Reported are guidelines which are the outgrowth of six conferences on the teaching of life science in the middle school. The membership of each conference was by invitation consisting of experienced middle school science teachers, biologists from universities, the BSCS staff, and observers. The guidelines were developed to provide direction in developing life science curriculums which have as a major focus the study of man and his environmental interactions. Particular attention is given to changing concepts regarding the middle school as an institution, new points of view about the teaching of acience, studies on adolescent development, research on learning and curriculum, and problems of teacher education. A more detailed account of the conference proceedings may be acquired without cost by requesting in writing "BSCS Special Publication #7" from BSCS, P. O. Box 930, Boulder, Colorado 80302. (DS)