Designed for use in Iowa elementary schools, this unit introduces students to Iowa's Amana Colonies. Four lessons cover the history and cultural heritage of the colonies, daily life in historical times, daily life in modern times, and the colonies as a corporate museum. Throughout the lessons, emphasis is placed on the values and organization of cooperative communities. Student activities include film viewing, comparison of the Amana colonies with other communal settlements, role playing, the baking of traditional foods, and the study of the colonies as a production unit. The document is one of a collection of materials from the Iowa Area Education Agency 7 Teacher Center Project. (LP)