Super Mario Maker checkpoints maths mission

Quick answer

You can use Super Mario Maker checkpoints to learn about fractions by figuring out what part of the level you've completed, or how many coins you've collected from each checkpoint.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use checkpoints in Super Mario Maker to practice fractions, like working out what part of a level you've finished or how many coins you've collected from each checkpoint.

• You can identify fractions like 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4 when looking at checkpoints.
• You can compare how many coins you've collected from different checkpoints.
• You can solve simple fraction problems using Mario's journey through levels.
• You can explain how checkpoints help you understand parts of a whole.

Why this matters

Fractions help you understand parts of a whole, and they're used in games, cooking, sharing, and even sports. In Super Mario Maker, checkpoints are like dividing a level into parts. When you collect coins from each checkpoint, you're working with fractions. This helps you understand how many coins you've gathered compared to how many you could have collected. It's like learning how much of your pizza you've eaten or how many of your friends got a slice.

How it works

Let's imagine you're playing Super Mario Maker and you're going through a level with checkpoints. Each checkpoint is a part of the level. If your level has 8 checkpoints and you've reached the 3rd one, you've completed 3/8 of the level. That means 3 parts out of 8 parts.

1. Count how many checkpoints there are in total.
2. Count how many you've reached.
3. Write it as a fraction: reached checkpoints / total checkpoints.
4. You can also use coins to practice fractions. If you collect 6 coins from 3 checkpoints, you can work out how many coins you got per checkpoint.

Examples you can see

Let's look at a Super Mario Maker level with 6 checkpoints.

You collected a total of 21 coins. You can now work out how many coins you got from each checkpoint as a fraction of the total.

• Checkpoint 1: 4/21 of all coins
• Checkpoint 2: 3/21 of all coins
• Checkpoint 3: 5/21 of all coins
• Checkpoint 4: 2/21 of all coins
• Checkpoint 5: 6/21 of all coins
• Checkpoint 6: 1/21 of all coins

This helps you see how much each checkpoint contributed to your total.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let's go on a Super Mario Maker mission together!

Imagine you're making a level with 12 checkpoints. You collect coins at each one.

1. Checkpoint 1: 3 coins
2. Checkpoint 2: 5 coins
3. Checkpoint 3: 2 coins
4. Checkpoint 4: 4 coins
5. Checkpoint 5: 6 coins
6. Checkpoint 6: 1 coin
7. Checkpoint 7: 3 coins
8. Checkpoint 8: 5 coins
9. Checkpoint 9: 2 coins
10. Checkpoint 10: 4 coins
11. Checkpoint 11: 3 coins
12. Checkpoint 12: 6 coins

Mini Challenge: How many coins did you collect in total? What fraction of the coins did you get from Checkpoint 5?

Answer: Total = 44 coins. Checkpoint 5 = 6/44 of all coins.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 3/8 means 3 out of 8 parts, but not understanding that 8 is the total.
• Why it happens: Kids might see the numbers and not think about what they mean.
• Fix: Use real objects like counters or coins to show what 3 out of 8 means.

• Mistake: Counting checkpoints incorrectly, like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, but the level only has 12.
• Why it happens: Rushing or not double-checking.
• Fix: Count the checkpoints on your screen and write them down one by one.

• Mistake: Mixing up numerator and denominator in a fraction.
• Why it happens: Not knowing which number goes on top and which goes on bottom.
• Fix: Remember: numerator = what you have, denominator = what you're comparing to.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child understand fractions by playing Super Mario Maker together. Ask them to count how many checkpoints they've reached and how many coins they've collected from each one. You can use a small number of coins or counters to show how fractions work in real life.

• Ask questions like: "What part of the level have you finished?"
• Encourage them to write down fractions like 3/6 or 4/8.
• Use everyday examples: "If you had 10 cookies and ate 3, what fraction did you eat?"
• Don't worry if they make mistakes. Use them as learning moments.
• Keep the mood fun and exploratory, not like a test.

Practice questions

1. How many coins did you collect from 4 checkpoints if you got 2 coins from each?
2. If a level has 10 checkpoints and you've reached 7, what fraction of the level have you completed?
3. You collected 15 coins from 5 checkpoints. How many coins did you get from each checkpoint?
4. Which checkpoint gave you the most coins if you collected 3, 5, 2, 7, 4?
5. How many checkpoints are there if you've reached 5 and that's 1/2 of the level?

Answers

1. 8 coins (2 × 4 = 8)
2. 7/10
3. 3 coins per checkpoint (15 ÷ 5 = 3)
4. Checkpoint with 7 coins
5. 10 checkpoints (5 × 2 = 10)

FAQ

What is a checkpoint in Super Mario Maker?

A checkpoint is a point in the level where Mario can restart if he falls. It helps players track progress and collect coins.

How can I use checkpoints to learn fractions?

You can use checkpoints to see how many parts of the level you've completed or how many coins you've collected from each part.

Can I use fractions with other games?

Yes! You can use fractions in any game where you collect items or complete levels.

What if I don't know how to add fractions?

You can start by comparing fractions with the same denominator, like 2/5 and 3/5. The bigger numerator means more.

How can I make learning fractions more fun?

Use games, real-life examples, or even drawing your own levels with checkpoints. Make it a challenge!