Are you ready to dive into the world of "The Making of a Scientist," Chapter 6 of the Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Book? We've got a treasure trove of extra questions and answers, and they're not just any run-of-the-mill queries; these are the keys to acing your CBSE Class 10 board exams in 2024-25!
Written by the talented Robert W. Peterson, this chapter is a must-know for all Class 10 students. Get ready to supercharge your preparation as we unveil a comprehensive Q&A guide to unravel the secrets of this fascinating journey in "The Making of a Scientist Class 10 Q&A." Let's embark on this academic adventure together!
| Subject | English Language & Literature |
| Class | 10 |
| Board | CBSE |
| Chapter Name | The Making of a Scientist |
| Writer | Robert W. Peterson |
| Type | Important Questions and Answers |
| Session | 2024-25 |
| Book Name | Footprints Without Feet Chapter 6 |
| Literature | Story |
"The real teacher is the student's curiosity."
Thibaut
The Making of a Scientist Class 10 Extra Questions & Answers
Q. No. 1) Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract:
“I didn’t get any real results,” he said. “But I went ahead and showed that I had tried the experiment. This time I won.” The next year his science fair project was testing the theory that viceroy butterflies copy monarchs. The theory was that viceroys look like monarchs because monarchs don’t taste good to birds. Viceroys, on the other hand, do taste good to birds. So, the more they look like monarchs, the less likely they are to become a bird’s dinner. Ebright’s project was to see whether, in fact, birds would eat monarchs. He found that a starling would not eat ordinary bird food. It would eat all the monarchs it could get.
i. Choose the option listing Ebright’s qualities as depicted by the above extract.
- persevering
- visionary
- determined
- liberal
- conceited
a. 1, 2
b. 3, 5
c. 1, 3
d. 4, 5
Ans. Option (c)
ii. According to the dictionary, ‘fair’ as a noun, shows the following meanings.
Choose the option that lists the meaning similar to the usage to that in the extract.
a. A gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment.
b. A competitive exhibition showcasing products or ideas.
c. A periodic gathering for the sale of goods.
d. An annual exhibition of livestock, agricultural products, etc., held by a town, county, or state.
Ans. Option (b)
iii. Choose the option that is true for the two statements given about the information in the extract.
- Statement 1- Starling feeds on viceroys.
- Statement 2- Starling does not eat seeds and insects.
a. Both statements are clearly mentioned in the extract.
b. Statement 1 cannot be clearly inferred from the text and statement 2 is true.
c. Statement 1 is false and statement 2 cannot be clearly inferred from the extract.
d. Both statements need to be inferred from the given extract.
Ans. Option (c)
iv. Choose the statements that are TRUE for the given extract contextually.
- Ebright didn’t get any results for the experiment he conducted on butterflies.
- Monarchs tasted awful to the birds.
- Ebright wanted to explore the possibility of monarchs getting eaten by birds.
- He wanted to prove that viceroys were lookalikes of monarchs.
a. 1, 2
b. 2, 3
c. 1, 3
d. 2, 4
Ans. Option (b)
v. Four friends bring their pets to a pet show. Choose the option that mentions the friend with a starling as a pet.
| Friend 1 has a turtle named Missy. |
| Friend 2 has a dragonfly named Majesty. |
| Friend 3 has a rabbit named Molly. |
| Friend 4 has a bird named Mitch. |
a. Friend 1
b. Friend 2
c. Friend 3
d. Friend 4
Ans. Option (d)
Q. No. 2) Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract
When he saw those photos, Ebright didn’t shout, ‘Eureka!’ or even, ‘I’ve got it!’ But he believed that, along with his findings about insect hormones, the photos gave him the answer to one of biology’s puzzles: how the cell can ‘read’ the blueprint of its DNA. DNA is the substance in the nucleus of a cell that controls heredity. It determines the form and function of the cell. Thus, DNA is the blueprint for life. Ebright and his college roommate, James R. Wong, worked all that night drawing pictures and constructing plastic models of molecules to show how it could happen. Together they later wrote a paper that explained the theory.
i. Choose the option that shows the picture of the type of task Ebright and Wong were engaged in, as per the extract.
a. Option (1)
b. Option (2)
c. Option (3)
d. Option (4)
Ans. Option (c)
ii. Ebright was perhaps expected to shout ‘Eureka!’ because he had
a. realized that he needed a partner to work with to finalize his findings.
b. discovered something new and ‘Eureka!’ was a cry to announce it.
c. worked hard and was relieved at nearing the end of his project.
d. given shape to the teachings of his teachers by choosing this field of science.
Ans. Option (b)
iii. “Thus, DNA is the blueprint for life”, is another way of saying that DNA contains a genetic __________.
a. experiment
b. ultimatum
c. takeaway
d. plan
Ans. Option (d)
iv. Four newspapers published a headline about Ebright and Wong. Choose the option that publishes a factually correct headline, as per the extract.
| Newspaper 1 | Newspaper 2 | Newspaper 3 | Newspaper 4 |
| WONG DENIES CONTRIBUTING TO EBRIGHT’S THEORY | EBRIGHT COLLABORATES WITH ROOM-MATE WONG | WONG AND EBRIGHT EXAGGERATE THEIR THEORY-DEFY LOGIC | EBRIGHT AND WONG’S THEORY PROVED WRONG |
a. Newspaper 1
b. Newspaper 2
c. Newspaper 3
d. Newspaper 4
Ans. Option (b)
v. Compound words are those words that are formed by joining two separate words to create a new word with an entirely different meaning.
Choose the option that lists the compound words from the above extract.
- determines
- blueprint
- nucleus
- heredity
- room-mate
a. 1, 3
b. 2, 4
c. 1, 4
d. 2, 5
Ans. Option (d)
Q. No. 3) Read the given extract and answer the questions given.
The question he tried to answer was simple: What is the purpose of the twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa?
“Everyone assumed the spots were just ornamental,” Ebright said.
“But Dr. Urquhart didn’t believe it.”
To find the answer, Ebright and another excellent science student first had to build a device that showed that the spots were producing a hormone necessary for the butterfly’s full development. This project won Ebright first place in the county fair and entry into the International Science and Engineering Fair. There he won third place for zoology. He also got a chance to work during the summer at the entomology laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
(The Making of a Scientist)
i. State any one inference about Dr Urquhart from the given context:
Everyone assumed the spots were just ornamental,” Ebright said.
“But Dr Urquhart didn’t believe it.”
Ans. We can infer that –
- Dr Urquhart was a scientist who questioned assumptions
- He was willing to investigate alternative explanations for phenomena
- Dr Urquhart was a curious/open-minded scientist
- He was not content to simply accept conventional wisdom
ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
None of the terms (a) -(d) below, can be applied to the question - What is the purpose of the twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa?
a. A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
b. An assumption - something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof
c. A premise - a proposition that forms the basis of an argument
d. A theory - a well-substantiated explanation for a natural phenomenon
Ans. TRUE [This statement would not be called a hypothesis, assumption, premise, or theory. It is simply a statement of the question that Ebright was trying to answer.]
iii. Ebright's approach to finding the purpose of the gold spots on a monarch pupa was highly effective. Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Ans. Ebright's approach was highly effective in finding the purpose of the gold spots on a monarch pupa. By building a device that showed that the spots were producing a hormone necessary for the butterfly’s full development, he was able to provide evidence that contradicted the prevailing assumption that the spots were purely ornamental. This earned him recognition in science fairs and provided him with opportunities to work at research laboratories.
[The question requires a judgment on the effectiveness of Ebright's approach in finding the purpose of the gold spots. The answer should include specific reasons for the effectiveness of his approach, such as the evidence he provided]
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute 'a chance', in the given sentence from the extract.
He also got a chance to work during the summer at the entomology laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
Ans. An opportunity
Q. No. 4) Do you think Richard’s mother was too indulgent when she bought him things like cameras, telescopes, and microscopes? Give two reasons to support your answer.
Ans. No, I do not think Richard's mother was too indulgent when she bought him things like cameras, telescopes, and microscopes.
Two reasons to support my answer are:
- Richard's mother was supporting his passion for science. She provided him with the tools he needed to explore his interests and learn more about the world around him.
- Richard's mother was investing in his future. She knew that a good education and a strong foundation in science would give him many opportunities in life.
Q. No. 5) Validate the importance of small, fun learning tasks towards successful careers, in the context of Richard Ebright in The Making of a Scientist.
Ans.
- Started the collection and breeding of butterflies as a fun activity.
- Got curious about the gold spots and the secretion from them.
- Was able to develop a theory of cell structure and later DNA because of it.
- Fun learning resulted in a career as a renowned successful scientist.
Q. No. 6) How was Ebright an all-rounder?
Ans. Ebright was not only good in science and academics but also in games. In addition to his passion for science, he has excelled in debating, public speaking, canoeing, and outdoor activities. His skills as a photographer, particularly in capturing nature and scientific exhibits, further demonstrate his versatility.
Q. No. 7) The book, ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ ignited Richard’s curiosity in butterflies further.
Do you think sometimes, people or things around us can act as catalysts to shape our lives? Explain how.
Ans. People and things can act as catalysts in our lives by sparking our curiosity, inspiring us, and helping us to grow and learn.
Q. No. 8) How important is curiosity to scientific exploration and discovery? Justify your answer with examples from the text The Making of a Scientist.
Ans. Curiosity is extremely important to scientific exploration and discovery. It is curiosity that leads a person to question things around them, which in turn could help them stumble onto new discoveries.
- It was Ebright's curiosity that led him to collect items such as butterflies, fossils, and coins. His desire to explore and constantly learn served as the foundation for his future scientific pursuits.
- It was curiosity that led Ebright to investigate different aspects of butterflies for his school projects. Since he was curious to understand the cause of the viral disease that killed monarch butterflies, that was what he studied.
- While in high school, Ebright was curious about the purpose of the twelve gold spots found on a monarch pupa. This drove him to conduct more research on the topic, which indirectly led to his new theory on the life of cells.
Q. No. 9) Suggest two ways by which you feel scientific temperament can be developed in a child.
Ans. Two ways to develop scientific temperament in a child are:
- Encourage curiosity and questioning. Encouraging children to ask questions about the world around them and to explore their interests. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know, but let's find out together."
- Provide opportunities for hands-on learning. Let children experiment and learn from their mistakes. Help them to develop critical thinking skills by asking them to explain their observations and conclusions.
Q. No. 10) Richard’s mother was his companion and spent a lot of time with him. A parent should try to be a companion to a child. Justify.
Ans. Parents should try to be companions to their children because:
- It helps to build a strong and trusting relationship. When children feel like they can talk to their parents about anything, they are more likely to open up to them and share their thoughts and feelings. This can help to prevent problems down the road.
- It helps children to learn and grow. When parents spend time with their children and engage in activities that they enjoy, they are helping them to learn about the world around them and develop their interests.
- It creates lasting memories. The time that parents spend with their children is precious and fleeting. By making time for their children and being their companions, parents are creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Q. No. 11) Do you think we always need sophisticated instruments for all science experiments? Why/ Why not?
Ans. We do not always need sophisticated instruments for science experiments. Simple tools are often sufficient for basic experiments, but more complex experiments may require specialized equipment.
Q. No. 12) You have been requested to write a brief blog post for a Science blog for kids on the theme-‘Science is Real’.
Based on your understanding of the chapter, write the blog highlighting how science pervades every aspect of our lives.
You may begin like this:
Scienceforkidsblogger.com
Monday, October 19, 2020
SCIENCE IS LIFE
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
Ans.
Scienceforkidsblogger.com
Monday, October 19, 2020
SCIENCE IS LIFE
Science is everywhere! It's in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the technology we use, and even the air we breathe. Science is the study of the natural world, and it helps us to understand how things work.
Here are just a few examples of how science pervades every aspect of our lives:
- Food: Science is used to grow our food, process it, and keep it safe. For example, scientists develop new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases. They also develop new ways to preserve food, such as freezing and canning.
- Medicine: Science is used to develop new medicines and treatments for diseases. For example, scientists have developed vaccines to prevent diseases such as polio and measles. They have also developed new treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses.
- Technology: Science is used to develop all sorts of new technologies, such as smartphones, computers, and the internet. These technologies make our lives easier and more convenient. For example, smartphones allow us to stay connected with friends and family, and computers allow us to access information from all over the world.
- Transportation: Science is used to develop new modes of transportation, such as airplanes, cars, and trains. These modes of transportation allow us to travel long distances quickly and easily. For example, airplanes allow us to travel to different countries in just a few hours.
Science is an important part of our lives, and it helps us to live better and healthier lives. It's important to learn about science and to appreciate the role that it plays in our world.
Q. No. 13) Richard’s mother had been invited to a talk show after Richard’s graduation from Harvard with the highest honors. You attended the talk show. Write the most memorable thing she said and what you think it reveals about her.
Ans. The most memorable thing that Richard's mother said on the talk show was:
"I'm not sure what I did right, but I always tried to support Richard's interests and encourage his curiosity. I think that's the most important thing parents can do for their children."
This reveals that Richard's mother was a supportive and encouraging parent. She valued her son's interests and curiosity, and she created an environment where he could thrive. She also understood that she didn't need to have all the answers herself. She was willing to learn with her son and help him to find the resources he needed.
I believe that Richard's mother's words are a valuable reminder to all parents. We should support our children's interests and encourage their curiosity. We should also be willing to learn with them and help them to find the resources they need.
Q. No. 14) Why do you think Mr. Weiherer was pleased that Richard Ebright not only put in the nightly research hours towards butterflies but also his other interests?
Ans.
- Mr. Weiherer was pleased that Ebright balanced academics as well as recreational pursuits (hobbies etc.);
- As a teacher, he wanted Ebright’s growth as a well-rounded personality.
Q. No. 15) The will to win, for the right reasons, was a quality that Richard had.
Do you think this quality alone can help us accomplish great feats? Why/ Why not?
Ans. The will to win, for the right reasons, can help us accomplish great feats, but it is not the only quality that is necessary. Other factors such as hard work, dedication, and perseverance are also essential.
The will to win can motivate us to push ourselves harder and to never give up on our goals. It can also help us to overcome challenges and setbacks. However, it is important to have the right reasons for wanting to win. If we are only motivated by the desire to be better than others or to gain fame and fortune, then our success will be hollow.
True success comes from winning for the right reasons, such as to make a difference in the world or to achieve our personal best. When we have the right reasons for wanting to win, we are more likely to stay focused and motivated, even when things get tough.
Q. No. 16) Parents play a crucial role in the upbringing of their children. Critically examine the parents of Bholi and Ebright, highlighting their impact on their children’s lives.
Ans. Students may draw upon the following:
- Introductory sentence:
- crucial and indelible role played by parents
- parents influence their children both implicitly (indirectly) and explicitly (directly)
- are role models, first teachers, friends, companions, guides
- Critical examination
- Richard H. Ebright’s mother- loving, caring, understanding, a friend, a companion
- filled the vacuum in Ebright’s life in his father’s absence
- invested time and energy in his upbringing which made him see the heights of success
- Bholi’s parents – uncaring, indifferent, biased, insensitive, had a patriarchal mindset
- traditional outlook- did not believe in the education of girls, totally indifferent to Bholi and her needs, neglected her
- did not bother to groom her (oil her hair, give her good clothes to wear)
- sent her to school not to educate her but to save their own face
- despite their prosperity, they left Bholi to her own misery. The worst was when they decided to marry her off to Bishamber
- Concluding thought:
- The contribution and companionship of parents cannot be denied. Love, care, and guidance from parents make a difference, sculpt children, and shape their future.
Q. No. 17) Imagine Richard wrote a letter to his mother when he was studying at Harvard University for motivating him and being a constant source of support throughout his growing up years. Write that letter of gratitude as Richard.
You may begin like this:
Harvard University
Cambridge
Massachusetts
20 September 1981
Mrs. Ebright
Reading
Pennsylvania
Dear Mom,
It’s been long since I’ve written to you. ……………………………...
Ans.
Harvard University
Cambridge
Massachusetts
20 September 1981
Mrs. Ebright
Reading
Pennsylvania
Dear Mom,
It's been long since I've written to you. I've been so caught up with my studies here at Harvard, but I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and motivation throughout my growing-up years.
I know I wasn't always the easiest child to raise. I was inquisitive, sometimes to a fault, and I often challenged authority. But you never once discouraged my curiosity or my thirst for knowledge. Instead, you nurtured my interests and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
I remember all the times you would take me to museums, science centers, and libraries. You would patiently answer all my questions, no matter how silly they may have seemed. You never made me feel like my curiosity was a burden.
And when I was struggling in school, you were always there to help me. You would stay up late with me, tutoring me in math or science. You never gave up on me, even when I was ready to give up on myself.
Your support and encouragement have been the driving force behind my success. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without you.
Thank you for being the best mom a son could ask for.
Love always,
Richard
Q. No. 18) Albert Einstein said, ‘The important thing is to never stop questioning.’ Richard was a genius who proved this quote true. Justify.
Ans. Richard Ebright's life is a testament to the importance of never stopping questioning. From a young age, Richard was a curious and inquisitive child. He was always asking questions about the world around him, and he was never satisfied with easy answers.
This thirst for knowledge led Richard to make significant contributions to the field of science. For example, as a high school student, he conducted research that led to the discovery of an unknown insect hormone. This discovery was a major breakthrough in our understanding of insect development.
Richard's questioning nature also led him to challenge prevailing scientific theories. For example, he was one of the first scientists to question the dogma that DNA was a static molecule. Instead, he believed that DNA was a dynamic molecule that could be regulated. This belief eventually led to his discovery of the mechanism by which DNA is transcribed.
Richard's willingness to question authority and to challenge the status quo made him a true pioneer in the field of science. His work has had a profound impact on our understanding of the world, and it continues to inspire scientists today.
In short, Richard Ebright is a prime example of why it is so important to never stop questioning. By asking questions, we challenge ourselves to think critically and to explore new ideas. This is essential for scientific progress, and it is also essential for personal growth.
Q. No. 19) Imagine you are Richard. You have been invited by Mr. Weiherer to deliver a short address to the students at your erstwhile school. You have been asked to encourage them to take an interest in the study of Science and how research in Science can help the world. Write that short speech.
Ans. Good morning, students.
It is an honor to be back at my erstwhile school. I have many fond memories of my time here, and I am grateful for the foundation that I received in science education.
I am here today to talk to you about the importance of science. Science is the study of the natural world, and it is essential for understanding how the world works. Science has helped us to solve some of the most pressing problems facing humanity, such as disease, hunger, and poverty.
Research in science is helping to create a better future for all of us. For example, scientists are working on developing new vaccines to prevent diseases, new crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, and new sources of energy that are cleaner and more sustainable.
I encourage you to take an interest in the study of science. Science is a fascinating and rewarding field, and it can open up a world of possibilities for you. If you are curious about the world around you, then science is the right field for you.
So, don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. And don't be afraid to dream big. Science can help you achieve your dreams and make a difference in the world.
Thank you.
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