The curriculum guide presents a working draft of the fourth grade component of a K-6 social studies program using the expanding environments approach which was developed by the Allegany County Board of Education in Maryland. The overall objective is to help teachers assist their students in gaining the understanding needed to deal with the problems of a complex society. The bases for each unit are three goals (development of social science concepts, skills, and social attitudes), and six conceptual statements relating to ethnic heritage studies; family life; and citizenship, career, consumer, and environmental education. The key question/suggested activity format involves students in gathering and organizing data, and in analyzing its content and implications. The fourth grade unit is presented in two sections. Section I pertains to the geography of Maryland, studying how land forms, bodies of water, natural resources, and climatic conditions affect people in the state. Activities emphasize how environmental and geographical features determine the way people in Maryland live and meet their needs. Section II covers the growth and development of the state during the colonial period, focusing on the goverment and economic system. Activities study the contributions of outstanding citizens and ethnic and cultural groups during this period. Each section includes key questions relating to the topic, a list of community resource people and places to visit, and a bibliography briefly annotating many tradebooks, texts, and multimedia resources. Some handouts for duplication are included. (CK)