Cases to enhance reasoning in mathematics and education for sustainable development

The need to develop cross-curricular teaching in sustainable development is immense, and mathematics education has an important role. However, there are only a few suggestions on what such teaching can look like for younger children. This short communication presents a theoretical analysis of six cases used in a research project focusing on teaching children between 4 and 8 years old. The chosen concept was sharing, a key concept in sustainable development also relevant to mathematics education. The cases used in the project are analysed regarding afforded mathematical properties and ethical theories. Each case is then commented on using the combined results from the project. The cases illustrate a plausible content, and together with teachers’ didactical choices, they form an appropriate content for teacher education and professional development courses.