During science week. Year 1 enjoyed a workshop on Mary Anning, the pioneering paleontologist and fossil collector. Our visiting scientist, Dr Mandy Hartley, told us how and where fossils were formed. She invited us to talk about our fossils and where we found them.  Lots of children have found fossils on the beaches of North Norfolk.   Dr Hartley demonstrated how a fossil is formed by using clay to imprint into and plaster of Paris to create a cast.  Afterwards, we went fossil hunting on a sample beach and discovered a huge ichthyosaurus fossil.  We also learnt how Mary Anning’s finds influenced Charles Darwin’s ‘Theory of Evolution’.

We joined Dr. Hartley and went on an immersive drama adventure to retell the story of Mary Anning. Through acting, listening, dressing up, and singing, we revised what happened from when Mary was struck by lightning to how she taught herself and found amazing fossils. We loved learning more about Mary’s friend, Miss Philpott! The children enjoyed this engaging workshop. Thank you, Dr. Hartley, for bringing our learning to life. Thank you to Friends for funding this activity.