The handbook provides a guide for elementary school teachers (grades 1 through 6) in developing a curriculum around five general concepts: (1) there is dignity in all work, (2) the life of a culture depends on its workers who produce goods and services, (3) there are many kinds of work, (4) mankind uses tools for work, and (5) work has rewards. Each of the six sections covers a different level of concept exploration. All five general concepts are presented at each level with appropriate supporting material for the grade level. Each concept is followed by more specific subconcepts, behavioral objectives for the child in terms of concept investigation, and suggestions for learning activities to relate the behavioral objectives and concepts to the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, and tool technology. Also listed for each concept at all six grade levels are bulletin board suggestions and resources (references, field trips, resource persons, and audiovisual aids). (Author/MS)