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Maths Adventures

Castle maths quest: coordinates

A story-led junior maths adventure using towers, walls and dragon-proof designs to locate hidden items on grids and maps.

Quick answer

Coordinates help us find places on a grid by using two numbers – one for the horizontal direction and one for the vertical direction. In a castle quest, you might need to find a hidden treasure by going to the spot marked (3, 5) – that means 3 steps right and 5 steps up from the bottom-left corner.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use coordinates to find and describe positions on a grid. You will be able to:
  • Read and write coordinates as two numbers in brackets
  • Understand that the first number is the horizontal position and the second is the vertical position
  • Locate points on a grid using coordinates
  • Use coordinates to describe where things are in a castle map or game

Why this matters

Coordinates are used everywhere – in video games, maps, treasure hunts, and even in science! When you play a game like Minecraft, you use coordinates to find your house or build a castle. In real life, when you look at a map, you’re using coordinates to find where you are or where you want to go. Learning coordinates helps you think logically and solve puzzles – like a detective!

How it works

Coordinates are two numbers that help us find a place on a grid. The grid has two lines: one horizontal (the x-axis) and one vertical (the y-axis). The point where they meet is called the origin, and it's usually marked as (0, 0). To find a coordinate, we start at the origin and:
  1. Move along the x-axis (left or right) to find the first number
  2. Then move up or down along the y-axis to find the second number
For example, to find the point (4, 3):
  1. Move 4 steps to the right
  2. Then move 3 steps up
This is how we can find any spot in a castle, on a map, or in a video game!

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you're on a castle quest and need to find a treasure. The map shows a grid with numbers along the bottom and side. Here are some examples of how to find places:
Coordinate How to find it Place
(2, 3) Move 2 steps right, then 3 steps up Dragon’s lair
(5, 1) Move 5 steps right, then 1 step up Hidden chest
(0, 4) Stay at the start, move 4 steps up Castle tower
(3, 0) Move 3 steps right, stay at the bottom Secret garden
You can also draw your own grid and mark where your toys are. For example, if your teddy bear is at (1, 2), that means one step to the right and two steps up from the bottom-left corner.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Dragon’s Treasure Hunt! You are a brave knight on a quest to find a dragon’s treasure in a castle. The map shows a grid, and the treasure is hidden at coordinate (6, 4). Here’s how to go on your quest:
  1. Start at the bottom-left corner of the grid
  2. Move 6 steps to the right
  3. Then move 4 steps up
  4. Look for the treasure at that spot!
Now, let’s make a game! Draw your own castle grid on paper and place some items at different coordinates:
  • Place a sword at (2, 1)
  • Place a shield at (4, 3)
  • Place a potion at (1, 5)
  • Place a key at (5, 2)
Can you find each item by using the coordinates? Try writing the coordinates for your own items too!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Mixing up the order of coordinates – thinking (3, 5) means 3 steps up and 5 steps right.
    Why it happens: Confusing which number is horizontal and which is vertical.
    Fix: Remember: first number = right, second number = up.
  • Mistake: Starting from the top or the wrong corner.
    Why it happens: Not knowing where the origin (0, 0) is.
    Fix: Always start from the bottom-left corner.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to count the starting point.
    Why it happens: Thinking that moving 3 steps means you stop at step 3.
    Fix: Count the steps from the starting point – one, two, three, and so on.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children learn coordinates by:
  • Playing a treasure hunt game at home using a grid drawn on paper
  • Using everyday maps or games to point out coordinates (like in a board game)
  • Practising with a grid and placing small toys or stickers at different coordinates
  • Encouraging children to explain how they found a point
  • Reinforcing that the first number is always horizontal (right) and the second is vertical (up)
It’s important to keep the practice fun and not too serious. If your child gets confused, it’s okay to go back and draw a smaller grid or use a real-life example, like the kitchen table or a garden.

Practice questions

  1. Where is the point (3, 2)?
  2. What are the coordinates of a point that is 5 steps right and 1 step up?
  3. Find the point (0, 4) on a grid.
  4. Which point is 2 steps right and 3 steps up?
  5. Write the coordinates of a point that is 4 steps left and 2 steps down from the origin.
Answers:
  1. Move 3 steps right and 2 steps up
  2. (5, 1)
  3. Start at (0, 0), move 4 steps up
  4. (2, 3)
  5. (–4, –2)

FAQ

What are coordinates used for?

Coordinates are used in many places – like maps, video games, science, and even in art. They help us find exact positions and locations.

Can I use coordinates in Minecraft?

Yes! In Minecraft, you can use coordinates to find your house, build a castle, or locate a treasure. Each block has coordinates that help players navigate the world.

How do I remember which number is horizontal?

Think of the first number as going “horizontal” like the word “horizontal” starts with “h”. Or remember: “H” for horizontal, “V” for vertical.

Are coordinates only for math?

No! Coordinates are used in geography, science, and even in games. They’re a helpful way to describe where things are.

What if I don’t have a grid?

You can draw your own grid on paper or use a grid app on a tablet. You can also use a grid in your home – like a kitchen grid or a garden plot.