This handbook outlines the grade 3 course entitled "People as Members of Communities." A statement of the 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 third grade level. Topics covered include local government, local history, community study, community groups, cultural diversity, group membership, cooperation, conflict, communication, and quality of life. Appendices contain California education codes concerning history and social science instruction and the observance of special events. (LP)