X Tables
Scratch Maths

Scratch times table racers maths mission

A practical mini-mission using times table racers to practise multiplication through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

You can use Scratch to create a fun maths mission where you race through multiplication tables by answering times table questions to move your character forward. It's like a game where you learn times tables while racing!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use multiplication facts from 1 to 12 to solve problems quickly and confidently, just like a maths champion in a Scratch race. Success signs:
  • You can answer 1 x 1 to 12 x 12 multiplication questions quickly
  • You understand how multiplication works using equal groups
  • You can use Scratch to create a times table racing game
  • You can play a game that helps you learn your times tables

Why this matters

Learning your times tables helps you do maths faster and easier. When you know them by heart, you can solve bigger problems without getting stuck. In Scratch, you'll make a game where you race through multiplication challenges – it's like a maths adventure that makes learning fun. This helps you build strong maths skills for school and beyond.

How it works

In Scratch, you can make a game where you race through multiplication questions. Here’s how it works:
  1. Choose a times table (like 3s or 5s)
  2. Set up your game character (your racer)
  3. Make a question appear on screen
  4. Answer the question correctly to move forward
  5. Keep racing until you finish the race

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you're racing in a Scratch game to learn your 4 times table.
  • Question 1: What is 4 x 1? Answer: 4
  • Question 2: What is 4 x 2? Answer: 8
  • Question 3: What is 4 x 3? Answer: 12
  • Question 4: What is 4 x 4? Answer: 16
  • Question 5: What is 4 x 5? Answer: 20
In your Scratch game, each correct answer makes your racer move forward. This helps you practice your times tables while having fun.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Times Table Race You are a maths champion and your mission is to race through a magical maths world to collect multiplication stars. Each star has a multiplication question on it. You must answer correctly to collect the star and move forward in your race. Here’s your race path:
  1. Start with 1 x 1 = ?
  2. Next question: 2 x 2 = ?
  3. Then: 3 x 3 = ?
  4. Next: 4 x 4 = ?
  5. Then: 5 x 5 = ?
  6. Next: 6 x 6 = ?
  7. Then: 7 x 7 = ?
  8. Next: 8 x 8 = ?
  9. Then: 9 x 9 = ?
  10. Next: 10 x 10 = ?
  11. Then: 11 x 11 = ?
  12. Next: 12 x 12 = ?
Can you solve all the questions and finish the race? You’ll need to think fast and use your multiplication skills!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 6 x 6 = 36, but confusing it with 6 + 6 = 12.
    Why it happens: Mixing up multiplication with addition.
    Fix: Remember that 6 x 6 means 6 groups of 6, so 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 36.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 1 x 7 = 7.
    Why it happens: Thinking 1 means nothing.
    Fix: Remember that 1 group of 7 is just 7.
  • Mistake: Saying 0 x 9 = 9.
    Why it happens: Thinking that multiplying by 0 gives the other number.
    Fix: Remember that 0 groups of 9 is nothing, so 0 x 9 = 0.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Playing the game with their child and asking them to explain how they solved a question
  • Using the times table facts to help their child practice at home
  • Encouraging their child to try new questions in Scratch
  • Helping them make their own Scratch race with different times tables
  • Not worrying if they make mistakes – it's part of learning!

Practice questions

  1. What is 3 x 4?
  2. What is 7 x 8?
  3. What is 11 x 11?
  4. What is 0 x 12?
  5. What is 9 x 5?
Answers:
  1. 12
  2. 56
  3. 121
  4. 0
  5. 45

FAQ

What is Scratch?

Scratch is a free online tool where you can create your own games, stories, and animations using simple drag-and-drop blocks.

How can I use Scratch to learn times tables?

You can make a Scratch game where you answer multiplication questions to move your character forward. It helps you practice times tables in a fun way.

What times tables should I start with?

Start with 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s because they are easier to learn. Then try 3s, 4s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s, 11s, and 12s.

Can I make a race with any times table?

Yes! You can make a race for any times table from 1 to 12. You can even make a race with mixed tables to challenge yourself.

How can I make my Scratch race more fun?

You can add sounds, costumes, and different backgrounds. You can also make your racer move faster or slower based on how fast you answer.

Scratch Times Table Racer Facts
Number 1 x Number 2 x Number 3 x Number 4 x Number 5 x Number 6 x Number 7 x Number 8 x Number 9 x Number 10 x Number 11 x Number 12 x Number
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
3 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
4 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
5 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
6 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
7 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84
8 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
9 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99 108
10 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
11 11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 110 121 132
12 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144