Curriculum guidelines are given for social studies instruction in primary grades in New South Wales. No compulsory topics are suggested, but the rationale, objectives, and areas of inquiry provide a framework within which teachers can work. Based on the assumption that social studies should contribute to the development of individuals who can operate flexibly and responsibly in a changing environment, the guidelines suggest ways in which to form children's patterns of thinking, valuing, feeling, and acting. Three areas of inquiry--personal, social, and environmental--are to be explored through focus questions. They establish problems of concern to the child, stimulate curiosity, and promote concept development. Processes of inquiry and discovery which influence thinking are explained, and the nature and development of values awareness are explored. Activities and teacher roles which help promote children's emotional responses and positive personal actions are suggested. A variety of resources are seen to be important, and specific learning activities such as role play and field studies are recommended to provide learning contexts. The purposes and methods of evaluation are reviewed and components of unit structure are outlined. (AV)