Coordinate Treasure Maps Lab
Use coordinates to find hidden treasure! Plot (x, y) points on a grid, reveal treasure locations, and calculate the distance between them.
Guided Experiment: Coordinate Treasure Hunt Investigation
If you know the (x, y) coordinates of two treasures, how do you think you would calculate the distance between them? Write your prediction.
Write your hypothesis in the Lab Report panel, then click Next.
Controls
Choose a Treasure Map
Treasure Clues — Pirate Cove
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Walk 3 steps right, then 4 steps up.
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Walk 7 steps right, then 2 steps up.
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Walk 5 steps right, then 8 steps up.
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Walk 1 step right, then 6 steps up.
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Walk 9 steps right, then 5 steps up.
Plot a Point
Coordinate Grid
Distance Challenge
How far is it from the Gold Coins (3, 4) to the Crown (9, 5)?
Hint: Distance = |x₂ − x₁| + |y₂ − y₁| (count grid steps, no diagonals)
Data Table
(0 rows)| # | Treasure | X | Y | Distance from Start | Notes |
|---|
Reference Guide
Reading Coordinates
A coordinate is written as (x, y). The first number (x) tells you how far to go right. The second number (y) tells you how far to go up.
Always start at (0, 0) — the origin — and move right first, then up.
Grid Distance
To find the distance between two points (moving only horizontally and vertically):
Distance = |x₂ − x₁| + |y₂ − y₁|
This counts the total number of grid steps between the points.
The Four Quadrants
A full coordinate plane has 4 quadrants. In this lab we use only the first quadrant where both x and y are positive (0 or greater).
In higher grades, you will explore negative coordinates in the other three quadrants.
Real-World Maps
Coordinate grids are used in real maps, GPS systems, and city planning. Longitude and latitude are like x and y coordinates on Earth's surface.