The Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Unearthed the Truth About the Dinosaurs
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
Unearth the mysteries of ancient fossils and discover the life and legacy of Mary Anning in this beautifully illustrated, fact-filled book for curious young readers. Have you ever found something mysterious? Something where you had no idea what it was but you had this feeling it was important? That's how Mary Anning felt when she discovered her first fossil. Learn about her discoveries and how they changed the world of science forever.
Age
7-11
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mary Anning
Joseph Anning
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Mary Anning to become a fossil hunter despite the challenges she faced?
How do you think Mary felt when she made her first big discovery? Can you imagine how you would feel in her place?
What qualities do you think made Mary Anning successful in her field?
How do you think the discoveries of Mary Anning changed the way people viewed the world around them?
If you could ask Mary Anning one question about her work or her discoveries, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Mary Anning's shoes while discussing the questions, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of her experiences.
Highlight the perseverance and curiosity showcased by Mary Anning, relating it to everyday challenges and learning opportunities your child encounters.
Utilize the book's illustrations and historical context to spark more in-depth conversations about the era Mary lived in and how it compares to today.
After discussing the book, consider doing a small project together, like a simple fossil impression using clay or playdough, to bring the theme of the book to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The character of Mary Anning demonstrates relentless determination as she overcomes societal and financial hurdles to make significant discoveries in paleontology.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through challenges, whether it's completing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Mary's natural curiosity about fossils fuels her education and leads her to important scientific discoveries, despite her lack of formal schooling.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their interests and seek knowledge, understanding that education isn’t limited to the classroom.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and its history
Explanation: Through her fossil hunting, Mary shows deep respect for the natural world and strives to uncover and preserve its history.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of conserving nature and promotes an interest in scientific and historical preservation.
Example Lesson: Breaking gender stereotypes
Explanation: Mary Anning challenges the gender norms of her time by excelling in a male-dominated field, showcasing her contributions to science.
Real-World Application: Inspires both boys and girls to pursue their passions and talents regardless of societal expectations.
Example Lesson: The value of sharing knowledge
Explanation: Mary’s discoveries were shared with the scientific community, contributing to the field of paleontology and enriching public understanding of Earth’s history.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of collaboration and sharing discoveries for the advancement of all, motivating children to share their own findings and ideas.