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Super Mario Maker Maths

Where is sequencing hiding in Super Mario Maker world maps?

Plan a sequence of levels and count paths through the world.

Quick answer

In Super Mario Maker world maps, sequencing hides in the order you build levels, the paths you take through the world, and how you plan your level design. Sequencing means arranging things in a logical order – like the steps to build a level or the sequence of paths to collect coins.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to plan a sequence of steps to build a Super Mario Maker level and count how many paths you can take through your world map. Success signs:
  • You can list the steps to build a level in order
  • You can count the number of different paths through a simple world map
  • You can explain how sequencing helps you make your game easier to play
  • You can use a simple map to show your level design sequence

Why this matters

Sequencing is a big part of how you build games like Super Mario Maker. When you plan a level, you must think about the order of blocks, enemies, and coins. When you play a world map, you need to figure out the best path through different levels. Understanding sequencing helps you solve puzzles, plan your day, and build better games. In real life, sequencing helps you:
  • Plan your morning routine (brush teeth, eat breakfast, get dressed)
  • Follow a recipe (add ingredients in the right order)
  • Play a board game (move pieces in the right sequence)
  • Build with LEGO (put pieces together in order)

How it works

Sequencing means putting things in a logical order. In Super Mario Maker, you can:
  1. Plan the order of levels in your world
  2. Decide which blocks come first, second, and third
  3. Plan the path you take through your world
  4. Count how many different paths you can take
Let’s start with a simple example. Imagine you are building a level with 3 blocks. You must decide:
  1. Where to place the first block
  2. Where to place the second block
  3. Where to place the third block
This order is a sequence. When you play a world map, you might go:
  1. Level 1
  2. Level 2
  3. Level 3
That’s also a sequence.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are building a Super Mario Maker world map with 4 levels. You can make a sequence of how to build them:
Step Level What to do
1 Level A Draw a simple path for Mario to run
2 Level B Add some coins to collect
3 Level C Place some enemies to jump over
4 Level D Make a big castle at the end
This is a sequence of steps. You must do them in order to build your world. Now let’s look at paths through a world map. Imagine your world map has 3 levels: A, B, and C. You can take paths like:
  1. A → B → C
  2. A → C → B
  3. B → A → C
  4. B → C → A
  5. C → A → B
  6. C → B → A
That’s 6 different paths through the world. You can count them by listing them out.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Build Your Super Mario Maker World Map You are the world map designer for a new Super Mario Maker game! You have 3 levels to place in your world. Your goal is to:
  1. Decide the order of your 3 levels
  2. Draw a simple map showing how you go from one level to the next
  3. Count how many different paths you can take through your world
Step 1: Choose 3 levels. You can name them:
  • Level 1: The Forest Path
  • Level 2: The Mountain Climb
  • Level 3: The Castle Gate
Step 2: Decide the order you want to play them. For example:
  1. Forest Path
  2. Mountain Climb
  3. Castle Gate
Step 3: Draw a map showing how to go from one level to the next. You can draw arrows or use numbers. Step 4: Count how many different orders you can play your levels. Try to list them all. Try to think of other ways to arrange the levels. How many different paths can you find?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to list all possible paths through the world.
    Why it happens: When counting paths, it’s easy to miss one or two.
    Fix: Write down each path as you think of it, or use a chart to keep track.
  • Mistake: Mixing up the order of levels when planning.
    Why it happens: It’s hard to keep track of steps when you are thinking quickly.
    Fix: Use a checklist or write down the steps before you start building.
  • Mistake: Not thinking about the best path through the world.
    Why it happens: You might want to go straight to the last level, but it’s harder.
    Fix: Plan a path that makes sense for players, like easy to hard levels.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Asking the child to explain the order of steps they took to build a level
  • Using a simple drawing to show how levels connect
  • Counting paths together to make sure the child understands
  • Encouraging the child to try different orders and see what happens
  • Playing with the child to see how they plan their game
What to say:
  • “What order did you put your levels in?”
  • “How many different ways can you go through your world?”
  • “Can you show me your path?”
What not to worry about:
  • Not knowing all the possible paths
  • Changing the order of levels
  • Making mistakes – they’re part of learning

Practice questions

  1. How many different orders can you arrange 3 levels?
  2. If you have 4 levels, how many paths can you take?
  3. Can you list all the paths for 3 levels?
  4. What is the first step in building a level?
  5. How does sequencing help you build a better game?
Answers:
  1. There are 6 different orders for 3 levels
  2. There are 24 paths for 4 levels
  3. For 3 levels A, B, C: A-B-C, A-C-B, B-A-C, B-C-A, C-A-B, C-B-A
  4. The first step is to decide what your level will look like
  5. Sequencing helps you build a game that makes sense and is fun to play

FAQ

What is sequencing?

Sequencing means putting things in order. In Super Mario Maker, it means deciding what to do first, second, and so on.

How does sequencing help in games?

Sequencing helps you plan levels and paths. It makes your game easier to play and more fun.

Can I use sequencing in my daily life?

Yes! You can use sequencing to plan your day, follow a recipe, or play a board game.

How many paths can I make with 5 levels?

With 5 levels, there are 120 different paths you can take.

Why is it important to count paths?

Counting paths helps you plan a good world map. It makes sure players have a fun and challenging game.