Information and learning activities about Russia are presented in this sixth grade social studies unit. Among the unit's objectives are identification of political and economic effects of Communism, determination of the size of the Soviet Union and its latitudinal position, and comprehension of the causes and effects of the Sino-Soviet split. Special emphasis is on Russia's cultures, geography, historical development, and role in the 20th century. Teachers are encouraged to select from 70 learning activities including field trips, role-playing historical characters, and comparing pollution problems of Lake Baikal and Lake Erie. The unit outlines concepts to be learned, skills, objectives, learning activities, common misconceptions, vocabulary, maps, and objective and essay tests. Teachers should be able to incorporate part or all of the unit into existing social studies course plans. A bibliography on the U.S.S.R. concludes the unit. (AV)