X Tables
Maths Adventures

Alien planet maths quest: addition

A story-led junior maths adventure using strange number systems and gravity jumps to combine treasures, supplies and scores without losing track.

Quick answer

You can add numbers together to find how many things you have all together, even when they come from different places or groups.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add numbers together to solve problems about combining things, like treasures, supplies, or scores from an alien planet. Success signs:
  • You can add two numbers together using objects or pictures
  • You can solve simple addition problems with numbers up to 20
  • You can explain how you added two groups of things
  • You can use addition to solve a problem about aliens collecting items

Why this matters

Addition is one of the most useful maths skills you can learn! When you're on an alien planet, you might find different treasures in different places. You need to add them all together to know how much you have. Addition helps you in many parts of life – like counting your pocket money, adding up your points in a game, or working out how many cookies you have after your friend gives you more.

How it works

Addition means putting things together to see how many you have all together. It's like when you have some toys and your friend gives you more toys. You count all your toys to see how many you have now. To add numbers:
  1. Start with the first number
  2. Count on from that number by the second number
  3. Count on your fingers or use objects like blocks or counters
  4. Find the total number you end up with

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're on an alien planet collecting supplies for your spaceship. Example 1: Collecting crystals You found 3 blue crystals and your friend gave you 2 red crystals. How many crystals do you have now?
  • Start with 3 crystals
  • Count on 2 more: 4, 5
  • You have 5 crystals in total
Example 2: Fuel supplies Your spaceship needs 4 units of fuel. You already have 2 units. How many more units do you need?
  • Start with 2 units
  • Count on 2 more: 3, 4
  • You need 2 more units
Example 3: Alien food supplies You have 5 packets of space food and you find 3 more packets. How many packets do you have?
  • Start with 5 packets
  • Count on 3 more: 6, 7, 8
  • You have 8 packets in total

Try it as a mini adventure

Alien Planet Treasure Hunt You are on an alien planet collecting supplies for your spaceship. You must complete these tasks to win a gold star: First task: You found 2 green energy crystals. Your alien friend gave you 3 more. How many crystals do you have now?
  1. Start with 2 crystals
  2. Count on 3 more: 3, 4, 5
  3. You have 5 crystals
Second task: You found 4 red power cells. You already had 1. How many power cells do you have?
  1. Start with 1 cell
  2. Count on 4 more: 2, 3, 4, 5
  3. You have 5 cells
Third task: You collected 6 blue energy pods. You found 2 more. How many pods do you have?
  1. Start with 6 pods
  2. Count on 2 more: 7, 8
  3. You have 8 pods
Final challenge: You have 3 energy crystals, 5 power cells, and 2 energy pods. How many items do you have in total?
  • First add crystals and cells: 3 + 5 = 8
  • Then add pods: 8 + 2 = 10
  • You have 10 items

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting the first number twice
    • Why it happens: When you add 3 + 2, you might start counting from 3, but then count 3 again as part of the 2
    • Fix: Use your fingers to show the first number, then count on from there
  • Mistake: Adding numbers in the wrong order
    • Why it happens: Some children think 3 + 5 is different from 5 + 3
    • Fix: Remember that 3 + 5 = 8 and 5 + 3 = 8 – the order doesn't matter
  • Mistake: Forgetting to count the first number
    • Why it happens: You might think 4 + 3 = 3, because you start counting from 0
    • Fix: Always start with the first number, then count on

Parent and carer guide

Help your child practice addition with everyday activities:
  • Count together when shopping: "We have 3 apples and you found 2 more. How many apples do we have?"
  • Use toys or food items to make addition problems: "You have 4 blocks, I give you 3 more. How many do you have now?"
  • Play addition games with dice: roll two dice and add the numbers
  • Encourage your child to explain their thinking: "How did you figure that out?"
  • Don't worry if they count on their fingers – it's a helpful strategy!
Remember: Addition is about combining groups. It's normal for children to need time to understand this concept. Keep practice fun and positive!

Practice questions

  1. 3 + 4 = ?
  2. 2 + 5 = ?
  3. 6 + 1 = ?
  4. 4 + 3 = ?
  5. 7 + 2 = ?
  6. 5 + 5 = ?
  7. 8 + 1 = ?
  8. 10 + 0 = ?
  9. 9 + 1 = ?
  10. 2 + 8 = ?
Answers:
  1. 7
  2. 7
  3. 7
  4. 7
  5. 9
  6. 10
  7. 9
  8. 10
  9. 10
  10. 10

FAQ

What is addition?

Addition is when you put numbers or groups of things together to see how many you have all together.

How can I help my child learn addition?

You can help by using everyday objects like toys, food, or blocks to show addition problems. Practice counting on from the first number.

Why does the order of numbers not matter in addition?

Because addition is about combining groups. Whether you have 3 apples and 2 oranges, or 2 oranges and 3 apples, you still have 5 fruits in total.

What happens when you add zero?

When you add zero to any number, you get that same number. For example, 5 + 0 = 5.

How can I make addition fun for my child?

Use games, stories, or real-life situations. Try counting steps, adding up snacks, or playing with toy collections to make addition feel natural and fun.