The primary emphasis of this teaching guide for a grade 6 social studies course is on the people of the societies which exist in Middle and South America. Five units, each organized around a main idea, are suggested: (1) "Cultures change in varying degrees when they come in contact with another culture." (2) "Though all cultures possess certain unique features, they are also similar in a number of ways." (3) "The human and natural resources and geographic features of an area influence the material prosperity of the people within that area." (4) "Different cultures deal with certain basic problems in a variety of ways." (5) "Changes that occur in one part of a society often produce changes in other parts of the society." Notes to the teacher, learning objectives, learning activities, and evaluation exercises are developed for each unit. Teaching strategies for cognitive skills and for attitudes, values, and feelings are given. Also listed are the objectives of the curriculum of which this course is a part, the 11 key concepts emphasized throughout it, and 19 behavioral objectives to be achieved during the sixth grade. (LH)