The articles in this special edition were compiled to provide information to Canadian social studies teachers about Pacific Rim countries. Section 1, entitled "The Big Picture and Future Interests," contains: (1) "Social Studies for the 21st Century" (J. Tucker); (2) "Culture and Communication: A Perspective on Asian Studies for Tomorrow's Students" (J. Walls); (3) "Canada's Interests in the Asia-Pacific Region"; and (4) "The Pacific Rim: Gateway to the Future" (G. Jones). Section 2 contains case studies on: (1) "Teaching about Thailand" (G. Potter); (2) "The Societal Values of British Columbia and China: A Comparison" (G. Dickson); (3) "China's Decade of Economic Reforms" (G. Boreham); (4) "Taming the Yangtze" (C. Williams); and (5) "Environment and Culture at the Crossroads: Distance Education in Australia's Rural Queensland" (W. Cross). Section 3, "Teaching in the Pacific Rim," includes: (1) "Teaching Geography/Social Studies in China" (A. Marton); (2) "Teaching in Western Australia" (J. Fitzgibbon); (3) "Teaching in Canberra" (J. Wright); (4) "Teacher Exchange in the Pacific Rim" (J. Wright); and (5) "Social Studies Education in Victoria, Australia" (R. Goddard). (JHP)