Super Mario Maker Maths
Super Mario Maker jump distances maths mission
A practical mini-mission using jump distances to practise measurement through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.
Quick answer
By measuring and comparing how far Mario jumps in Super Mario Maker, children can learn to use measurement tools, compare distances, and solve simple problems using addition and subtraction.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to measure how far Mario jumps, compare those jumps, and solve simple maths problems about jump distances using real-world examples and Super Mario Maker. Success signs:- You can use a ruler or measuring tape to measure how far Mario jumps
- You can compare two jump distances and say which is longer or shorter
- You can add or subtract jump distances to solve problems
- You can imagine and plan your own Mario jumps using maths
Why this matters
Measurement is used everywhere – in building, cooking, sports, games, and even in making video games like Super Mario Maker! When you measure Mario's jumps, you're learning how to use rulers, compare sizes, and solve problems. This helps you understand how far you walk, how long your toys are, and how to plan your own jumps in real life.How it works
To measure Mario’s jump distance:- Set up Mario on a platform
- Press the jump button and see how far he goes
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance
- Record the distance in centimetres or metres
- Compare two jumps to see which is longer or shorter
- Use addition or subtraction to solve jump maths problems
Examples you can see
Let’s imagine Mario jumping across a gap in Super Mario Maker. Example 1: Measuring a jump Mario jumps from one platform to another. - He jumps 50cm. - You measure it with a ruler. - That’s how far he went. Example 2: Comparing jumps Mario jumps 50cm one time. Mario jumps 70cm another time. - Which jump was longer? - The 70cm jump was longer. Example 3: Adding jumps Mario jumps 40cm. Then he jumps 60cm. - How far did he go in total? - 40cm + 60cm = 100cm Example 4: Subtracting jumps Mario jumps 80cm. Then he jumps 30cm. - How much further did he go the first time? - 80cm - 30cm = 50cmTry it as a mini adventure
Super Mario Maker Jump Mission You are a game designer in Super Mario Maker! Your mission: Measure Mario’s jumps and solve maths problems. 1st time: Mario jumps 40cm. 2nd time: Mario jumps 60cm. 3rd time: Mario jumps 50cm. Now you have a challenge: - Which jump was the longest? - What is the total distance of all three jumps? - How much further did Mario go in the second jump than the third? Answer these questions: 1. The longest jump was 60cm. 2. Total distance = 40cm + 60cm + 50cm = 150cm. 3. Second jump - third jump = 60cm - 50cm = 10cm.Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking you can’t measure jumps because they are in a game. Why it happens: Children think only real things can be measured. Fix: You can measure anything – even in games! Just imagine the ruler or tape.
- Mistake: Confusing addition and subtraction. Why it happens: It’s easy to mix up what operation to use. Fix: Ask yourself: “Am I putting things together?” (addition) or “Am I taking something away?” (subtraction).
- Mistake: Not lining up the ruler properly. Why it happens: It’s tricky to measure in a game. Fix: Always start measuring from zero and line up the edge of the ruler with the start of the jump.
- Mistake: Forgetting to write the unit (cm or m). Why it happens: Kids are excited and forget details. Fix: Always say “centimetres” or “metres” after the number.
Parent and carer guide
To help your child with this mission:- Ask them to imagine Mario jumping and measure with a ruler at home.
- Play a game of “jump and measure” using toys or blocks.
- Encourage them to compare jump distances and ask “Which is longer?”
- Use everyday situations: “How far did you walk to the garden?” or “How much further did you jump than your friend?”
- Make it fun – say “You’re a Super Mario Maker maths expert!”
- Don’t worry if they make mistakes – they’re part of learning!
Practice questions
- Mario jumps 30cm. Then he jumps 40cm. How far did he go in total?
- Mario jumps 70cm. Then he jumps 20cm. How much further did he go the first time?
- Mario jumps 50cm. Then he jumps 50cm. Are the jumps equal?
- Mario jumps 80cm. Then he jumps 30cm. What is the difference between the jumps?
- Mario jumps 60cm. Then he jumps 40cm. What is the total distance?
- 30cm + 40cm = 70cm
- 70cm - 20cm = 50cm
- Yes, both jumps are 50cm
- 80cm - 30cm = 50cm
- 60cm + 40cm = 100cm
FAQ
What is Super Mario Maker?
Super Mario Maker is a video game where you can create your own Mario levels and play them.
Can you measure jumps in a video game?
Yes! You can imagine measuring the jumps with a ruler or tape. It helps you learn about distance and maths.
Why do we need to measure Mario’s jumps?
Measuring helps us compare, add, and solve problems. It’s like real-life maths, but in a fun game!
What if I don’t have a ruler?
You can use a stick, a piece of string, or even your hand to measure and compare distances.
How can I practice at home?
Try measuring how far you can jump or throw a ball, then compare your distances. You can also draw Mario jumping and measure it on paper!