Mary Anning KS1

Mary Anning KS1 History Lessons: Fossils, Dinosaurs and Discovery

Who was Mary Anning, and how did her incredible fossil discoveries change our understanding of prehistoric life? This engaging Mary Anning KS1 History scheme of work introduces children in Years 1 and 2 to the remarkable life of one of Britain's most important fossil hunters, exploring her discoveries, achievements and lasting contribution to science.

Across five ready-to-teach History lessons, children travel back more than 200 years to Georgian Britain, discovering what everyday life was like when Mary Anning was born and how it differed from life today. They'll explore the story of a young girl from Lyme Regis whose fascination with fossils led to extraordinary discoveries, helping scientists develop a new understanding of the creatures that lived on Earth millions of years ago.

Children begin by investigating life in Georgian Britain, using timelines to locate the 18th and 19th centuries and comparing everyday experiences then and now. They'll then discover the key events of Mary Anning's life, from her childhood collecting fossils along the Dorset coast to her growing reputation for making important scientific discoveries. Through sequencing activities, they'll develop their chronological understanding and explore why Mary Anning became such a significant historical figure.

Next, children investigate one of Mary Anning's most famous discoveries: the fossilised remains of an Ichthyosaurus. They'll discover how the creature's skull was found, why the discovery was so important and what it revealed about prehistoric life. Using historical vocabulary and evidence, children will retell the story of the discovery or imagine themselves as museum curators explaining the fossil to visitors.

The following lesson explores how Mary Anning's fossil discoveries helped scientists learn more about prehistoric animals. Children investigate fossils as historical sources, discover how scientific understanding developed over time and sequence important developments in the study of fossils and dinosaurs.

Finally, children consider why Mary Anning did not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime. They'll explore how women were treated differently in the past, discover how Mary Anning is remembered today and celebrate her achievements by writing letters of thanks or designing commemorative stamps.

Perfect for teachers looking for Mary Anning KS1 lessons, History planning or fossil-themed activities, this complete scheme supports the KS1 History National Curriculum study of significant individuals who have contributed to national and international achievements. With engaging historical investigations, practical activities and opportunities to develop chronological understanding, it helps children discover how one person's curiosity and determination can change the way we understand the world.

What children will learn

• discover what Georgian Britain was like and compare everyday life in the past with life today

• locate the Georgian era on a timeline and develop an understanding of centuries and chronological order

• learn who Mary Anning was, when she lived and why she became an important historical figure

• explore Mary Anning's childhood in Lyme Regis and her fascination with collecting fossils

• sequence significant events in Mary Anning's life and explain her achievements

• investigate Mary Anning's famous Ichthyosaurus discovery and understand why it was so important

• develop historical vocabulary, including fossil, extinct, prehistoric, discovery, source and palaeontology

• understand how fossils provide evidence about animals and plants that lived millions of years ago

• explore how Mary Anning's discoveries contributed to scientists' growing understanding of prehistoric life

• sequence important developments in fossil research and scientific knowledge

• investigate how women were treated differently in the past and why Mary Anning struggled to receive recognition for her work

• discover how Mary Anning's achievements are remembered and celebrated today

• develop historical enquiry skills by examining sources, asking questions, comparing periods and using evidence to investigate the past

What's included

This complete five-lesson Mary Anning KS1 History scheme of work includes everything you need to plan, teach and assess your unit:

• 5 detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives, teaching guidance and engaging historical investigations

• Ready-to-teach presentation slides introducing Georgian Britain, Mary Anning's life, her fossil discoveries and her historical significance

• Differentiated worksheets and activities to support children with different learning needs

• Printable teaching resources, including historical timelines, sequencing cards, information sheets, comparison cards and historical vocabulary support

• Fossil discovery activities, including creating books about the Ichthyosaurus discovery and exploring how fossils provide evidence about prehistoric life

• Chronological investigations helping children sequence events in Mary Anning's life and developments in scientific understanding

• Creative activities, including museum curator challenges, letters to Mary Anning and commemorative stamp designs

• Alternative activity suggestions offering additional ways to explore each lesson

• A History knowledge organiser featuring key facts, historical vocabulary, a timeline, sources and enquiry questions

• An assessment grid to help track children's understanding, chronological knowledge and historical enquiry skills

All resources are supplied as downloadable PDFs, ready to use in your Year 1 or Year 2 classroom.