The Making of a Scientist
Read and Find Out (Page 32)
Question 1.
How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?
Answer:
The book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ opened the world of science for Richard. After
reading it he became interested in tracking the migration of butterflies. This interest led
to his other projects and experiments. Finally, he became a great scientist.
Question 2.
How did his mother help him?
Answer:
Richard’s mother proved to be a great help. She took him on trips and bought scientific
equipment for him. She spent all her time in setting up challenges for him. This helped
him to learn a lot. She presented him the book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’. The book
changes Richard’s life forever.
Page 34
Question 1.
What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?
Answer:
Ebright exhibited slides of frog tissues at a science fair. He did not get any prize. He
learnt an important lesson that science is not just about display. It is about projects and
experiments. He began conducting experiments from that day onwards.
Question 2.
What experiments and projects does he do then undertake?
Answer:
He undertook many projects and experiments. He worked on viceroy butterflies to show
that they copied monarch butterflies. He studied bright spots on the monarch pupa and
discovered a new hormone. Also, he found out how cells read their DNA.
Question 3.
What are the gualities that go into the making of a scientist?
Answer:
There are three essential qualities that make a scientist. The first is a first rate mind.
Next is the presence of curiosity. Last but not the least, it is the will to do the best and
win.
Think About It (Page 38)
Question 1.
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?
Answer:
Reading many books on a subject is not enough. One must develop the skill of
observation and thinking. Experiments need to be done. One needs to have curiosity to
explore and find new things. Above all, one must work hard and not get upset by
failures.
Question 2.
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?
Answer:
DNA carry the blue print of life and heredity. They pass information from one generation
to the other.
If I get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright, I would choose to study about
diseases. By studying the DNA, I may find ways and means to cure many illnesses.
Talk About It (Page 38)
Question 1.
Children everywhere wonder about the world around them. The questions they ask are
the beginning of scientific inquiry. Given below are some questions that children in India
have asked Prof. Yash Pal and Dr. Rahul Pal as reported in their book, Discovered
Questions. (published by NCERT in 2006).
1. What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?
2. How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?
3. Why does rain fall in drops?
Can you answer these questions? You will find Prof. Yash Pal’s and Dr. Rahul’s
answers (as given in Discovered Questions) on Page 75.
Answer:
1. DNA fingerprinting is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by the
characteristics of their DNA. It is used in parentage testing. It is also used in
criminal investigation to identify a person or to place him at the scene of crime.
2. Honeybees have signalling chemicals. They leave trails for fellow honeybees so
that they can reach their honeycomb.
3. The only solid thing in the air are dust particles. Water vapour uses it as a centre
of attraction when it becomes too heavy. Water vapor condenses on the dust
particle as a drop and falls on Earth.
Question 2.
You also must have wondered about certain things around you. Share these questions
with – your class, and try and answer them.
Answer:
Some of the questions are
1. Why is the sky blue?
2. Why do stars twinkle?
3. What is a rainbow?
4. Why do fruits fall on Earth?
