Helps economics and social studies teachers foster critical thinking by introducing students to the real-life dimensions of the controversies in contemporary economics. With teaching tips and information on finding materials and activities for the classroom, this book includes coverage of the Voluntary National Content Standards for economics.

It addresses real-life topics that are ignored or glossed-over in traditional textbooks - economics and the environment, the distribution of income and wealth, discrimination, labor unions, globalization, the power of corporations, and more. It offers critical guidance for meeting all 20 Voluntary National Content Standards in economics, and also provides an overview of the political and intellectual history and contemporary state of economics education.