X Tables
Maths Adventures

Arctic maths quest: coordinates

A story-led junior maths adventure using ice maps, temperature and survival supplies to locate hidden items on grids and maps.

Quick answer

Coordinates are like a map's address that tells you exactly where something is on a grid. You use two numbers, called coordinates, to find a point on a grid. The first number tells you how far across (left or right) and the second number tells you how far up or down.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to find and write coordinates on a grid by using two numbers to describe a point's position, just like a treasure map tells you where to dig for buried treasure. Success signs:
  • You can read a coordinate like (3, 5) and find the point on a grid
  • You can write a coordinate for a point you see on a grid
  • You can use coordinates to follow a path or find hidden items
  • You can explain how coordinates work in a real-world situation

Why this matters

Coordinates are like a secret code that helps us find exact places. When you're lost in the Arctic, you need coordinates to tell your friends where to find you. In video games, coordinates help characters move around. In science, coordinates help scientists map the Earth. Even in a treasure hunt, you use coordinates to find the hidden treasure!

How it works

Coordinates are two numbers that show where something is on a grid. The grid has a horizontal line (called the x-axis) and a vertical line (called the y-axis). These lines cross in the middle, and that point is called the origin. To find a coordinate:
  1. Start at the origin (0, 0)
  2. Move along the x-axis (the horizontal line) to find the first number
  3. Move up or down the y-axis (the vertical line) to find the second number
  4. Where these two lines meet is your coordinate point

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're on an Arctic expedition and need to find your lost snow goggles. You have a map with coordinates! Example 1: Your map says the goggles are at coordinate (4, 3). This means:
  • Move 4 steps to the right along the x-axis
  • Move 3 steps up along the y-axis
  • Look for the goggles where those two paths meet
Example 2: You find a note that says "The ice cave is at (2, 6)". This means:
  • Move 2 steps to the right
  • Move 6 steps up
  • That's where the ice cave is
Example 3: You're building a shelter and need to place supplies:
  • Water bottle at (5, 1)
  • Warm blanket at (1, 4)
  • Food at (3, 2)
You can draw these on a grid to plan your shelter layout.

Try it as a mini adventure

Arctic Explorer Quest You are an Arctic explorer who has found an ancient map with a treasure chest hidden somewhere in the ice. The map has a grid and clues to find it. Step 1: You start at the origin (0, 0) at the bottom left of your map. Step 2: The first clue says "Take 3 steps east, then 2 steps north". What are the coordinates for this point?
  • Move 3 steps to the right (east) on the x-axis
  • Move 2 steps up (north) on the y-axis
  • Your coordinates are (3, 2)
Step 3: The second clue says "Take 1 step west, then 4 steps north". What are the coordinates?
  • Move 1 step left (west) on the x-axis
  • Move 4 steps up (north) on the y-axis
  • Your coordinates are (1, 4)
Step 4: The final clue says "Take 5 steps east, then 3 steps south". What are the coordinates?
  • Move 5 steps right (east) on the x-axis
  • Move 3 steps down (south) on the y-axis
  • Your coordinates are (5, 3)
Step 5: Now you have three points: (3, 2), (1, 4), and (5, 3). Which one is the treasure chest location? Let's say it's at (5, 3). Mini Challenge: Draw a grid and plot these points:
  • Point A: (2, 1)
  • Point B: (4, 5)
  • Point C: (0, 3)
  • Point D: (6, 0)

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Mixing up the order of numbers in a coordinate.
    Why it happens: Children often get confused about which number is which.
    Fix: Remember "across first, then up" - that's the order: (x, y) = (across, up)
  • Mistake: Starting at the wrong point.
    Why it happens: Confusion about where the origin (0, 0) is.
    Fix: Always start at the bottom left corner of your grid
  • Mistake: Moving in the wrong direction.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that positive x means right and positive y means up.
    Fix: Use your fingers to show which direction is positive (right and up)
  • Mistake: Forgetting to count the starting point.
    Why it happens: Rushing through the steps.
    Fix: Count each step carefully, including the starting point

Parent and carer guide

How to help your child with Arctic coordinates:
  • Use a grid paper or graph paper to draw coordinates together
  • Play coordinate games like "Treasure Hunt" with your child using a grid
  • Ask your child to find coordinates in real life, like on a map or a game board
  • Practice counting steps on a grid - start at 0, then count 1, 2, 3, etc.
  • Use a toy or marker to show where each coordinate point is
  • Play "Coordinate Charades" - one person says a coordinate, the other finds it
  • Encourage your child to explain how they found a coordinate to you
  • Don't worry if they make mistakes - they're learning!
What to watch for:
  • Does your child understand that the first number is always across?
  • Can they identify the origin point (0, 0)?
  • Do they count carefully or do they skip numbers?
  • Do they get confused when the numbers are negative?
Fun extension activities:
  • Use a real map with grid lines to find locations
  • Create a story where coordinates are clues to a mystery
  • Play with a coordinate-based board game
  • Use a digital map app to explore coordinates

Practice questions

  1. What are the coordinates for a point that is 2 steps right and 3 steps up?
  2. Find the point at (5, 2) on a grid. How many steps right and up did you take?
  3. Where is the point that is 4 steps left and 1 step up?
  4. Write the coordinates for a point that is 3 steps right and 4 steps down.
  5. What point is at (0, 5)?
Answers:
  1. (2, 3)
  2. 5 steps right, 2 steps up
  3. (-4, 1)
  4. (3, -4)
  5. On the y-axis, 5 steps up from the origin

FAQ

What are coordinates used for?

Coordinates are used to find exact places on a map or grid. They help with navigation, games, science, and even in video games to move characters around.

How do I remember which number is which?

Think of it like reading a book - you go across first, then up. So (x, y) means "across first, then up". You can also remember: "X is for across, Y is for up".

Can coordinates be negative?

Yes! In advanced maths, coordinates can be negative. But for now, we'll focus on positive coordinates. Negative coordinates would be to the left of the origin or below it.

Why do we need coordinates in real life?

Coordinates help us find things exactly. When you use a GPS to find your way home, it uses coordinates. When you play a game like Battleship, you use coordinates to find ships. When you're lost in the Arctic, coordinates help you find your way back.

How can I practice coordinates at home?

You can practice by drawing grids, using a treasure hunt game, or looking at maps with grid lines. Try to find coordinates in games, on maps, or even in your own room by making a grid and placing items at different points.