In this unit, 2nd grade students will explore two ways that we tell stories in order to explain the world around us.  By focusing on a mountain that is (just about!) visible from the school, students will connect with the cultural importance of deep-time stories as a way to understand our landscape.  This will be compared to a geological explanation of mountains.  Students will engage in multiple ways with both types of stories--through listening, analyzing, illustrating, telling (the story), and comparing. A collaboration between the classroom and library, this unit includes extension activities in the art classroom and sets the stage for a connected writing project.  Students engage with local native culture and history and are encouraged to nurture a deeper respect for traditional tales.  A “Read and Analyze Nonfiction Chart” is used to scaffold a mini-research process, allowing students to confirm their prior knowledge and uncover misconceptions.