This handbook outlines the grade 6 course entitled "Our World, Its Diverse Peoples, and Their Societies." 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 sixth grade level. Topics covered include people of the United States, global interdependence, environment, cultural diversity, role of language, technology, basic needs and institutions, and belief systems throughout the world. Appendices contain California education codes concerning history and social science instruction and the observance of special events. (LP)