The order of operations is taught usually in the 7th grade and is used immensely for many grades beyond. Usually the problem with teaching the order of operations is that it becomes a task for memory. Hence, it's more important that students understand why there is order.
Be sure to use manipulatives and basic questions when starting out with the order of operations. Here are some great basic worksheets to start with.
See also, how to solve the classic algebra age problem questions that tend to appear in most math text books.
Comments
To put Order of Operations into “real life”…I ask my students what is the order of operations to cook a pair of fried eggs?
Starting with a frying pan, a stove, 2 eggs and some butter.
The answrs are all the same…and they then see why it is important to wait until you have a heated buttered pan…before putting in the 2 eggs!
I have a problem with the order if there is a question like this: [(-3+9)4^3]3^4+4-16^4 (I am not sure if this is a real problem but you see my point._ How does one REALLY understand the order if there are long problems like this?