Rare Treasure: Mary Anning and Her Remarkable Discoveries
on Goodreads (89)
What’s inside...
Describes the life of the English girl whose discovery of an Ichthyosaurus fossil led to a lasting interest in other prehistoric animals.
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mary Anning
Joseph Anning
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Mary Anning successful in her fossil discoveries?
Why do you think Mary's discoveries were important to science?
How do you think Mary felt when she uncovered something new?
What can we learn from Mary Anning's perseverance and curiosity?
How can we apply Mary's dedication to our everyday tasks or schoolwork?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the challenges Mary faced and how she overcame them.
Discuss the role of women in science during Mary's time and explore how that has changed.
Relate Mary's curiosity and dedication to your child’s experiences in learning and exploring new things.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage visual learning and ask your child what they can infer about the era from the pictures.
Praise your child’s insights and curiosity, boosting their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: Mary Anning's dedication to fossil hunting, despite many challenges, illustrates the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in their studies or hobbies, even when they find them challenging.
Example Lesson: Curiosity drives discovery
Explanation: Mary's inquisitive nature about fossils and what they tell us about the past highlights the importance of curiosity in learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore subjects that fascinate them, promoting a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Women can excel in science
Explanation: Mary Anning's success as a paleontologist in a male-dominated field shows that gender does not determine scientific ability or success.
Real-World Application: This can help foster a belief in gender equality from a young age and inspire girls to pursue interests in STEM fields.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite personal and societal obstacles, Mary Anning continued her scientific pursuits, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to overcome personal challenges and setbacks, understanding that perseverance can lead to achieving one's goals.
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing knowledge
Explanation: Mary Anning's contributions to science were recognized globally because she shared her findings with others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of collaboration and sharing knowledge to advance learning and discovery.