Looking for fun and effective ways to review order of operations without reaching for another worksheet? You’re in the right place! These order of operations games for 5th grade are engaging, easy to prep, and perfect for reinforcing PEMDAS in a way your students will actually enjoy.
Whether you’re reviewing before a test or just want to make math more interactive, these order of operations review activities will help your upper elementary students practice key skills with a smile.
1. Order of Operations Trashketball (Test Prep Style!)
If you’re prepping for a big math test and want to keep your class focused and motivated, Trashketball is a game-changer.
This whole-class game combines movement, competition, and plenty of order of operations practice. Here’s how it works:
- Students solve a problem as a team or as a class.
- If they get it right, they earn a chance to shoot a “basket” (usually a paper ball into a bin).
- Teams keep score and compete for the win!
My Order of Operations Trashketball game is designed specifically for test prep, with a mix of multiple choice and open-ended questions. Most of the problems are word problems, so students get real practice with the types of questions they’ll see on assessments—without the pressure of a worksheet.
👉 Check out Order of Operations Trashketball on TPT.
Trashketball is a class favorite that my students my beg to play!
2. Order of Operations Jeopardy (Skill-by-Skill Review)
Need a calmer, more focused way to review? Jeopardy is the perfect fit. It’s another whole-class game, but it’s structured to target specific order of operations skills one step at a time.
This version breaks things down into micro-skills, like:
- Expressions with no grouping symbols
- Expressions with one grouping symbol
- Expressions with two grouping symbols
- Deciding which step comes first
- Error analysis (great for encouraging critical thinking)
Students work in teams, choose categories, and solve problems for points. While there aren’t any word problems in this version, it’s great for reinforcing step-by-step thinking and cleaning up common mistakes.
👉 View Order of Operations Jeopardy on TPT.
3. Order of Operations Battle (A Partner Game with a Twist)
Want something quieter and easy to run during centers? Try Order of Operations Battle—a 5th grade-friendly version of the classic card game War.
Here’s how to play:
- Each student has a stack of cards with math expressions.
- Both players flip their top card and simplify the expression.
- The student with the higher value wins both cards.
- Keep playing until one student has all the cards (or time runs out).
This game is perfect for math centers, early finishers, or partner practice. It doesn’t feel like “doing math,” but your students will be solving expressions over and over again.
Pro Tip:
Include an answer key so the game becomes self-checking. That way, students can double-check their work without needing your help every round.
While this one takes a little more prep than the others, it’s a great reusable tool to build in some extra PEMDAS practice.
Why These Order of Operations Games Work for 5th Grade
These order of operations games for 5th grade are more than just fun—they’re effective. Whether you’re prepping for a big test or just want your students to get more comfortable with PEMDAS, these games give you options that fit your teaching style and schedule.
- Need a whole-class activity? Trashketball and Jeopardy have you covered.
- Want something quieter for partner work or math centers? Try Battle.
All three games help students build confidence, think critically, and practice without the pressure of a worksheet. Try one this week—and see how quickly your students get hooked on solving expressions.
