The Making of a Scientist

Textual Solutions for Class 10 English 

SR Chapter 6 The Making of a Scientist

The lesson "Making of a Scientist" by Robert W. Peterson tells the story of Richard Ebright, a smart and curious boy since childhood. When he was in second grade, he collected 25 kinds of butterflies. His mom supported him and gave him a book about monarch butterflies' travels to Central America. This got him interested in learning more. He worked hard and did experiments for the county science fair. He even found out about a disease killing monarch caterpillars and won the science fair with his research. He kept going with his scientific studies and found out about a new hormone theory. In high school, he studied hormones' structure and how DNA works. He made models to show this. Besides science, he liked debate, public speaking, and outdoor activities like canoeing. He was competitive and always did his best.

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

A children’s book about butterfly migration sparked Richard Ebright’s scientific journey. The book introduced him to the wonders of science, inspiring him to contribute to research. His mother reached out to a scientist mentioned in the book, leading Ebright to tag butterflies for research. This hands-on experience ignited his curiosity and passion for scientific inquiry. Through his involvement in butterfly studies, he delved deeper into scientific experiments and eventually made groundbreaking discoveries. Thus, a simple book opened the doors to a lifelong fascination with science, setting Ebright on the path to becoming a distinguished scientist.

2. How did his mother help him?

Richard Ebright's mother played a crucial role in nurturing his interests and supporting his learning journey. She encouraged his curiosity by providing him with educational resources like telescopes, microscopes, and books. She also facilitated hands-on experiences by organizing trips and helping him obtain equipment for his scientific pursuits. Moreover, she dedicated time to engage with him, fostering a stimulating learning environment at home. Her unwavering support and encouragement instilled in him a love for learning and exploration, laying the foundation for his future success in science and academia. Thus, his mother's guidance and support were instrumental in shaping his intellectual development.

Read and Find Out (Page 34)

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

When Richard Ebright doesn't win at a science fair, he learns the importance of conducting meaningful experiments rather than just presenting neat displays. He realizes that winning requires genuine scientific inquiry and experimentation. This experience motivates him to pursue more rigorous and impactful research in the future.

2. What experiments and projects does he then undertake?

After not winning at a science fair, Richard Ebright undertakes experiments focused on real scientific inquiry. He investigates the cause of a viral disease in monarch caterpillars and tests the theory that viceroy butterflies mimic monarchs to avoid predation. Later, he researches the purpose of gold spots on a monarch pupa, leading to the discovery of an unknown insect hormone and a theory about cell life, DNA.

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

The qualities that contribute to making a scientist include having a sharp mind, being curious about the world, and having a strong desire to learn. A scientist also needs determination and a competitive spirit, not just to win prizes, but to pursue knowledge for the right reasons. Finally, a supportive environment, like encouraging teachers and family members, can help nurture these qualities and inspire a lifelong passion for scientific exploration.

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?

Becoming a scientist, economist, historian, or any other professional involves more than just reading books. While reading is important for gaining knowledge, it's equally crucial to observe, think critically, and engage in practical activities like experiments or fieldwork. Scientists conduct experiments to test hypotheses, economists analyze data and trends to understand economic systems, and historians study past events to interpret and analyze history. To truly excel in these fields, one must combine book learning with hands-on experience, critical thinking, and a passion for discovery and understanding.

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?

Richard Ebright's work on cells and DNA aligns with what I've learned about biology and genetics. He conducted experiments to understand how cells read the blueprint of DNA, which controls heredity and cell function. If given the chance, I would love to work on projects related to biology and genetics like Ebright did. Exploring the mysteries of life at the cellular level fascinates me, and I'm eager to contribute to scientific advancements in understanding genetics and its implications for health and disease.

Talk about it (Page 38)

1. Children everywhere wonder about the world around them. The questions they ask are the beginning of the 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?

DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA patterns. It involves analyzing specific regions of an individual's DNA, which vary between individuals, to create a distinct profile. DNA fingerprinting is commonly used in forensic science to solve crimes by matching DNA evidence from crime scenes with samples from suspects. It is also used in paternity testing to determine biological relationships and in conservation biology to study genetic diversity in endangered species. Overall, DNA fingerprinting is a powerful tool with diverse applications in law enforcement, medicine, and biology.

(ii) How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?

Honeybees identify their own honeycombs using a combination of scent and memory. Each honeycomb has a unique scent, which the bees recognize and associate with their own colony. Additionally, bees have a remarkable ability to remember the location and scent of their hive, allowing them to navigate back to their honeycombs with precision.

(iii) Why does rain fall in drops?

Rain falls in drops because of the forces of gravity and air resistance. When water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into liquid droplets, these droplets merge with others and become heavy enough to overcome air resistance, causing them to fall to the ground as raindrops.

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

  1. Why is the sky blue during the day but red or orange during sunrise and sunset?

  2. How do plants make their own food?

  3. Why do we have different seasons like summer, winter, autumn, and spring?

  4. What causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?

  5. Why do some objects float in water while others sink?

(Note: Students can think of a few questions as per their own understanding and discuss among themselves.)