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
Challenge Level
Can you put these shapes in order of size? Start with the smallest.
Sort the Street Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Challenge Level
An investigation that gives you the opportunity to make and justify predictions.
Nine-pin Triangles Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level
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
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
Challenge Level
Can you find examples of magic crosses? Can you find all the possibilities?
Reach 100 Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level
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.
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NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.
NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.