NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 6 - The Making of a Scientist

Page No: 32

Read and Find Out

Q1. How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?

Ans: Richard Ebright had a keen interest in collecting butterflies. By second grade, he had gathered all twenty-five species in his hometown. However, a pivotal moment occurred when his mother gifted him a children's book titled ‘The Travels of Monarch X’.

This book detailed the journey of monarch butterflies to Central America, igniting Richard’s curiosity about science. Key points include:

• Inspiration from the book encouraged him to explore butterfly migration.
• This newfound passion led to various projects on monarch butterflies.
• His early interest evolved, ultimately making him a renowned scientist.

Thus, the book was instrumental in shaping Richard Ebright's future.

Q2. How did his mother help him?

Ans: Richard’s mother was a constant source of support for his curiosity and passion for learning. She encouraged his interests in several ways:

• She took him on trips to explore new ideas.
• She bought him scientific tools such as telescopes, microscopes, and cameras.
• She organised new activities for him during his free time.

Her support was crucial for his development. A significant moment was when she gave him the book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’, which inspired him to pursue a career in science.

Page No: 34

Read and Find Out

Q1. What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?

Ans: Ebright entered a science fair with slides of frog tissues viewed under a microscope but did not win a prize. This experience taught him that:

• To succeed in competitions, he needed to conduct real experiments.
• Simply presenting a neat display was not enough.

As a result, he started working on various projects and engaged in actual experimentation.

Q2. What experiments and projects does he then undertake?

Ans: Ebright worked on numerous projects and experiments throughout his early scientific career:

• In eighth grade, he investigated a viral disease that kills nearly all monarch caterpillars every few years, suspecting a beetle as the culprit.
• For the following year’s science fair, he conducted tests on viceroy butterflies to show their mimicry of monarch butterflies.
• He also examined bright spots on the monarch pupa, where he discovered an insect hormone.
• This research led him to develop a new theory about how cells function and interpret their DNA.

Q3. What are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist? 

Ans: According to the author, three important qualities make a scientist:

• Sharp mind
• Curiosity
• Drive to excel for the right reasons

Richard Ebright exemplified these qualities:

• He was a bright student.
• A champion debater and public speaker.
• A skilled canoeist and avid outdoorsman.
• A talented photographer, particularly of nature and scientific subjects.

His competitive spirit and curious nature equipped him to become a successful scientist, ultimately leading to his theory on the life of cells.

Page No: 38

Think about It

Q1. How can one become a scientist, an economist, a historian…? Does it simply involve reading many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking and doing experiments?

Ans: Reading books is just one aspect of learning; it serves as a way to gather information. However, how you process this information is crucial to your understanding.

• Curiosity: A strong desire to learn and discover is essential to excel in any field.
• Observation: Being observant helps you connect your findings with real-world experiences.
• Experiments: Conducting experiments is vital to test your ideas against various variables in practical situations.
• Hard Work: Dedication and effort in your area of interest are key to becoming proficient.

Q2. You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in the light of what you have studied. If you get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright on projects and experiments, which field would you like to work on and why? 

Ans: Richard Ebright's work is closely linked to Biology. His research has illuminated the structure of cells, enhancing our understanding of how organisms function and grow. This knowledge has been crucial for scientists in:

• Understanding how disease-causing organisms invade and proliferate within our bodies.
• Developing strategies to combat various diseases.
• Utilising DNA fingerprinting to help law enforcement identify suspects.

Additionally, Monarch butterflies serve as a remarkable example of migration, travelling thousands of miles from North America to the Amazon rainforest. Their navigation abilities inspire the potential development of robust navigation systems in the future.