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Low Threshold High Ceiling

Low Threshold High Ceiling

A low threshold high ceiling task is one which is designed to be mathematically accessible, and to have built-in extension opportunities. In other words, everyone can get started and everyone can get stuck. In this updated feature, we bring together our favourite low threshold high ceiling tasks, as well as two articles which will support you in creating a low threshold high ceiling classroom.

Low Threshold High Ceiling - an Introduction
Age 5 to 18

In this article for teachers, we explain what is meant by Low Threshold High Ceiling tasks, and why we like them.

Creating a Low Threshold High Ceiling Classroom
Age 5 to 18

This article explores the key features of a Low Threshold High Ceiling classroom.

Sizing Them Up
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level

Can you put these shapes in order of size? Start with the smallest.

Sort the Street
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level

Sort the houses in my street into different groups. Can you do it in any other ways?

Inside Triangles
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level

How many different triangles can you draw on the dotty grid which each have one dot in the middle?

Noah
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level

Noah saw 12 legs walk by into the Ark. How many creatures did he see?

How Many?
Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level

Have a look at these photos of different fruit. How many do you see? How did you count?

Totality
Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level

This is an adding game for two players. Can you be the first to reach the target?

Four Triangles Puzzle
Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level

Cut four triangles from a square as shown in the picture. How many different shapes can you make by fitting the four triangles back together?

Poly Plug Rectangles
Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level

The computer has made a rectangle and will tell you the number of spots it uses in total. Can you find out where the rectangle is?

Tiling
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

An investigation that gives you the opportunity to make and justify predictions.

Nine-pin Triangles
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

How many different triangles can you make on a circular pegboard that has nine pegs?

Neighbourly Addition
Age 7 to 14
Challenge Level

I added together some of my neighbours' house numbers. Can you explain the patterns I noticed?

Magic Crosses
Age 7 to 14
Challenge Level

Can you find examples of magic crosses? Can you find all the possibilities?

Reach 100
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

Choose four different digits from 1-9 and put one in each box so that the resulting four two-digit numbers add to a total of 100.