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Super Mario Maker Maths

Super Mario Maker enemy spacing maths mission

A practical mini-mission using enemy spacing to practise pattern rules through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

You can use Super Mario Maker to learn about patterns and spacing by placing enemies in repeating sequences, helping you understand how to create and continue number patterns in maths.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to create and continue repeating patterns when placing enemies in Super Mario Maker, and you will be able to use this pattern knowledge to solve maths problems involving equal spacing and number sequences. Success signs:
  • You can identify a repeating pattern in a sequence of enemies
  • You can continue a pattern by adding the next enemy in the sequence
  • You can describe the rule for how the pattern works
  • You can use your pattern knowledge to solve simple maths problems

Why this matters

Patterns are everywhere in maths and in real life. When you play Super Mario Maker, you are using maths to make your levels fun and challenging. Understanding how to create and continue patterns helps you solve problems in games, school, and daily life. It helps you predict what comes next, and it builds skills for more advanced maths like multiplication and algebra.

How it works

In Super Mario Maker, you can place enemies in repeating patterns. For example, you might place a Goomba, then a Koopa Troopa, then a Goomba, then a Koopa Troopa again. This creates a pattern that repeats every two enemies. To understand this pattern, you need to:
  1. Look at the first few enemies to see the order
  2. Identify what comes next in the sequence
  3. Continue the pattern by placing the correct enemies
  4. Check that your pattern works the same way all the way through

Examples you can see

Let’s look at a simple pattern of enemies in Super Mario Maker:
Position Enemy
1st Goomba
2nd Koopa Troopa
3rd Goomba
4th Koopa Troopa
5th Goomba
6th Koopa Troopa
This pattern repeats every two enemies: Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Goomba, Koopa Troopa, and so on. This is a simple alternating pattern. You can also make more complex patterns, like:
Position Enemy
1st Goomba
2nd Goomba
3rd Koopa Troopa
4th Goomba
5th Goomba
6th Koopa Troopa
This pattern repeats every three enemies: Goomba, Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Goomba, Goomba, Koopa Troopa.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are creating a Super Mario Maker level and you want to place enemies along a path. You have a long path that is 10 spaces long. You want to place enemies in a pattern that repeats every 3 spaces: Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Goomba. Here’s your challenge:
  1. 1st space: Goomba
  2. 2nd space: Koopa Troopa
  3. 3rd space: Goomba
  4. 4th space: ?
  5. 5th space: ?
  6. 6th space: ?
  7. 7th space: ?
  8. 8th space: ?
  9. 9th space: ?
  10. 10th space: ?
Can you complete the pattern? What comes next in the sequence?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Placing the wrong enemy because you forget the pattern.
    Why it happens: You might be looking at the pattern too quickly or not counting carefully.
    Fix: Count the positions and check your pattern carefully. You can write down the pattern to help you remember.
  • Mistake: Thinking the pattern is different from what it really is.
    Why it happens: You might see only a few items and assume the pattern is different.
    Fix: Look at at least three items to be sure of the pattern, then check it continues.
  • Mistake: Not checking if the pattern repeats correctly.
    Why it happens: You might get distracted and not notice if you make a mistake.
    Fix: Go back and check each position to make sure it fits the pattern.

Parent and carer guide

To help your child with this pattern learning, you can:
  • Ask your child to explain the pattern they are making in Super Mario Maker
  • Use everyday objects to make patterns like blocks, toys, or food items
  • Play simple pattern games like “What comes next?” with your child
  • Encourage your child to write down patterns they see in games or daily life
  • Be patient if they make mistakes – it’s part of learning

Practice questions

  1. What comes next in this pattern: Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Goomba, Koopa Troopa, ?
  2. Complete this pattern: 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, ?
  3. If a pattern is: Red block, Blue block, Green block, Red block, Blue block, ?, what comes next?
  4. What comes next in this pattern: 5, 10, 5, 10, ?
  5. If you have a pattern of 3, 6, 3, 6, 3, ?, what is the next number?
Answers:
  1. Koopa Troopa
  2. 2
  3. Green block
  4. 10
  5. 6

FAQ

What is a pattern in maths?

A pattern is a sequence of numbers, shapes, or objects that follow a rule. The rule tells you how to continue the sequence.

How do I find a pattern?

Look at the first few items in the sequence. See if they repeat or follow a rule. Then check if that rule works for the rest of the sequence.

Why do patterns matter in games like Super Mario Maker?

Patterns make levels more interesting and challenging. They help players predict what comes next and make the game more fun and balanced.

Can I use patterns for anything else?

Yes! Patterns help you in many areas of life. For example, they help you plan your day, solve puzzles, and even understand music or art.

How can I practice patterns at home?

You can make patterns with toys, blocks, or even food items. Try creating patterns with different colours, shapes, or sizes and see if you can continue them.