Problems (tasks which students do not already have the tools to solve) precede teaching of the focal mathematics necessitated by the problem.
That is, the major point of a problem is to raise questions that can be answered and encourage students to use their intuition to address the questions before learning new mathematical ideas (Deslauriers et al., 2019).
From the 2023 CA Framework
The Challenge
The field is used to this...
But student learning needs them to think like this...
What steps are you taking to prepare for Big Ideas?
Fractions
as
Relationships
CA Big Idea: Know that a fraction is a relationship between numerators and denominators – and it is important to consider the relationship in context. Understand why 1/2=2/4=3/6.
Text
Grade 3
Big Ideas
Investigation
Grade 3 | Unit 8
To ensure that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world's most challenging problems.