Description
In this activity learners will explore using BODMAS for simplifying expressions. There will be four concentric circles drawn on the floor with different colors using color chalk. The circles should be big enough to allow learners to stand in them. Now each learner will get a chit with a number and a sign. The facilitator will decide the operation associated with each colored circle, add, subtract, multiply, divide. Operations will be performed on the learners standing in the inner most circle. As each circle is opened up, starting with the inner most circle, learners carrying the chits will have to perform the operations. Finally when all circles are opened up, a single value can be calculated for the expression. The activity can be repeated for multiple round with learners changing positions and picking different set of chits.
Learning Objectives
Scholastic: BODMAS, Math operations, Opening brackets, expressions ​
Skills: Team-work, leadership
Material / Equipment needed
Color chalk, paper chits with numbers and signs written down
Stimulation (How do you peel an onion?​, Is order important for math operators?)
Introduce Learning Objective
How do you open-up a cabbage? Hint: layer by layer ​
Are there any other things we open-up layer by layer? Hint: probe for experiences​
TODO: Ask learners to draw three concentric circles and put a number in the inner most circle and one number in each ring. Ask them to multiply all the numbers. First the inner most with the number in first ring, then that result with number in second ring. They can check the results with others.​
Introduce activity process
What happens if we multiply in a different order? Hint: result will be same. ​
What happens if operations are mixed? The result will be different for different order.
Resources
Step 1 (Team formation and instructions)
Step 2 (Trial round)
Step 3 (Competition round)
Step 4 (Stretch round)
Reflection