Among the most common cognitive abilities that social studies teachers value and want students to master is that of comparing. While students are frequently given things to compare, they are less likely to be taught a set of procedural steps for "how to compare," steps that they can use to compare any two or more things. This article provides some key definitions associated with comparing, outlines a model for comparative thinking, provides steps students can use to compare, and describes how students might study and learn these things within a collaborative group setting. By using the model, examples, and collaborative team activity described in this article, teachers might be able to help their students master the basics of comparing.