One of a series of publications to assist Australian secondary school teachers in the area of social studies skill development, this booklet provides an introduction to basic social studies skills and their implications for classroom teaching. Following an introduction, part 1 examines current curriculum trends in Australia. Included in the discussion are the need for curriculum balance, the nature of core curriculum, and changes in teaching strategies, resources, and methods. Part 2 defines the educational content of social sciences, as well as its aims, skills, attitudes, and values. Part 3 focuses on the place and function of skill development in social science education. The skills of inquiry, communication, and social participation are discussed. Classroom strategies for developing student skills are outlined in part 4. Part 5 provides an outline of social science skills by category. Part 6 contains an instrument for planning a social science program. The final part is a case study of a model skills program. A bibliography and list of resources conclude the booklet. (LP)