Objectives, content, and scope of instruction for teaching social studies in the seventh grade are defined in this curriculum guide for New York City public schools. Learning activities, which reflect a variety of teaching techniques, are developed under five themes: (1) "Why People Moved to the New World," (2) "How Permanent Settlements were Formed in the New World," (3) "How the Thirteen Colonies Became One Nation," (4) "How America Grew in a Changing Political Climate," and (5) "How American Democracy Changed in Response to the Needs of the Twentieth Century." Basic understandings and concepts to be developed are outlined for each theme. Case studies correlated with the learning activities are suggested to enable the child to apply resources and materials drawn from his social science experiences. Specific lesson suggestions, sample reading materials, and student bibliographies are included. (SW)