The Elders must have known that the young ones would hold onto exciting stories but might not keep their attention focused when listening to long monologues. Stories were told to children to teach lessons of respect, place, and history. These stories and histories can still teach our young, and perhaps they will hold our children's interest long enough so that they learn these valuable lessons. The National Science Foundation's Rural Systemic Initiative, whose goal is to increase the number of Native students in sciences by making science curriculum and activities relevant to local communities and cultures, funded the project. Their hope was to hook young students while they are still interested in the mysteries of the world.
Most elementary curriculum includes lessons on the moon and the tides.