Super Mario Maker Maths
Super Mario Maker difficulty data maths mission
A practical mini-mission using difficulty data to practise statistics through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.
Quick answer
You can use Super Mario Maker difficulty data to learn about statistics like averages, ranges, and data sets by collecting information about how hard different levels are and comparing them.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to collect, sort, and compare data about how difficult different Super Mario Maker levels are, and find out which levels are easiest or hardest. Success signs:- You can count how many levels are in each difficulty category
- You can find the average difficulty score of a set of levels
- You can compare two or more levels to see which is harder
- You can show your data using a simple chart or list
Why this matters
Statistics help us understand information and make decisions. When you play Super Mario Maker, you can use maths to learn how your levels compare to others. This helps you improve your game design skills and understand how hard levels are. You might also use these skills when you are planning a party, sharing toys, or comparing prices at the shop.How it works
To do this Super Mario Maker mission, you need to:- Find some Super Mario Maker levels to look at
- Decide how to measure difficulty (like number of enemies, jumps, or time to complete)
- Record the difficulty of each level
- Sort your data from easiest to hardest
- Find the average difficulty
- Compare levels to see which are easier or harder
Examples you can see
Let’s imagine you are collecting data about 5 Super Mario Maker levels. You decide to measure difficulty by how many coins you need to collect to finish each level. Here’s how you might record your data:| Level Name | Coins Needed |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 12 coins |
| Level 2 | 18 coins |
| Level 3 | 8 coins |
| Level 4 | 22 coins |
| Level 5 | 15 coins |
- Level 3: 8 coins
- Level 1: 12 coins
- Level 5: 15 coins
- Level 2: 18 coins
- Level 4: 22 coins
- 12 + 18 + 8 + 22 + 15 = 75 coins
- 75 ÷ 5 = 15 coins average
Try it as a mini adventure
Super Mario Maker Mission: The Difficulty Detective You are a detective trying to find out which Super Mario Maker levels are the hardest and easiest. You must go on a mission to collect data from 6 different levels. Here’s your mission plan:- Choose 6 Super Mario Maker levels to test
- For each level, count how many coins you collect before finishing
- Record the number of coins for each level
- Sort your levels from easiest (fewest coins) to hardest (most coins)
- Find the average number of coins needed to finish all levels
- Write down which level was the easiest and which was the hardest
- Level A: 5 coins
- Level B: 10 coins
- Level C: 7 coins
- Level D: 15 coins
- Level E: 12 coins
- Level F: 20 coins
- Easiest level: Level A (5 coins)
- Hardest level: Level F (20 coins)
- Average: (5 + 10 + 7 + 15 + 12 + 20) ÷ 6 = 70 ÷ 6 = 11.67 coins
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Forgetting to sort the data from easiest to hardest.
Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused when you’re counting.
Fix: Use a number line or list the numbers in order to help you. - Mistake: Adding the numbers wrong when finding the average.
Why it happens: Adding big numbers can be tricky.
Fix: Use a calculator or count carefully, or add them in pairs to make it easier. - Mistake: Thinking the hardest level is the one with the most coins.
Why it happens: You might mix up what makes a level hard.
Fix: Think about how many jumps, enemies, or time it takes to finish.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:- Encouraging them to write down their data neatly in a table
- Helping them to check their addition by counting again or using a calculator
- Asking questions like, “Which level was the most difficult?” or “What is the average number of coins?”
- Using their own Super Mario Maker levels to show how to collect and compare data
- Reinforcing that it’s okay to make mistakes and that learning from them is part of the fun
Practice questions
- Look at these 4 Super Mario Maker levels and sort them from easiest to hardest based on coins needed:
- Level A: 9 coins
- Level B: 14 coins
- Level C: 6 coins
- Level D: 11 coins
Answer: C, A, D, B
- Find the average number of coins for these levels:
- Level 1: 8 coins
- Level 2: 12 coins
- Level 3: 10 coins
Answer: (8 + 12 + 10) ÷ 3 = 30 ÷ 3 = 10 coins
- Which level is the hardest if the coin counts are:
- Level X: 25 coins
- Level Y: 18 coins
- Level Z: 20 coins
Answer: Level X
- What is the range (difference between hardest and easiest) for these levels:
- Level P: 7 coins
- Level Q: 13 coins
- Level R: 5 coins
Answer: 13 - 5 = 8 coins
- What is the average number of coins for these levels:
- Level 1: 15 coins
- Level 2: 20 coins
- Level 3: 10 coins
- Level 4: 25 coins
Answer: (15 + 20 + 10 + 25) ÷ 4 = 70 ÷ 4 = 17.5 coins
FAQ
What is a data set?
A data set is a collection of information, like the number of coins needed for each level in Super Mario Maker.
How do I find the average?
Add up all the numbers and then divide by how many numbers there are.
Why do we sort data?
Sorting helps us see patterns and compare things more easily, like which level is easiest or hardest.
Can I use other things to measure difficulty?
Yes! You could measure difficulty by how many jumps, enemies, or time it takes to finish.
What if I don’t have Super Mario Maker?
You can still do this mission with any game or activity where you can measure difficulty in numbers, like how many steps it takes to complete a puzzle or how many points you score in a game.