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Maths Adventures

Dinosaur maths quest: addition

A story-led junior maths adventure using fossils, footprints and giant timelines to combine treasures, supplies and scores without losing track.

Quick answer

By adding up the numbers of dinosaur footprints, fossil treasures, and supplies, you can solve the Dinosaur maths quest!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add up numbers of dinosaur footprints, fossil finds, and supplies to solve a maths mystery. Success signs:
  • You can count and add up 2 or more groups of dinosaur footprints
  • You can add up fossil treasures using different methods
  • You can solve a real-life dinosaur maths problem
  • You can explain how you added numbers to a friend or grown-up

Why this matters

When you go on a dinosaur hunt, you need to keep track of how many footprints you find, how many fossils you collect, and how many supplies you use. Adding numbers helps you know how much you have, so you don’t run out of food or lose your way. In real life, you use addition when you count your pocket money, add up scores in a game, or work out how many toys you have altogether.

How it works

Addition is when you put numbers together to find the total. You can add:
  • Two numbers like 3 + 2 = 5
  • More than two numbers like 4 + 3 + 2 = 9
  • Objects like footprints, fossils, or supplies
To add numbers, you can:
  1. Count on your fingers
  2. Use objects like blocks or toys
  3. Draw pictures to help you
  4. Use a number line
  5. Count in your head

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are on a Dinosaur maths quest! You find footprints in the sand. Example 1: Adding footprints You find 3 footprints in the morning and 2 footprints in the afternoon.
  • Morning: 3 footprints
  • Afternoon: 2 footprints
To find the total, you add: 3 + 2 = 5 footprints Example 2: Adding fossils You collect fossils in different spots:
  • Spot A: 4 fossils
  • Spot B: 5 fossils
  • Spot C: 3 fossils
To find the total, you add: 4 + 5 + 3 = 12 fossils Example 3: Adding supplies You have 6 snacks, 4 water bottles, and 2 maps.
  • Snacks: 6
  • Water bottles: 4
  • Maps: 2
To find the total, you add: 6 + 4 + 2 = 12 supplies

Try it as a mini adventure

Dinosaur Maths Quest: The Treasure Hunt You are a young dinosaur explorer on a quest to find the biggest treasure! You need to collect footprints, fossils, and supplies. Step 1: You find 5 footprints in the sand. Step 2: You find 3 more footprints near the rocks. Step 3: You collect 7 fossils from the ground. Step 4: You have 2 water bottles and 4 snacks in your pack. Step 5: You add everything together to see how much you have. What do you have altogether? Let’s add it up:
  • Footprints: 5 + 3 = 8 footprints
  • Fossils: 7 fossils
  • Supplies: 2 water bottles + 4 snacks = 6 supplies
Total: 8 + 7 + 6 = 21 items Great job! You have 21 items for your treasure hunt!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting the same item twice or forgetting to count one. Why it happens: When you are excited or rushing, you might miss counting or double count. Fix: Use your fingers or draw a picture to keep track of each item.
  • Mistake: Adding the wrong numbers. Why it happens: You might read the numbers wrong or add the wrong groups. Fix: Read each number slowly and double-check your addition.
  • Mistake: Not starting from the biggest number. Why it happens: You might start from the first number you see. Fix: Start from the biggest number and count on to add faster.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Playing addition games with everyday items like toys, fruits, or blocks
  • Encouraging them to count out loud and show their work
  • Using a number line or drawing pictures to help with addition
  • Letting them explain their thinking to you
  • Not worrying if they make a mistake – it’s part of learning!
Try asking questions like:
  • How did you count those dinosaurs?
  • Can you show me how you added them?
  • What happens if you have more supplies?
Remember: Addition is a skill that grows with practice and play.

Practice questions

  1. How many footprints are there if you find 4 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon?
  2. You collect 5 fossils from one rock and 6 from another. How many fossils do you have?
  3. You have 3 snacks, 4 water bottles, and 2 maps. How many supplies do you have?
  4. Find the total of 2 + 3 + 4
  5. You find 6 footprints, 2 fossils, and 5 supplies. What is the total?
Answers:
  1. 4 + 3 = 7 footprints
  2. 5 + 6 = 11 fossils
  3. 3 + 4 + 2 = 9 supplies
  4. 2 + 3 + 4 = 9
  5. 6 + 2 + 5 = 13 items

FAQ

What is addition?

Addition is when you put numbers or groups of things together to find how many you have in total.

Why do I need to learn addition?

Addition helps you count things, solve problems, and know how much you have. It’s used in games, cooking, shopping, and even on dinosaur hunts!

Can I use my fingers to add?

Yes! Using your fingers is a great way to start adding numbers, especially when you’re learning.

How can I practice addition at home?

You can practice by counting toys, snacks, or steps. Try adding up your pocket money or the number of books you read each day.

What if I get confused when adding?

That’s okay! You can use objects, draw pictures, or ask a grown-up to help. Practice makes progress!