Mary Anning - Fossil Hunter

In Mary Anning - Fossil Hunter, readers are introduced to the life and achievements of one of the most influential fossil hunters in history. From discovering her first fossils on the cliffs of Lyme Regis to contributing significantly to the field of palaeontology, Mary Anning's story is one of determination, curiosity and resilience. The book carefully outlines her early life and the challenges she faced as a working-class woman in science, and highlights her ongoing legacy in earth science. Featuring clear non-fiction text elements such as labelled illustrations, captions and a glossary, this text supports young readers in engaging with biography, historical context and scientific discovery. Through Mary's story, students learn about how personal passions can lead to extraordinary discoveries.

Educational Benefits:

• Introduces historical context and the concept of perseverance in science.
• Supports reading of non-fiction with labelled diagrams and glossary.
• Enhances understanding of fossils and prehistoric life.
• Encourages curiosity about natural history and scientific careers.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a class timeline of Mary Anning's discoveries.
• Conduct a mock fossil dig using clay and small objects.
• Write a biography or newspaper article about Mary's achievements.
• Explore different types of fossils and how they are formed.

Safety & Information:

• Ages: 6+
• Measurements: 150 x 200 mm
• Specifications: 12 pages
• Contains only age-appropriate language and imagery; no small parts.