Critical thinking, responsible citizenship, cultural literacy, social relevancy; these concerns of educators in the social studies can be addressed through teaching and learning about the built environment. The tangible structures that humans have created (bridges, houses, factories, farms, monuments) constitute the built environment. Objects in the built environment can be used to enhance teaching and learning in core subjects of the social studies (history, geography, civics, and economics). This digest discusses: (1) what built environment education is; (2) why it belongs in the school curriculum; (3) how to connect it to the social studies; (4) how to initiate successful programs on it in schools; and (5) model programs and resources for teachers. (Author)