This series of 12 short essays with teacher's guides is designed to provide secondary students with practical skills and knowledge of our economic system. Objectives are for students to: (1) identify basic concepts which underlie our economic system, (2) understand how systems operate, (3) analyze strengths and weaknesses of the economic system, (4) synthesize knowledge into personal financial planning, and (5) judge the authenticity of economic data. For each of the 12 essays, the teacher's guide lists the primary objective, key concept, terms to know, generalizations, and relevant learning experiences. "A Dollar and Sense Quiz" tests knowledge about everyday economic matters that affect everyone. Learning experiences include collecting newspaper articles on the economy and inviting the personnel manager of a large department store to speak. "Whatever Happened to the Nickel Candy Bar" establishes the relationship between prices, productivity, and the economic well-being of a society. Learning experiences involve making price comparison charts and researching federal laws related to productivity. "The Magic of New Products" explores the role of new product research and development in a growing economy. The learning experience involves classifying new products as beneficial to the individual or society, as vital or faddish, or as advantageous to world trade. Other essays explore the free enterprise system, inflation, the job market, and foreign trade. References and a glossary of economic terms are included. (KC)