"Crosses on the Lawn," the television program featured in this videotape and teaching guide, covers the causes and effects of the issues raised by racial hatred, and it reveals attempts to heal the wounds of bigotry. The fictional town of Springdale, home of the two main characters, Chaz and Chris, one white and one black, becomes a microcosm for how racial intolerance can creep into a society and rear its ugly head during times of strife. Students will be challenged to examine attitudes toward racial groups, to think critically about stereotypes, and to recognize that tolerance is needed most when times are difficult. The guide provides teachers with step-by-step strategies for using the television program, and it provides questions for pre-viewing, viewing, and post-viewing discussion, as well as activities that engage United States history and social studies, English and language arts, civics, media literacy, life skills, and music. (Contains a resource list of 7 books, 1 video, 8 organizations, and 14 Web sites.) (BT)