The curriculum guide presents a working draft of the sixth grade component of a K-6 social studies program using the expanding environments approach which was developed by the Allegany County Board of Education in Maryland. The overall objective is to help teachers assist their students in gaining the understanding needed to deal with the problems of a complex society. The bases for each unit are three goals (development of social science concepts, skills, and social attitudes), and six conceptual statements relating to ethnic heritage studies; family life; and citizenship, career, consumer, and environmental education. The key question/suggested activity format involves students in gathering and organizing data, and in analyzing its content and implications. The sixth grade unit is presented in two sections. Section I deals with the rules and laws every society and group develops to govern the conduct of its members and to provide protection for them. Activities study the structure of local, state, and national governments and compare the different forms of government in effect throughout the world. Section II is a comparative study of a selected world culture and the United States. Activities are designed to aid a better understanding of diverse cultures. Each section includes key questions relating to the topic, a list of community resource people and places to visit, and a bibliography briefly annotating many tradebooks, texts, and multimedia resources. Some handouts for duplication are included. (CK)