X Tables
Maths Adventures

Alien planet maths quest: coordinates

A story-led junior maths adventure using strange number systems and gravity jumps to locate hidden items on grids and maps.

Quick answer

You can find any item on a grid or map by using coordinates – special numbers that tell you exactly where to look.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use coordinates to find locations on a grid, just like explorers and aliens do when they're searching for treasures. Success signs:
  • You can say what the first and second numbers in a coordinate mean
  • You can find a point on a grid using two numbers
  • You can describe where something is using coordinates
  • You can use coordinates to help with games or maps

Why this matters

Coordinates are like a secret code that helps you find exactly where something is. You use them when you play games, read maps, plan a treasure hunt, or even when you're exploring an alien planet. In real life, you use coordinates to know where you are on a GPS, where your friend is on a playground, or where you put your toys.

How it works

Coordinates are two numbers that tell you where to find something on a grid. The first number tells you how far to go along the bottom (called the x-axis), and the second number tells you how far to go up (called the y-axis). You always go along first, then up. For example, if someone says “go to coordinate (3, 5)”, you:
  1. Move 3 steps to the right
  2. Then move 5 steps up
You can also think of it like a treasure map – the first number is how many steps east, and the second number is how many steps north.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are on an alien planet and you have a map of the planet. The map has a grid, like a big piece of graph paper. Each square on the grid has a coordinate. Here’s a simple example:
Y-axis 0 1 2 3 4 5
5 (0,5) (1,5) (2,5) (3,5) (4,5) (5,5)
4 (0,4) (1,4) (2,4) (3,4) (4,4) (5,4)
3 (0,3) (1,3) (2,3) (3,3) (4,3) (5,3)
2 (0,2) (1,2) (2,2) (3,2) (4,2) (5,2)
1 (0,1) (1,1) (2,1) (3,1) (4,1) (5,1)
0 (0,0) (1,0) (2,0) (3,0) (4,0) (5,0)
Now, if you want to find the treasure at coordinate (2, 3), you go 2 steps to the right and 3 steps up. You can also use coordinates in a game. Imagine you're playing a game where you move a spaceship. If your spaceship is at (4, 1), it means you are 4 steps to the right and 1 step up.

Try it as a mini adventure

Alien Planet Treasure Hunt You are an explorer on a strange alien planet. Your mission is to find the hidden treasure using a map with coordinates. Here’s your treasure map:
Y-axis 0 1 2 3 4 5
5 ? ? ? ? ? ?
4 ? ? ? ? ? ?
3 ? ? ? ? ? ?
2 ? ? ? ? ? ?
1 ? ? ? ? ? ?
0 ? ? ? ? ? ?
Here are the clues:
  1. The alien spaceship is at (3, 2)
  2. The crystal cave is at (1, 4)
  3. The secret garden is at (5, 1)
  4. The treasure is at (2, 3)
Can you find where each clue leads? Mark the locations on the map with a star.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Going up first, then along the bottom.
    Why it happens: It's easy to get confused if you're not used to the order.
    Fix: Always remember: go along first (left to right), then up (bottom to top).
  • Mistake: Thinking the first number is up and the second is along.
    Why it happens: You might mix up which number is which.
    Fix: Use the phrase "along, then up" to remember the order.
  • Mistake: Counting from 1 instead of 0.
    Why it happens: Some people start counting from 1, but in coordinates, we often start from 0.
    Fix: Always check if the grid starts from 0 or 1, and use that number.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with coordinates is easy and fun! Here’s how:
  1. Play a game: Use a grid paper and ask your child to find items at specific coordinates.
  2. Use real maps: Look at a map of your town and find your house using coordinates or street names.
  3. Encourage drawing: Let your child draw their own treasure map with coordinates.
  4. Be patient: It’s normal to get confused at first. Practice makes progress!
  5. Keep it light: Don’t make it feel like a test. Turn it into a game or adventure.

Practice questions

  1. Where is the point at (4, 2)?
  2. What are the coordinates of the point that is 1 step along and 3 steps up?
  3. If a point is at (0, 5), what does that mean?
  4. What is the coordinate of the point that is 3 steps along and 0 steps up?
  5. Where is (2, 4) on the grid?
Answers:
  1. The point is 4 steps to the right and 2 steps up.
  2. The coordinates are (1, 3).
  3. It means the point is at 0 steps along and 5 steps up.
  4. The coordinate is (3, 0).
  5. The point is 2 steps to the right and 4 steps up.

FAQ

What are coordinates used for?

Coordinates are used to find exact locations on a grid or map. They help you know where things are, like in games, maps, or even in space travel.

How do I remember which number is which?

Think of it like reading a book – you go left to right first, then up. Use the phrase "along, then up" to help you remember.

Can I use coordinates in real life?

Yes! You can use coordinates when you use a GPS, read a map, or even when you're playing games. They help you find your way or your treasure.

Do coordinates always start at 0?

No, they can start at 0 or 1, depending on the grid. Always check the numbers on the map or grid to see where it starts.

Are coordinates only for aliens?

No, people use coordinates all the time – from maps to video games to science. They're a useful way to describe where things are!