The 1997-98 Asian financial crisis and its aftermath have brought to light a number of crucial economic lessons. This curriculum unit focuses on some of the purported causes of the crisis, the workings of the International Monetary Fund, and the general nature of economies affected by financial turmoil. Lesson 1, "A Story of Boom and Bust in Asia, 1997-98," introduces basic economic terminology and exchange market mechanisms; a class newspaper activity directs students to investigate the Asian crisis on the Internet. Lesson 2, "The International Monetary Fund (IMF)," focuses on the history and responsibilities of the IMF; handouts for teacher and students describe a classroom team quiz activity. Lesson 3, "A Glance at the Crisis," consists of two parts in which students can apply what they have learned from the first two lessons; part 1 is a role play in which students divide into groups representing 10 different East Asian countries and the IMF Executive Board, and in part 2 all groups participate in a discussion that simulates the IMF country evaluation process. (BT)