NCERT English Class 10 | Chapter 6 | The Making of a Scientist | Question Answer |

READ AND FIND OUT                                                                                    PAGE 32

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

Answer: The book gifted by his mother entitled ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ was something that he found very interesting because by then he himself had collected different species of butterflies. And this book happened to explain how monarch butterflies made Central America their home. He became way more interested in science, and it paved the way for many discoveries he did later in his life.

How did his mother help him?

Answer: Enright's mother was a great source of motivation for Richard. She even took him for scientific trips and never refused a piece of scientific equipment that she knew would benefit her kid. She bought him telescopes, mounting materials, etc. Her hello was not always direct. For example, once she gave him a book entitled 'The Travels of Monarch X', and the book became a turning point in Ebright's life.


READ AND FIND OUT                                                                                    PAGE 34

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

Answer: Ebright learns that in order to win a prize he had to focus on conducting real experiments.

What experiments and projects does he then undertake?

Answer: While in his eighth grade, Ebright tries to figure the cause of a  viral disease that has been taking the lives of monarch caterpillars every few years. He also happened to investigate the bright spots that could be seen on the monarch pupa, eventually finding out that it was an unknown insect hormone that caused this. This also led to his propounding the new theory on the life of cells besides how cells read their DNA.

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

Answer: First-rate mind, curiosity and the will to perform the best, thus winning for the right reasons are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist.


THINK ABOUT IT                                                                                              PAGE 38

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: While reading books may kindle the creative spark and enhance once editing level of knowledge, one cannot become a scientist or an economist just by reading books. One must know to persevere, be consistent and work hard to attain what they want to attain.

2. You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright's work in 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: To be done by the student.


TALK ABOUT IT                                                                                                  PAGE 38

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 Professor Yash Pal and Dr Rahul Pal as reported in their book, Discovered  Questions (NCERT, 2006).

(i) What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?

(ii) How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?

(iii) Why does rain fall in drop?

Can you answer these questions? You will find Professor Yash Pal’s  and Dr Rahul Pal’s answer (as given in Discovered Questions) on page 75.

Answer: In progress.

2. You also must have wondered about certain things around you. Share these questions with your class, and try and answer them.

Answer: In progress.


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