And CONSUMER REPORTS' diverse topics connect to many areas of the curriculum --economics, social studies, business education, marketing, consumer mathematics, science, home economics (life styles, independent living), reading, careers, and, of course, consumer economics. Use it as a supplement to other classroom materials, as enrichment, or an alternative to textbook-based learning.

This year-long planning guide offers tips that will help you take full advantage of the numerous teaching opportunities in each issue of CONSUMER REPORTS. It's filled with ideas to make learning open-ended and to motivate students to read independently, question, and think for themselves --to evaluate rather than "swallow" what they see and hear.

How This Guide is Organized

Lesson plans and reproducible student activity masters are organized by type of article.

• Section 1 provides strategies for introducing students to CONSUMER REPORTS. Students will discover the magazine's unique purpose and features --the absence of outside advertising (and why that's significant), the kinds of information to expect, and more.
  
  
• Sections 2, 3, and 4 deal with articles about products. Autos and food get separate treatment. Students learn how to analyze information, use a ratings chart, plan a product test, develop shopping strategies, and comparison shop.
  
  
• Sections 5 and 6 deal with services. Section 5 covers non-financial services while Section 6 focuses on services relating to money and finance. Students will learn how to compare various kinds of services --from dry cleaners to fitness centers-- and find the best ways to save and invest.
  
  
• Section 7 covers articles on important consumer issues. Students will learn how to analyze problems and find solutions.
  
  
• Section 8 provides discussion and activity ideas for articles and features relating to health and safety.