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Fossil Huntress: Mary Leakey, Paleontologist (Picture Book Biography)
Last updated Friday, November 12, 2021
Author: Andi Diehn
Illustrator: Katie Mazeika
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 1619307707
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2021
Synopsis:
What was the world like millions of years ago? Did early humans walk on all fours? Did giant sloths lie in trees? Did dinosaurs have feathers? Even as a young girl, Mary Leakey was fascinated by questions like these! In Fossil Huntress: Mary Leakey, Paleontologist, readers meet Mary as a girl growing up in France and visiting the site of archeological wonders, such as Pech Merle, Fond de Gaume, and La Mouthe. As an adult, Mary spends much of her life working in the field in Tanzania, making discoveries that change the face of paleontology forever.
| Note to readers: |
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Intro Page: "Instead of going to school and learning from teachers, Mary visits archaeological digs and draws ancient creatures." It will be interesting what the students have to say about learning at home from books. We can discuss in our prep time about asking students about pros and cons of learning outside of the classroom.
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On page 27, the text-to-text connections activity might be too difficult in the short amount of time we have with the students. The other suggestion to draw a specimen looks like a good idea for craft time.
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On page 29, a picture is shown of the ancient scull Mary found (page 29), as well as the footprints from early humans 3.6 million years ago!
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What is a fossil? (see page 30 - the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock)
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Who likes to dig in the dirt looking for things? Have you ever found something interesting?
Vocabulary:
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See glossary on page 30 for vocabulary words.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What are some of the interesting things about fossils?
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What can we learn about fossils and other objects found from archeological digs?
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How would you feel if you found something very old?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Normally at the November reading clubs we give an item with a college logo to each kid. This November have the kids create their own college logos based on the college logo you volunteer(s) share on something you are wearing or otherwise display on Zoom.
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Let's all be scientists! 1) Choose a small object nearby to "study" - a pencil, crayon, book, etc. 2) Trace the specimen on to paper. 3) Label what you see that describes the specimen - color, shape, texture. 4) Add some details to describe the specimen. 5) Now, at the bottom of the page, write the name of the person who did this report - YOU, and the date (11-13-2021)
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| Special activities: |
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If OK with adult in the house, pour a bit of salt onto a piece of paper. Press your finger into the salt. Now you have to be careful not to move the paper or touch the salt or you could lose the print. When scientists discover a print, they are VERY careful to not touch it. They may draw it, take photos, and dig all around it to excavate it, then take it to a museum for further studies and for others to see.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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