This monthlong interdisciplinary, award winning project was designed to help kindergarten children in Kentucky understand basic economic principles that affect their daily lives. The children study about the poverty-stricken people of the Appalachian mountain area of the state. Through the operation of a classroom coal mine and company store, the children learn that Kentucky is the major coal producing state in the country. They develop an understanding of many basic economic principles, including scarcity, goods and services, and opportunity cost. They form their own business, called the Kentucky Kinder Crafts, and, as the people of Appalachia have for decades, use resources at hand to produce unique items and then sell them to the general public. Other project activities involve students in viewing filmstrips and films, working in learning centers, listening to stories and guest speakers, and putting on an Appalachian folk festival. Project evaluation reveals that students increase their knowledge of basic economic concepts as a result of this project. Print and nonprint project resources are listed. (RM)