Outstanding community based work now going on in Vermont schools is described in this booklet which also suggests ways to develop similar work in other communities. The term "Community Studies" is used to encompass a broad range of activities carried out with the local community as the focus of and location for students' work. The booklet discusses ways of obtaining program support from school administrators, parents, and the local community; outlines the wide variety of experiences possible in community based studies; and gives guidelines for planning successful field trips. The section titled "Community Studies Activities" describes 50 projects undertaken in Vermont schools that succeeded in the eyes of the teachers and children involved. Activity categories are local history, media, natural resources, mapping, technology, government and social services, student businesses, community service projects, physical education and health, and agriculture and forestry. Additional activities illustrate the techniques of shadowing, interviewing, and observing and describe ways in which teachers have used community studies to augment the regular curriculum. Final chapters cover student writing (often the most striking success of community oriented work), record keeping, and local and regional resources. (JH)