Three lesson plans have been developed in conjunction with the Store Wars: When Wal-Mart Comes to Town documentary. The documentary, first shown on PBS in June 2001, follows the conflict that polarized the small Virginia town of Ashland when Wal-Mart decided it wants to build a megastore on the edge of town.

The lesson plans will allow students to understand the various cost/benefit issues and problems that city planners and local officials face when approached with a major decision such as approving zoning for a "big box" superstore. In one of the lessons, students role-play people involved in the Ashland/Wal-Mart story to learn the issues as seen through the eyes of the participants. Another activity has students summarize the possible costs and benefits of a Wal-Mart opening in their town in economic, social and environmental terms.

The Store Warslesson plans are written primarily for social studies classes in Grades 6-12.