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 The Social Studies program at MTS gives students an opportunity to savor the historic, geographic and cultural richness of our world while promoting values of personal and social responsibility. Students celebrate people’s differences while, at
the same time, recognizing and appreciating their similarities. The program encourages students to live a life larger than themselves and to value the contributions and perspectives of others.
The curriculum is sequential, starting with a focus on the individual, family and local community, and gradually expanding to a study of California, American and world history and geography, with a broader view of global culture and historical perspective. Critical thinking and study skills are emphasized, as well as connections between ideas and action, and the past, present and future.
Across the grade levels a variety of methods are used to introduce, explore, enhance and reinforce content. These include discussion, role-play, the reading of source material and related literature, debate, lecture, art and music activities, and field trips. Through individual and small group work students are encouraged to take initiative and responsibility for their own learning. Opportunities are also provided to pursue topics of personal interest.
 Many projects have become valued school traditions. These include the creation of an illustrated cookbook based on each student’s ancestral history in the second grade, the trolley car adventure in San Francisco’s neighborhoods in the third grade, an overnight on one of California’s historic ships in the fourth grade, a three-day excursion to the Gold Country in the fifth grade, the "Big Dig" archeology project and "Greek Festival" in the sixth grade, the “Race to Mecca” in the seventh grade, and the great
“Geography Bee” contest, which includes all sixth through eighth-grade students.
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