Mary Anning Thematic Unit

Mary Anning was who many consider the world's first paleontologist. Her discoveries revolutionized science and unfortunately she was never given credit for any of it during her lifetime as she was both a woman and part of the working class in England. Her life and discoveries are fascinating and this study uses her as  starting point for a holistic deep dive with loads of rabbit trails into fascinating things like "wonder rooms" (cabinet of curiosities), forgeries of fantastic creatures, the power of media to persuade, etc. 

This 40 page holistic deep dive covers a broad range of topics such as history, science, etymology, art, illustration, game schooling, graphic design, and writing. 

*The study does rely on outside sources for the initial learning about Mary Anning's life. A book is recommended (plus a linked youtube read aloud of it) and several great videos about Mary Anning's life are linked as well and should be utilized to get the most out of the study and provide a solid foundation for the rest of the content. 

Included:

• Book List + Linked Videos + Linked Read Aloud
• Cabinet of Curiosities (history)
• The Plesiosaur Controversy (history)
• Forgeries - The Fijian Mermaid & The Jackalope (history + media)
• Forgery Art Project (art + graphic design)
• What's in a Name? Greek + Latin Roots (etymology)
• Dinosaur Decoding (etymology)
• Dinosaur Naming (etymology)
• Dinosaur Profile (etymology + science + art)
• Coprolites (science)
• Tongue Twisters Activity (ELA + alliteration)
• Cleping Game (game + ELA + etymology)
• Decorative Print of Ichthyosaur and Plesiosaur
• Symbol Sack Presentation (ELA + Speaking + Presenting)
• Symbol Sack Planner
• Marine Reptiles (science + classifications)
• Venn Diagram Activity (science + classifications)
• The Loch Ness Monster (history + media)
• News Article (ELA + creative writing + news article writing)
• 5 W Planner Page
• Science Illustrations (history + science + art)
• Illustration Activity (history + science + art)