K-12 social studies teachers in all states can use the readings and exercises in this handbook. It can also be used in pre- and in-service teacher education. The first of six sections discusses social studies' history and goals, laws and regulations in North Dakota, and the new social studies. Materials and services available from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction are discussed in the second section. The third section presents background information, discussion questions, and teacher exercises on the unit, thematic, learning center, contract, inquiry, and inter-disciplinary approaches. Section 4 suggests student projects for oral history, reading in the content areas, mainstreaming, games about North Dakota, original student research, and global studies. The fifth section discusses concepts in social science disciplines. Questions for discussion and teacher exercises and activities are also included. Evaluation is the topic of the last section. The appendices contain the National Council for the Social Studies guidelines, statements concerning the essentials of education, a multi-ethnic education checklist, and information on North Dakota government and state institutions. (RM)