List

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.

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Low Threshold High Ceiling - an introduction

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

article

Creating a Low Threshold High Ceiling Classroom

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

problem

Favourite

Sizing them Up

Age

5 to 7

Challenge level

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

problem

Favourite

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?

problem

Favourite

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?

problem

Favourite

Noah

Age

5 to 7

Challenge level

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

problem

Favourite

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?

problem

Favourite

Totality

Age

5 to 11

Challenge level

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

problem

Favourite

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?

problem

Favourite

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?

problem

tiling

Age

7 to 11

Challenge level

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

problem

Favourite

Nine-Pin Triangles

Age

7 to 11

Challenge level

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

problem

Neighbourly Addition

Age

7 to 14

Challenge level

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

problem

Magic Crosses

Age

7 to 14

Challenge level

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

problem

Favourite

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.

list

More Low threshold high ceiling tasks

Age

5 to 11