Mary Anning: FossilHunter
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English/Language Arts
Exploring language and craft
Author Sarah Towle begins this nonfiction minute by referring to a “proverbial phrase.” What is a “proverbial phrase”? Discuss the meaning of the proverb Sarah cites: Every cloud has a silver lining.
How does knowing the meaning of this phrase set us up and provide a scaffolding for understanding the story to follow?
Sarah uses a circular storytelling technique in her story about 19th century female scientist, Mary Anning. Compare and contrast the first and last paragraphs of her nonfiction minute. How are they the same? How are they different? How do they exemplify a ‘circular story’?
By definition, all stories have a beginning, middle, and end, and contain a problem to be resolved. This is called the story arc. Does Sarah manage to give us an arc in her telling of Mary Anning’s life?
Close reading skills
Sarah states that Mary Anning “found fossils of ammonite and belemnite, which she sold to summer tourists, possibly inspiring the tongue twister, She sells sea shells by the sea shore.” What role does the word “possibly” play in this sentence? What is the implied meaning?
Sarah writes, “Despite her limited education, [Mary] kept up with all the scientific journals and often wrote to them, challenging findings she did not agree with.” What role does the word “despite” play in this sentence? What does it imply?
Making meaning in context
Sarah uses the phrase “creature comforts” when describing the Anning’s childhood. Given what else she says about Mary and her family, what do you suppose she means by this phrase?
Social Studies
Sarah tells us that although Mary became well known and was celebrated by her colleagues, she was never admitted into the scientific circles of her day. Why? Find out what you can about British society in the early 19th century: What era was it? What was the role of women at that time? What was the status of the working class at that time?
Discuss how both gender and socio-economic status resulted in Mary’s automatic exclusion from her professional communities, despite being recognized as a leader in the fields of geology and paleontology.
Exploring themes
Sarah writes, “though she did not receive the recognition due her in life, Mary Anning is regarded today as one of the most influential women in the history of science.” Discuss why, more than 200 years after her birth, Mary is still considered a pioneer.
STEM
Geography
Mary Anning hailed from Dorset, England, located on the UK’s southern coast. The area is now referred to as the Jurassic Coast. Why?
Find the Jurassic Coast on the map. Research what geological phenomena occurred, and when, to create the rugged natural formations that inspire awe today.
Natural Science
Sarah refers to types of fossils, such as ammonite and belemnite, as well as different dinosaurs: Ichthyosaur, Plesiosaur, Pterosaur. Work in small groups to research these fossils and dinosaurs. Find out why they once roamed the area known as the Jurassic Coast.
Mathematics
Sarah writes that Mary sold her first dinosaur skeleton for 23£, the equivalent of $2000 today. That was when she was 12. What year would that have been?
Surf the web to find out what else could you buy for that much money at that time.
Google: “currency conversion.” Find an app that will allow you to calculate how many £s equal $2000. Which currency, British pounds or US dollars, is stronger at the present time. Discuss whether it would be better to travel in Britain with dollars right now, or in the USA with pounds.
Exploring language and craft
Author Sarah Towle begins this nonfiction minute by referring to a “proverbial phrase.” What is a “proverbial phrase”? Discuss the meaning of the proverb Sarah cites: Every cloud has a silver lining.
How does knowing the meaning of this phrase set us up and provide a scaffolding for understanding the story to follow?
Sarah uses a circular storytelling technique in her story about 19th century female scientist, Mary Anning. Compare and contrast the first and last paragraphs of her nonfiction minute. How are they the same? How are they different? How do they exemplify a ‘circular story’?
By definition, all stories have a beginning, middle, and end, and contain a problem to be resolved. This is called the story arc. Does Sarah manage to give us an arc in her telling of Mary Anning’s life?
Close reading skills
Sarah states that Mary Anning “found fossils of ammonite and belemnite, which she sold to summer tourists, possibly inspiring the tongue twister, She sells sea shells by the sea shore.” What role does the word “possibly” play in this sentence? What is the implied meaning?
Sarah writes, “Despite her limited education, [Mary] kept up with all the scientific journals and often wrote to them, challenging findings she did not agree with.” What role does the word “despite” play in this sentence? What does it imply?
Making meaning in context
Sarah uses the phrase “creature comforts” when describing the Anning’s childhood. Given what else she says about Mary and her family, what do you suppose she means by this phrase?
Social Studies
Sarah tells us that although Mary became well known and was celebrated by her colleagues, she was never admitted into the scientific circles of her day. Why? Find out what you can about British society in the early 19th century: What era was it? What was the role of women at that time? What was the status of the working class at that time?
Discuss how both gender and socio-economic status resulted in Mary’s automatic exclusion from her professional communities, despite being recognized as a leader in the fields of geology and paleontology.
Exploring themes
Sarah writes, “though she did not receive the recognition due her in life, Mary Anning is regarded today as one of the most influential women in the history of science.” Discuss why, more than 200 years after her birth, Mary is still considered a pioneer.
STEM
Geography
Mary Anning hailed from Dorset, England, located on the UK’s southern coast. The area is now referred to as the Jurassic Coast. Why?
Find the Jurassic Coast on the map. Research what geological phenomena occurred, and when, to create the rugged natural formations that inspire awe today.
Natural Science
Sarah refers to types of fossils, such as ammonite and belemnite, as well as different dinosaurs: Ichthyosaur, Plesiosaur, Pterosaur. Work in small groups to research these fossils and dinosaurs. Find out why they once roamed the area known as the Jurassic Coast.
Mathematics
Sarah writes that Mary sold her first dinosaur skeleton for 23£, the equivalent of $2000 today. That was when she was 12. What year would that have been?
Surf the web to find out what else could you buy for that much money at that time.
Google: “currency conversion.” Find an app that will allow you to calculate how many £s equal $2000. Which currency, British pounds or US dollars, is stronger at the present time. Discuss whether it would be better to travel in Britain with dollars right now, or in the USA with pounds.
©Sarah Towle, 2019 - May be used for educational purposes without written permission