The objective of this manual is to provide descriptions and analyses of social studies projects that will allow teachers and curriculum coordinators, in a short period of time, to make decisions about and then select curriculum appropriate to their needs. Thirty-six exemplary programs for high school and junior high students represent not only a variety of social studies disciplines but also an interdisciplinary approach. Showing the recent trends in social studies during the past decade, the programs reviewed place emphasis upon concepts, behavioral objectives, affective objectives, social problems, inquiry process, student oriented curriculum, international education, and assessment of student learning. Following the introduction a selection guide, organized by subject area, lists programs alphabetically and gives a brief resume of important program characteristics. In addition to a one page description of each of the projects, the major part of the work contains information on goals and objectives, content and materials, classroom action (including an overview of instructional strategies and an account of a typical lesson), requirements and costs of implementation, and program development and evaluation. (SJM)