Classroom teachers are presented with a rationale and general information for teaching about controversial issues. Following an introduction, material is arranged in six sections under topical questions. The first section considers educational and social benefits of teaching about controversy. Motivation, application of social studies content and skills to real issues, and enhancement of intellectual skills are among the benefits discussed. The second section provides guidelines from the National Council for the Social Studies to help teachers choose controversial topics appropriate for the classroom. How to deal with parent or community problems that may result from teaching controversial issues is examined in the third section. Suggestions for introducing controversial issues to students not familiar with their use in the classroom and effective instructional strategies are presented in the fourth and fifth sections. The final section is a bibliography of resources for teaching about controversial issues. (LP)