The underlying objective of this book is to review past and present curriculum patterns to emphasize the changes being carried out today so that preservice, beginning, and experienced teachers may glean some new ideas about involving the child in the process of learning. All of the social disciplines help explain the complex process of man's development and his rise from the primitive to space society. The mass of materials and practices offered to teachers in the field of social studies have been carefully evaluated. The ideas offered here, as well as the media and materials suggested, have all been tried out in classrooms in a variety of situations from inner cities to suburban and rural school systems. All the -ists Sound Interesting: Grouping the Children for Inquiry is the first of six chapters. Look, Listen, Take, and Make: The Media Book goes into audiovisual material, simulation games, field trips, and community resources. Something's Always Going On: Current Events and Special Events discusses the use of the news media, periodicals, television and radio. The last three chapters are: All Crowded Up: Abstract Devices-Maps, Globes, and Time Relationships; People, Places, and Poetry: Children's Literature in the Social Studies; and, Did the Indians Sing? Arts and Humanities in the Social Studies. (Author/SBE)