A film depicting Mary Anning’s early life, produced as part of ASE’s Mary Anning: a fossil hunter’s story primary resource, by film director James Morgan, has won two further accolades. 

It was announced this week that ‘Sea Dragon’, a 15-minute narrative film about the young Mary Anning and her discoveries, has won Best Short Film and Best Fiction Short Film at the International Braga Science Film Fest 2023 in Portugal.

Those interested in the project may like to consider attending our Annual Conference, where we’ll be hosting a session to discuss the project and the teaching resources: view session details

About Mary Anning: a fossil hunter’s story 

To help primary educators of children aged 9-11 embed key moments in history and science within their curriculum, we have used the incredible real-life story of early 19th century fossil collector and palaeontologist Mary Anning to produce a series of high-quality teaching resources and professional learning strategies that all educators can now access free of charge. 

The Mary Anning project gives an insight into Mary’s life, exploring the science of fossils and evolution while reflecting on the influence of historical, cultural and religious thinking in changing ideas. Through this project, we hope to support teachers to help broaden their pupils' learning and performance, both in science, history, English and across the wider curriculum.
Embedded within the heart of this project is our award-winning film Sea Dragon. Set in 1812, the film follows the story of a courageous young girl exploring new worlds – both social and palaeontological – a story of an individual who makes a ground-breaking discovery, beats societal norms, and challenges beliefs of 19th century England. Sea Dragon sets the scene for a series of enquiry-based activities - all with in-depth accompanying teachers notes - through which children explore the lives, ideas and events that were significant in the development of scientific ideas and thinking in the 19th century.

The ASE project has been supported by a grant from Big Questions in Classrooms, an initiative of the Templeton World Charity Foundation and the film is available with English subtitles for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing (SDH) and English Audio Description.