Futures Studies is the developing field of enquiry which seeks to examine possible, probable and preferable futures for humanity. The development of futures scenarios has a twofold purpose; it helps people more fully understand the present, and it encourages the development of planned future paths instead of those brought about through crisis management. Whilst governments, corporations and businesses have developed concepts and methodologies for appreciating futures, educational institutions have been slow to understand and teach these. Some of the reasons for this slowness are identified in the study. This thesis examines the field of Futures Studies and identifies the main concepts, knowledge and methodologies of futurists. These are each presented within a framework suitable for educational use, particularly in the middle years. The framework encompasses conceptualising the futures field on a continuum ranging from futures work which is developed from within dominant contemporary world views through to futures work which is developed from transformative world views which seek to reconceptualise the present. Both the methodologies used in Futures Studies and the knowledge developed by futurists also are placed at various points on the continuum. Because futurists deal in preferable futures, an understanding of ethics is vital for students and this perspective also is included in the framework.