Order of operations target game: a 20-minute 5th grade math activity
What it is: a 5th grade math game where students roll four dice and use the numbers with +, -, ×, ÷ and parentheses to make an expression that equals a target number. To check each other, they must evaluate in the right order.
Time: about 20 minutes. Grade: 5th grade.
Materials: 4 dice per group, a target number card (such as 10, 15, 24), and whiteboards or paper.
- Write 3 + 4 × 2 and ask two students to solve it. Compare 14 and 11 and agree on the order of operations.
- Show how parentheses change the answer: (3 + 4) × 2 = 14.
- Groups roll 4 dice and flip a target card. Each student tries to build an expression that hits the target.
- Students trade whiteboards and evaluate each other's expressions step by step.
- Score: 2 points for hitting the target exactly, 1 point for within 2.
Differentiation: students who need support use 3 dice and no division. Students who are ready must use all four operations. English learners can use the words parentheses, multiply, divide, add and subtract.
Quick check: write 18 - 6 ÷ 3 and ask a student to evaluate it and name the first step.
Need it for another grade or subject? Ask us on the request page and our team will write it.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 29, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades 3–5
- Subject
- Math
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.