The crux of energy-related issues goes beyond technological matters to the political, economical, cultural, geographical, and historical aspects of human society. Accordingly, this manual presents background information and lessons that are designed to help secondary school social studies classes examine several facets of energy problems and solutions. Unit I, Pumping Iron, looks at energy from an historical perspective in an effort to identify some causes and effects. The next unit, Energy Alternatives Today, raises political and economical issues on the local and national levels. Unit III, A Global Perspective, is devoted to worldwide implications, while the final section, The Local Community as a Model, aims at personal and civic action. Numerous maps, charts, and diagrams illustrate the written material. (Author/WB)