KS1 Mary Anning Workshop: Digging up Dinosaurs
KS1 Digging up Dinosaurs with Mary Anning Workshop Overview
Step back in time with this hands-on, story-based KS1 Mary Anning workshop that brings history and science to life for primary school students. Children will discover the incredible story of Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter, and learn about her remarkable discoveries that changed the way we understand the past. Through interactive discussions and examples of fossils Mary found, students will gain an exciting introduction to the world of palaeontology.
This engaging workshop links directly to KS1 history and science curriculum objectives, using LEGO to inspire creativity and hands-on learning. Students will become fossil hunters, learn how fossils form, and classify dinosaurs by their diet and the time period they lived in, fostering critical thinking and collaboration.
Workshop Learning Objectives
- Discover who Mary Anning was and understand her importance in the history of fossil discovery and palaeontology.
- Learn how fossils are formed and what they reveal about prehistoric life.
- Explore the role of palaeontologists in uncovering and reconstructing dinosaur skeletons.
- Classify dinosaurs by their diet (carnivore, herbivore, omnivore) and the period they lived in (Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous).
- Develop creativity and fine motor skills by building a LEGO fossil and a LEGO dinosaur.
- Foster curiosity and engagement with science and history through hands-on, story-based learning activities.
Workshop Learning Outcomes
By the end of the KS1 Mary Anning workshop students will be able to :
- Historical Understanding: Explain who Mary Anning was and why her fossil discoveries are significant in understanding prehistoric life.
- Scientific Knowledge: Describe how fossils form and identify what fossils can tell us about extinct animals like dinosaurs.
- Practical Application: Build a LEGO fossil, demonstrating an understanding of fossil shapes and their connection to prehistoric creatures.
- Classification Skills: Classify dinosaurs by their diet (carnivore, herbivore, omnivore) and the period they lived in (Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous).
- Creativity and Problem-Solving: Design and build a LEGO dinosaur, incorporating knowledge of its features and characteristics.
- Engagement and Curiosity: Participate actively in discussions and hands-on challenges, fostering a deeper interest in science and history.

What to Expect From This Workshop
Interactive Storytelling: Discover Mary Anning’s life and the significance of her fossil discoveries.
Hands-On Fossil Building: Create LEGO fossils while learning about fossil formation and their scientific importance.
Dinosaur Classification: Learn fun dinosaur facts and classify them by diet and time period.
Creative Challenge: Build a LEGO dinosaur, combining creativity with historical and scientific knowledge.
Cross-Curricular Links: Supports key learning areas in history, science, and design & technology.
Hands-On Activity Details
During the 75 minute workshop the students will
Activity 1:
Build a LEGO Fossil
Students will explore how fossils are formed and create their own LEGO fossils inspired by Mary Anning’s discoveries.
Activity 2:
Create a LEGO Dinosaur
Using creativity and knowledge gained, students will design and build a LEGO dinosaur, identifying its classification based on diet and period.

Why Students Will Enjoy This Workshop
Hands-On Learning: Combines creativity with history and science for an immersive experience.
Cross-Curricular Links: Encourages a love of learning across multiple subjects.
Memorable and Fun: Inspires curiosity and teamwork while developing problem-solving skills.
Breakdown Of Duration
This KS1 Digging up Dinosaurs with Mary Anning workshop is a total of 75 minutes long.
- Introduction (5 mins): Overview of Mary Anning and the workshop goals.
- Visual Presentation (10 mins): Introduction to fossils and Mary Anning’s discoveries.
- Activity 1: LEGO Fossil Building (15 mins): Hands-on exploration of fossil creation.
- Interactive Discussion (5 mins): Dinosaur classifications and key facts.
- Activity 2: LEGO Dinosaur Building (25 mins): Students build and classify their dinosaurs.
- Summary, Photos, and Tidy-Up (10 mins): Recap learning and reflect on the workshop.
Pricing Information
Our KS1 school workshops provide exceptional educational value and hands-on experiences for students.
Pricing is tailored based on location, group size, and session length. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a personalised quote.
Enquire about this KS1 Mary Anning Workshop today
Discover how the ‘KS1 Mary Anning‘ workshop can bring history to life in your classroom. Contact Build to Learn today to enquire about availability and tailored options for your school!
With over a decade of experience as the founder of Brickies Club Limited, I have inspired thousands of children aged 4 to 16 to develop creativity and problem-solving skills through LEGO-based activities. Now leading Build to Learn Limited, I deliver hands-on workshops that align with curriculum goals in STEM, history, and more. My expertise extends beyond practical delivery, incorporating a deep understanding of diverse learning styles to create impactful, memorable sessions that foster teamwork, curiosity, and critical thinking.