A cross-cultural approach is used to foster an understanding of modern China in this 8-part handbook of supplementary social studies materials for grades 5 through 12. Part 1 focuses on students' perceptions of China. Following a pretest, in which students consider their own stereotypes, three exercises help students gain a sense of the Chinese and their place in the world. Students examine Western and Chinese maps and drawings of the various Chinese ethnic groups, and write a story. In part 2, students learn about Chinese geography by studying the meaning of Chinese place names. Activities in part 3 use a national and international perspective to examine Chinese history. Chinese scientific innovations, views of the West, the Chinese Communist revolution, and China's present leadership are among the topics covered. Part 4, contemporary China, contains cross-cultural comparisons of proverbs, schools, social values, television programming, and children. Specific Chinese institutions such as Confucianism, footbinding, and the national population control campaign are studied. Students analyze a case history and a text on China in parts 5 and 6. Teacher reference materials, including a glossary, explanation of the Chinese alphabet, and bibliography comprise part 7, while the final section contains student handouts to accompany lessons in sections 1 through 4. (LP)