Core Skills Analysis
Science
Jeremy built a cardboard model of his pet millipede, carefully counting and replicating each body segment and the correct number of legs. He observed the millipede’s external features and recreated the head and antennae with great precision. By matching the model to the living creature, Jeremy practiced scientific observation and classification of living things.
English
Jeremy illustrated Mary Anning uncovering fossils at Lyme Regis, adding narrative details that showed how one person can influence scientific discovery. He then painted a personal scene of himself collecting fossils at Beaumaris, using descriptive language to convey the setting and his role as a budding paleontologist. This activity helped Jeremy understand how texts can tell stories and convey information through visual and written elements.
Humanities and Social Sciences (History)
Jeremy’s drawing of Mary Anning highlighted her significance in the history of paleontology, demonstrating his grasp of how individuals shape scientific history. By connecting Anning’s work to his own imagined fossil hunt, he linked past events to present experiences, showing an early ability to evaluate the importance of historical figures in the local and scientific community.
Tips
To deepen Jeremy’s learning, invite him to research another local fossil site and create a mini‑exhibit with facts and drawings. Conduct a simple classroom experiment counting legs on different arthropods to reinforce number concepts and classification. Have Jeremy write a short diary entry from Mary Anning’s perspective to strengthen narrative skills and historical empathy. Finally, organize a field trip to a natural history museum where he can compare real fossils with his own models.
Book Recommendations
- The Fossil Girl: Mary Anning's Amazing Discovery by Kate Messner: A biography of Mary Anning that brings her pioneering fossil work to life for young readers.
- The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer: Colorful illustrations and facts about insects and other arthropods, including millipedes.
- National Geographic Kids Everything Fossils by Laura Marsh: An engaging guide to fossils, paleontology, and famous fossil hunters.
Learning Standards
- Science – Foundation: AC9SFU01 – Observed and described external features of a living organism (millipede).
- English – Year 3: AC9E3LA01 – Recognised how an illustration and accompanying text can structure information and tell a story.
- English – Year 6: AC9E6LY01 – Analysed language features in his own illustration and narrative to influence the audience.
- HASS History – Year 2: AC9HS2K01 – Described the significance of Mary Anning as a historical figure and explained why she is important.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Count and label each segment and leg on Jeremy’s millipede model, then convert the totals into a simple addition problem.
- Writing Prompt: “If I were Mary Anning, what would I discover today?” – students write a short narrative using descriptive language.