A sample of a one-year curriculum for an elementary social studies program is organized within the framework of the value system which gives expression to the culture of the American nation, rather than following the sequential development of historical events. The goal of the program is to understand if contemporary Americans can comprehend the social conditions of the present by a study of the nation in the past and if Americans today detect drastic changes in values, beliefs, and practices. The publication is primarily a resource guide which includes the following four units: American Culture; Social Stratification; Political Culture; and Economic Resources and Growth. Each unit begins with an introductory overview followed by a listing of the generalizations guiding the development of the unit. Major concepts are then defined and the student objectives are spelled out. Sample suggested activities are then developed. Each unit ends with possible evaluation exercises and a suggested listing of instructional materials for teachers and students. The first unit on American culture can be used as a model for developing similar units. (Author/KSM)