This unit is designed as an overview of the year's course on economics and socio-economic problems. Pupils learn something about economics as a social science and the role of economists in helping people solve economic problems. They examine steps in problem solving and learn to distinguish between questions asking for explanation and prediction from those asking for normative or value decisions. The unit calls for a study of the concept of scarcity, and introduces pupils to some of the key questions which arise out of scarcity--what and how much should be produced; how it should be produced; how goods and services should be divided among people. Some time is spent considering ways in which economic goals differ in different societies and among different groups within American society. Objectives, content, teaching procedures, learning activities, and materials are outlined. Some of the broad skills toward which teaching is aimed are that the student: attacks problems in a rational manner; locates, gathers, organizes and analyzes information and draws conclusions; develops attitudes of skepticism toward conventional truths, and values objectivity in interpretation of evidence. Related documents are SO 005 541 through SO 005 456. (JLB)