The booklet presents 15 articles describing innovative social studies materials and teaching techniques. It was designed to help classroom teachers develop and implement social studies programs at the elementary school level. The materials were developed by teachers in education programs at the University of North Dakota from 1968-77. The first article presents a directory of commercial organizations which offer elementary school curriculum materials on legal and moral education, community development, and humanistic education. The second article suggests techniques to help children develop awareness of themselves and other people, and lists books which emphasize diversity in human development. Several articles describe the use of familiar resources (newspapers, telephones, money, parents, and other adults) in the classroom. Three articles discuss methods of teaching basic economic concepts to children. One article offers suggestions for bringing politics into the classroom dring and after national elections. Other articles deal with moral and career education for elementary school students. Learning activities include simulations, mapping and graphing activities, reading assignments, writing experiences, art work, and field trips. (Author/DB)