Page 1 - NCERT Answers

Chapter 6 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 changed
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 qualities 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