This curriculum guide, which was designed for an exploration/orientation course in home economics, introduces students to the field of home economics. It is designed to develop the total well-being of students to empower them to become healthy, well-adjusted, self-confident, productive persons, family members, and workers. The guide contains the following materials: a course description, course objectives, background information for instructors, an abbreviated course outline and timeline, a detailed content outline, a bibliography listing 76 references for teachers and students, and a variety of teaching activities. The course outline identifies the major topics, and the more detailed content outline serves as a basis for creating the curriculum, developing lesson plans, and interpreting through the learning activities. The teaching activities develop specific portions of the content outline. Each activity includes the following sections: a teacher's page with student objectives, materials needed, directions, evaluation, Future Homemakers of America-Home Economics Related Organization correlation, teacher notes, and the Illinois State Goals for Learning that are incorporated. Supportive materials such as worksheets and transparency masters are included for some of the activities. Eight topics covered in the teacher activities are: healthful lifestyles, self-esteem, relationships, management, nurturing, human development, life situations, and careers. (KC)