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Scratch Maths

Scratch graphing scores maths mission

A practical mini-mission using graphing scores to practise statistics through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

You can use Scratch to make a graph that shows how many points each player scores in a game. This helps you see who is winning and compare scores easily.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to create a simple graph in Scratch to show and compare scores from a game or activity, using bars or points to represent numbers. Success signs:
  • You can make a Scratch project that shows scores with a bar graph
  • You can read a graph to see who has the most or least scores
  • You can add new scores to your graph and update it
  • You can explain how a graph helps you understand data

Why this matters

Graphs help us understand information quickly. In Scratch, you can make a graph to show how many points each player scores in a game. This is useful for:
  • Seeing who is winning
  • Comparing how well different people did
  • Learning about data and statistics
  • Making games more fun and interactive
When you play games, you often collect points or scores. Graphing helps you see who did best, and it's a great way to learn about maths in a fun way.

How it works

To make a graph in Scratch, you need to:
  1. Create a list of scores
  2. Draw bars or points for each score
  3. Use a loop to draw each bar
  4. Change the size of bars to match the score
Let’s look at how this works step by step.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you and your friends are playing a game where you collect points. Here’s how you can show the scores using Scratch: Example 1: Simple bar graph
  • Player 1 scores 5 points
  • Player 2 scores 3 points
  • Player 3 scores 7 points
In Scratch, you can make a bar for each player. The bar for Player 1 would be 5 units high, Player 2’s bar would be 3 units, and Player 3’s would be 7 units. Example 2: Using a list You can make a list in Scratch called “Scores” with these numbers:
  • 5
  • 3
  • 7
Then, you can use a loop to go through each score and draw a bar that is as tall as the number.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Score Tracker Mission You are a game designer and your job is to create a graph that shows how many points each player scored in a game. You need to:
  1. Think of a simple game (like a dice roll or a card game)
  2. Give each player a score
  3. Make a graph in Scratch to show the scores
  4. Try to make the graph change when a new score is added
Let’s say you are playing a dice game:
  1. Player 1 rolls a 4
  2. Player 2 rolls a 6
  3. Player 3 rolls a 2
You will make a graph that shows these scores using bars. The bar for Player 1 will be 4 units high, Player 2’s will be 6 units, and Player 3’s will be 2 units. How to start:
  • Open Scratch
  • Create a new project
  • Make a list called "Scores" with 4, 6, 2
  • Use a loop to go through each score
  • Draw a bar that is as tall as the score

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Making bars the same size for all scores.
    Why it happens: Forgetting to use the score value to make the bar tall.
    Fix: Use the score number to decide how tall the bar should be.
  • Mistake: Not using a loop to draw bars.
    Why it happens: Thinking you must draw each bar separately.
    Fix: Use a loop to go through the list and draw each bar one by one.
  • Mistake: Adding the wrong number to the list.
    Why it happens: Confusing scores or forgetting to write them down.
    Fix: Double-check the scores before adding them to the list.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Encouraging children to think of a simple game they like
  • Helping them make a list of scores
  • Using Scratch to create a bar graph together
  • Asking questions like, “Who has the most points?” or “How much more did Player 2 score than Player 1?”
  • Reinforcing that a graph helps us see information quickly
It’s okay if your child makes mistakes — they’re learning! Scratch is a fun place to experiment and try again. Don’t worry if the graph doesn’t look perfect at first — that’s how you learn!

Practice questions

  1. Make a list of scores: 3, 5, 2, 7. What is the tallest bar?
  2. If Player 1 scores 8 and Player 2 scores 4, how much taller is Player 1’s bar?
  3. Which player scored the least points if the scores are 6, 1, 9?
  4. What happens if you add a new score of 5 to the list [2, 4, 6]?
  5. Can you make a graph with 3 scores and show them with bars?
Answers:
  1. Player 4’s bar (7 units)
  2. 4 units taller
  3. Player 2 (1 point)
  4. The list becomes [2, 4, 6, 5]
  5. Yes, you can make a bar for each score

FAQ

What is a graph in Scratch?

A graph in Scratch is a way to show numbers visually using bars or lines. It helps you compare information quickly.

Why use a graph to show scores?

Graphs help you see who scored the most or least points easily. It makes the information clearer and more fun to look at.

Can I make a graph with more than 3 scores?

Yes! You can make a graph with as many scores as you want. Just add them to your list and the loop will draw a bar for each one.

How do I make a bar graph in Scratch?

You can use a list to store scores, and then use a loop to draw a bar for each score. The height of the bar matches the score number.

Can I change the graph after I make it?

Yes! You can add or change scores in your list, and then update the graph so it shows the new information.