A theme issue of the Iowa State Historical Department magazine ("The Goldfinch") focuses on elementary readings and activities about Iowa prairie life. A total of 13 articles is included. In "History Makers," eight letters recount student and teacher prairie experiences. "The Prairie: Problems or Paradise?" recounts the trials and successes of prairie life for explorers and farmers. "Help William Get to Iowa" poses a simple map exercise dealing with settlers. "William Crosses the Prairie" summarizes the ordeals of a settler family crossing the prairie. "Good Times" cites the contest of the corn-husking bee. "Settling On the Praire: Hard Work and Hard Winters" examines farmer life on the prairie. "Strawberries and Rattlesnakes" presents a board game illustrating settler survival."What Do You Do With A Slough?" describes life in the prairie swamps. "Map Game" illustrates land purchasing. "The People of Iowa" discusses an Iowa botanist. "Are There Any Prairies Today?" assesses prairie land yesterday and today. "History Mystery" involves students in analyzing a photograph. Finally, "Pass It On" provides related fun exercises. (TRS)