This handbook contains suggestions for teaching the facts, principles, and behaviors relevant to civil defense in social studies classes, grades 1-12. These classes were chosen as the entry point for civil defense education because the core of the civil defense concept is government in action with other community agencies to save lives and property in man-made or natural disasters. The materials are grouped by lower, intermediate, and secondary grade levels. Each section includes: 1) a general statement to the teacher including goals, suggestions for performance objectives, activities, and source materials; and, 2) 11 sample units are in three sections entitled: Acquainting Children with Civil Defense, Involving Children in Civil Defense, and The Student and Government in Emergency. Seven appendices include: a Student Checklist for School Emergencies, Outline for Family Emergency Planning, annotated bibliography, list of government films for the units, a glossary of terms, and rosters of State Civil Defense Officials and Education Coordinators. (Author/DJB)