Designed to accompany an audiovisual filmstrip series devoted to presenting a visual history of life in America, this guide contains an elementary school (grades 2-6) unit which traces the history of dress in America over the last century. Using authentic visuals including posters, paintings, advertising, documentary photography, movies, cartoons, and photographs, the materials offer students a look at the clothes Americans wore during the past century and social influences affecting clothing styles. Beginning with the time of the "bustle" and the effect of the bicycle and "horseless carriage" on clothing styles, the materials trace America's dress through the 1970's. Intended to develop the ideas presented in the filmstrip, the guide presents an introduction to material covered in the filmstrip, suggestions for classroom use (e.g., preliminary discussion, preparation for visual appreciation, a vocabulary check, and a history review outline), the script, reproductions of filmstrip frames, follow-up points for discussion, follow-up student projects, notes on the visuals, a glossary, a list of 17 recommended references, and notes on past series. (LH)