Procedures to help intermediate-grade social studies teachers implement a local history unit are provided. Although intended for teachers in Iowa, the guide can easily be used by educators in any state. The procedures are organized around three major generalizations: (1) buildings and artifacts are resources in explaining the history of a community; (2) people's memories are resources in explaining the history of a community; and (3) documents are resources in explaining the history of a community. For each major generalization, lessons dealing with various subtopics are provided. Separate lessons for each of the intermediate grade levels--4, 5, and 6--are provided for each subtopic. Information provided for each subtopic includes summary, objective, suggested time, materials, and procedures or teaching methods. Students are involved in many different kinds of activities. For example, students sketch examples of architecture from their local community, take part in simulations, debate issues, make a community timeline, research primary sources, take field trips, research family histories, and interview community persons. The guide concludes with a glossary of old-house parts. (RM)