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Scratch Maths

Scratch multiples catch game maths mission

A practical mini-mission using multiples catch game to practise multiples through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

You can play a fun Scratch game to catch multiples and learn them better! This helps you spot patterns and practice your times tables while having a great time.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to identify multiples of numbers from 1 to 12 and play a Scratch game that helps you catch and collect them. Success signs:
  • You can say what multiples of 3 are
  • You can play a Scratch game to catch multiples
  • You can explain how to find multiples of any number
  • You can use multiples in a real-life situation

Why this matters

Multiples are super useful in real life and games. When you play board games, count your pocket money, or even play sports, you use multiples without even realising it. In Scratch, you can make your own games that catch multiples to help you learn them faster. Learning multiples helps you understand how numbers work together, which makes it easier to do bigger maths problems later.

How it works

Multiples are the numbers you get when you count by a certain number. For example, if you count by 3s, you get 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and so on. These are all multiples of 3. You can also think of multiples as equal groups. If you have 4 groups of 5, that's 20 things total – so 20 is a multiple of 4 and 5. To play a Scratch game that catches multiples:
  1. Set up a character that moves around
  2. Make falling objects that are multiples of a number
  3. When the character catches a multiple, you get a point
  4. Try to catch as many multiples as you can

Examples you can see

Let's look at multiples of 5:
Counting by 5s Multiples of 5
1 x 5 5
2 x 5 10
3 x 5 15
4 x 5 20
5 x 5 25
6 x 5 30
7 x 5 35
8 x 5 40
9 x 5 45
10 x 5 50
11 x 5 55
12 x 5 60
Here's how you can imagine it:
  • Imagine 5 rows of 4 apples each – that’s 20 apples total. So 20 is a multiple of 5 and 4.
  • Think of a football team with 5 players – if you have 3 teams, that’s 15 players. So 15 is a multiple of 5 and 3.
  • Count your fingers – 5 fingers on one hand. If you have 2 hands, that’s 10 fingers. So 10 is a multiple of 5 and 2.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Multiples Mission You are a space explorer on a mission to collect energy crystals. Each crystal is a multiple of a special number. Your spaceship can only collect crystals that match the multiples you're learning.
  • 1st time: You see a crystal that says "12". Is this a multiple of 3?
  • 2nd time: You see a crystal that says "24". Is this a multiple of 6?
  • 3rd time: You see a crystal that says "35". Is this a multiple of 5?
  • 4th time: You see a crystal that says "42". Is this a multiple of 7?
  • 5th time: You see a crystal that says "18". Is this a multiple of 9?
Try to answer these questions and see if you can collect all the crystals!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 15 is a multiple of 4.
    Why it happens: Not knowing how to count by 4s.
    Fix: Count by 4s: 4, 8, 12, 16. So 15 is not a multiple of 4.
  • Mistake: Confusing multiples with factors.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that multiples are what you get when you multiply.
  • Mistake: Thinking 0 is not a multiple of any number.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that any number times 0 is 0.
    Fix: 5 x 0 = 0, so 0 is a multiple of 5.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that every number is a multiple of 1.
    Why it happens: Not realising that 1 x 5 = 5.
    Fix: Every number is a multiple of 1 because 1 x any number = that number.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Playing the multiples game together
  • Counting by different numbers together (like 3s, 4s, 6s)
  • Using real-life examples like groups of items
  • Encouraging them to explain how they know a number is a multiple
  • Using the game to practice times tables
Try this:
  • Ask your child to find 3 multiples of 7
  • Use a multiplication chart to show patterns
  • Play a quick game of "catch the multiples" with items around the house
Remember, it's okay if they make mistakes – that's how they learn!

Practice questions

  1. Is 24 a multiple of 6?
  2. Is 36 a multiple of 9?
  3. Is 42 a multiple of 7?
  4. Is 18 a multiple of 3?
  5. Is 50 a multiple of 5?
Answers:
  1. Yes
  2. Yes
  3. Yes
  4. Yes
  5. Yes

FAQ

What are multiples?

Multiples are the numbers you get when you count by a certain number. For example, counting by 4s gives you 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 – these are all multiples of 4.

How do I know if a number is a multiple of another?

You can divide the number by the other number. If there's no remainder, it's a multiple. For example, 20 ÷ 5 = 4, so 20 is a multiple of 5.

Why is learning multiples important?

Multiples help with understanding times tables, fractions, and patterns. They also help you solve bigger math problems more easily.

Can I use multiples in games?

Yes! You can make games like catching multiples in Scratch or playing board games that use multiples to score points.

How can I practice multiples at home?

You can count by different numbers, use objects like blocks or coins, or play games with family members to practice identifying multiples.