One of a series of teacher-developed curriculum guides designed to encourage student participation and involvement in important social issues, this secondary level guide presents toxic waste as one example of a current issue requiring social action. The first section focuses on the skill of investigating as a means of introducing students to empirical methods, to the connection between science and social problems, and to an awareness of environmental issues. After completing readings on the biases of scientific studies and two case histories, student activities focus on identifying hazardous waste substances, finding out more about residential toxic waste, and exploring toxic waste treatment in their community. Lab activities deal with toxic waste and groundwater, testing soil and water, the effect of pH and salt on living organisms, and detection of heavy metals in water. Examples of active approaches to environmental problems are presented in the final section, in which students may: read about Rachel Carson, whose writing was influential in arousing public concern over the dangers of pesticides; discuss a toxic waste treatment program implemented in Denmark; examine government decision making; participate in a mock congressional hearing on toxic waste; and create a research plan for investigation. A list of resources concludes the guide. (LH)