Yes. You can teach order of operations through an online game. On Legends of Learning, Bracket Burger (~25 min, 4.9 ⭐) aligns to Common Core 5.OA.A.1 (Grouping Expressions with Symbols) for grades 3–5, and Icecavator (~16 min, 4.5 ⭐ from 108 reviews) is a strong middle-school option for evaluating expressions. Both are free for teachers to assign.
Best online games to teach order of operations
| Game | Grades | Playtime | Teacher rating | Standard | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bracket Burger | 3–5 | 25 min | 4.9 ⭐ (8) | CCSS 5.OA.A.1 | Grouping symbols & expressions (build burgers) |
| Ninja Kite: The Evaluator Elephant | 3–5 | 23 min | 4.3 ⭐ (3) | CCSS 5.OA.A.1 | Evaluate expressions with grouping |
| Icecavator | 6–8 | 16 min | 4.5 ⭐ (108) | CCSS 6.EE.A.2.c | Evaluate expressions given values |
| Operation Steps | 6–8 | 15 min | 4.3 ⭐ (80) | CCSS 7.EE.B.3 | Multi-step rational-number applications |
Elementary pick: Bracket Burger — highest rating in this set and built around parentheses/grouping.
Middle school pick: Icecavator — short, highly reviewed (108 ratings), great for a station or warm-up.
Lesson-plan tip
Preview one expression on the board (with parentheses), then let students play for 15–20 minutes and finish with 2 exit-ticket expressions that match the game’s skill.
How to assign (free for teachers)
- Sign up free at legendsoflearning.com.
- Open Bracket Burger or Icecavator.
- Assign to your class playlist.
FAQ
Can I teach PEMDAS / order of operations with a free online game?
Yes — Bracket Burger (elementary) and Icecavator (middle school) are free for teachers on Legends of Learning.
What standard does Bracket Burger cover?
CCSS 5.OA.A.1 — Grouping Expressions with Symbols.
