The thematic, integrated subject curriculum presented in this comprehensive teacher's guide is based on a study of Gallatin County's local history and is intended to enrich students' perceptions of their rural Montana culture, heritage, and environment, and provide them with a knowledge base for decision making about the future. Introductory material describes teacher involvement in the curriculum development process and gives the rationale for teaching the unit. Part 2 lists sub-units of the original theme organized by grade level as follows: wildlife, shelter--K-1; agriculture, ethnic backgrounds--2; folk lore, timber--3; early explorers, ranching--4; railroads, cities and towns--5; government, life styles--6; ecology, recreation--7; geography, Native Americans--8; education--K-8. Parts 3 and 4 list 18 broad goals for the program and outline specific types of activities to be developed in lesson plans. Activities are listed by sub-unit for each grade level under the subject headings of reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social science, art, music, and health/physical education. Part 5, the bulk of the guide, provides lesson plans that designate behavioral objectives, procedures to follow, and materials needed. Parts 6-8 contain appropriate vocabulary to be taught for each sub-unit, a guide to available human and material resources, and a sample format for assessing student performance on specific objectives. (JHZ)