'

• Remember
• Apply
• Analyze
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 03

• Escape Room
• 20 min · Individual

Individual: BODMAS Puzzle Cards

Distribute cards with mixed integer expressions to individuals. Students solve independently, match to answer cards, then pair up to check and discuss discrepancies using BODMAS posters.

Construct a complex integer expression and solve it step-by-step.

Facilitation Tip

With BODMAS Puzzle Cards, observe students matching pieces to check if they prioritize brackets and operations correctly before allowing them to move to the next card.

What to look for

Give each student an expression such as 10 - (-4) x 2 + 6. Ask them to solve it step-by-step, clearly showing each operation and its result. They should also identify which part of BODMAS/PEMDAS they applied at each step.

• Remember
• Apply
• Analyze
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 04

• Escape Room
• 35 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Build and Solve Chain

Project a starting integer expression. Students suggest operations one by one, teacher adds to chain. Class votes on next step, solves collectively, tracking on board to model BODMAS.

Evaluate the importance of following the order of operations in integer calculations.

What to look for

Present students with a problem like: -5 + 3 x (-2). Ask them to write down only the first operation they would perform and why. Then, ask them to write down the final answer.

• Remember
• Apply
• Analyze
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach BODMAS by anchoring it in real mistakes students make, then using guided practice to rebuild their understanding. Start with simple expressions and gradually introduce negatives and brackets to avoid overwhelming learners. Research shows that students retain rules better when they teach them to others, so design activities that require verbal explanations.

Successful learning looks like students confidently explaining each step of an expression, using correct terminology for operations, and catching their own errors before moving forward. They should be able to articulate why multiplication comes before subtraction in a problem like 8 - 3 × 2.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Error Hunt Challenge, watch for students who incorrectly prioritize subtraction over multiplication in expressions like 10 - 2 × 3.

  Have them rewrite the problem with brackets showing the correct order, then compare their rewritten version with the original to see the difference in results.

• During the Expression Relay, watch for teams ignoring negative signs in multiplication or division steps.

  Ask the team to pause and verbally explain each operation’s sign result before proceeding, using the whiteboard to track changes.

• During BODMAS Puzzle Cards, watch for students overlooking brackets or misapplying the left-to-right rule for operations of the same priority.

  Prompt them to physically move the puzzle pieces to match the correct order, then justify each move using BODMAS rules aloud to a partner.

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Methods used in this brief

• Escape Room