This teaching guide for a grade 8 social studies course presents six units on American society. The following main ideas represent the units: (1) Institutions tend to undergo continuous change (Colonial period). (2) Changes result from dissatisfaction with the status quo, and attempt to dispell the dissatisfaction (Revolutionary War period). (3) Divergent ways of life tend to compete for available resources and political power (conflict between North and South). (4) As a society changes from agricultural to industrial, new institutions arise to deal with these changes. (5) Men seek to improve their conditions through obtaining those rights they consider essential to their welfare. (6) A nation affects and is affected by the nations with which it interacts. The objectives of the curriculum, 11 key concepts to be studied in all grades, and 19 behavioral objectives to be attained in grade 8 are listed. Strategies for teaching attitudes and cognitive skills are given; and "organizing ideas," suggested learning activities, notes for teachers, and evaluation exercises are provided for each unit. (LH)