Order of Operations Mobile

In this post is a free order of operations math mobile that cab me made to read PEMDAS, GEMDAS, GEMS< BEMDAS or BIMDAS, depending on which your math class uses. This mobile works as a great, visual supplement to your classroom math word wall.

Some ideas seem so simple but for some reason have details that take forever to work out. This PEMDAS mobile was one of those ideas. 

UPDATE! There are now letters included to make a GEMDAS, GEMS, GEMA, BIMDAS or BEMDAS mobile instead. 

For a long time I had wanted to find a way to show that division and multiplication and subtraction and addition can switch order depending on which of the pairs comes first in an expression. I love mobiles because they are dynamic. So a PEMDAS mobile just seemed like a good idea!

free PEMDAS mobile math word wall

I know that PEMDAS is a little controversial and that a lot of teachers would rather use a different acronym, or maybe forgo acronyms altogether in favor of Order of Operations. In my experience, kids understand that brackets are used to line up grouping pairs, similar to computer coding. Still, if you like GEMDAS, BIMDAS or BEMDAS, I included a G, I and a B that can be subbed in for the P.

free PEMDAS mobile math word wall

The first thing I did to put together this PEMDAS mobile was color then cut out the pieces. I like rainbow theme, but you can color it to match the theme of your room. I printed on thick paper, almost like that oak tag we all used to pine over in the 1980s.

free PEMDAS mobile math word wall

I then flipped one of each P, E, MD, AS piece face down, put glue in the center and ran a ribbon down the middle on the glue.

free PEMDAS mobile math word wall

Next came the matching pieces glued on top and then a big book to flatten for a bit. 

free PEMDAS mobile math word wall

I only flattened for about 5 minutes in case some pieces stuck together, which they did. The glue was still wet to they were easy to peel apart. 

PEMDAS mobile tor a math word wall

And here's the final product! If I were to make it again, I might use a thinner ribbon so the pieces could move more independently of each other. This mobile matches my other math word walls so that it can be used as a supplement. 

Ms. Taylor's students' completed order of operations mobiles
Ms. Taylor's students' mobiles

Ms. Taylor sent this photo of her students' order of operations mobiles on one of those days I really needed a pick me up. Seeing their work really brightened my day. She told me that her students played hopscotch while practicing their order of operations problems. Can't you just imagine that? I know for me a little exercise seems to help my brain retain information, so I think her idea to incorporate movement with math practice is wonderful.



>>You can find the Order of Operations mobile free here in my math resource library. 



Math classroom decoration ideas


There are more math décor ideas in the post math classroom decoration ideas.



free math resource library


14 comments:

  1. Just perfect and exactly what I need. Also, love the mobile idea and wouldn't have thought of that on my own. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you Dawn! I hope it helps kids see that M/D and A/S switch. I hope you have a great year!

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  2. I was trying to get the free mobile download but it sent me to the pennant download.

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    1. The blue "here" in the last paragraph will bring you right to it. :)

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  3. I love the mobile idea! I think it will help students see the switch. I also like that you gave options for GEMDAS and others that might be taught. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you Deb! I hope you have a wonderful year!

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  4. Love this visual! I know my students will love it! I like how you set up the multiplication and division and the addition and subtraction. This reinforcement for those having difficulties in an observable format! Genius!

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    1. Thank you so much Kathryn! I hope you have a fantastic school year!

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  5. You have opened me up to so many possibilities, I really love your thinking and the way you can express it in pictures and words, I have no words lol. I do have a suggestion for making the mobile spin independently. Attach a straw vertically to the back of each piece and run the ribbon/string through it. I think you might also then tie a knot in the ribbon, or maybe place a pony bead in between to keep them independent of each other. Hope that made sense. Love all your work! You are helping me build my math mind so I can help build my students' math minds! (hat tip to Christina Tondevold) --Renee

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    1. I love that idea, Renee! I hadn't thought through this ribbon and it didn't spin as well I had imagined. Love your straw idea. I hope you are having a wonderful year at school.

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  6. Hi! Mine did not print correctly...any tricks?

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    1. If you download it to your computer then re-open from where you saved it, this usually works. Your printer may also have a "fit" setting.

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  7. Hi! I tried to download the GEMDAS via mobile, but each time I click "get the app" it doesn't do anything. By the way, I have subscribed already. Please help, I would really love to have GEMDAS in my class. Thanks!

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    1. Hi Riz, I sent an email yesterday. At the bottom of the email is a link to the free math resource library. I don't know why dropbox displays that "get the app". It's misleading. You do not need an app. Please click "continue to website" and you will find all of the files.

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