This handbook outlines the grade 2 course entitled "People as Members of Groups." A statement of California philosophy of history-social studies education precedes the handbook's three sections. The first two sections present major goals of the overall program, an overview of social studies content for grades K-6, and a chart of content areas for grades K-12. Section 3 describes the topics, concepts, skills, learning activities, and media resources for the first grade level. Topics covered include group characteristics, group identity, American ethnic groups, group roles, resource use, rules and responsibilities, communication, problem solving, decision making, conflict, cooperation, group changes, and group artistic traditions. Appendices contain California education codes concerning history and social science instruction and the observance of special events. (LP)