This occasional paper views homework as an opportunity to exploit the potential of outside resources and environments to complement in-school learning opportunities. Out-of-school learning opportunities are considered in the context of principles for planning and implementing learning activities. These principles involve: (1) goal relevance, meaning that the activity is built around powerful ideas that are basic to accomplishment of important curricular goals; (2) appropriate level of difficulty, meaning that the activity is difficult enough to provide some challenge and extend learning, but not so difficult as to leave many students confused or frustrated; (3) feasibility, meaning the activity is feasible for accomplishment within prevailing constraints; and (4) cost effectiveness, meaning benefits justify the activity's cost in time and trouble. The authors identify 11 potential purposes or functions of out-of-school learning opportunities, drawing examples from social studies. Among other advantages, assignments can provide opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in school to their lives outside of school; to draw on their life experiences and family backgrounds to provide case material as input to in-class discussions; and to involve parents and other family members in the school's agenda in rewarding ways. (SH)