UKS2 Topic: Fossils and dinosaurs Block B: Mary Anning
Learn about Mary Anning, one of the most famous palaeontologists ever. Research the main fossilhunting areas of the UK and learn about the 18th Century when Anning lived. Improvise a play about
key events in her life.
Block B: Mary Anning
[4 sessions]
By the end of this block you will
have achieved the following
outcomes:
Session 1: Geography and Science
Fossils in the UK
Re-cap how fossils are made, learn
about the fossil-hunting areas of
the UK and create a map.
Session 2: History and Science
History of science
Learn about the 18th Century
science, society and the status of
women.
Session 3: Science and English
Mary Anning
Learn about Mary Anning, her life
as a fossil hunter and her
achievements.
Session 4: Science and English
Improvise a play
Improvise a play to tell other
children about Mary Anning,
drawing on all your previous
research.
Main outcome: Geography
Other outcomes: Science, History and English.
 Show on a map what types of fossils are found in which areas of Britain.
 Explain how fossils are formed.
 Understand that certain fossils are found in certain types of rocks.
 Find out about the work of palaeontologists such as Mary Anning.
 Do some research about Mary Anning.
 Start to put Mary Anning's life in the context of early 19th century England.
 Generate questions about Mary Anning.
 Explain more about Mary Anning's life.
 Recap what they know about Mary Anning.
 Find the answers to research questions.
 Perform in a play.
 Review their performances.
Children will
 Recognise that fossils provide information about living things that
inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
 Learn about geographical regions of the UK and their identifying physical
characteristics.
Children will
 Continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and
understanding of British history.
 Find out about the work of palaeontologists such as Mary Anning.
Children will
 Find out about the work of palaeontologists, such as Mary Anning.
 Planning writing for a specific purpose.
Children will
 Take part in performances.
 Learn about the life of famous palaeontologists, like Mary Anning.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Fossils and dinosaurs Block B: Mary Anning
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Map template; Geology of Britain.
You will need:
Session 2
Provided: Presentation about life in the early 19th century; Images of early 19th century England;
Sample mood board.
You will need:
Session 3
Provided: Researching Mary Anning.
You will need: Stone Girl, Bone Girl by Laurence Anholt; Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon by Jeannine
Atkins; The Fossil Girl by Catherine Brighton; Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter by Sally M. Walker;
Ichthyosaurus and Little Mary Anning by Brooke Hartzog.
Session 4
Provided: Writing a play review.
You will need: Stone Girl, Bone Girl by Laurence Anholt; Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon by Jeannine
Atkins; The Fossil Girl by Catherine Brighton; Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter by Sally M. Walker;
Ichthyosaurus and Little Mary Anning by Brooke Hartzog.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.