This unit has three essential questions:

1. What is a balanced equation?
2. Why would an equation need to be balanced?
3. How can we use balanced equations to model and solve real-world problems?

Before students can go about solving equations, they must understand what it actually means for an equation to be balanced, both in theory and in terms of real-world situations. They must also understand why it’s even necessary for an equation to be balanced in the first place; this will give the math a purpose, which is always important. Students will first encounter the idea of a balanced equation through exploring a real-world scenario, and will continue to work with similarly relatable scenarios throughout the unit. By basing this mathematical concept in the real world and showing them why it exists, students will have the understanding necessary to move towards more abstract representations, such as variables.