NCERT Solutions Class 10 English (Footprints without Feet)
The NCERT Solutions in English Language for Class 10 English (Footprints without Feet) Chapter – 6 (The Making of a Scientist) has been provided here to help the students in solving the questions from this exercise.
Chapter – 6 (The Making of a Scientist)
Read and Find Out
1. How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life ?
Answer – A book entitled ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ changed Richard Ebright’s life. It was because it told him how monarch butterflies migrate to Central America. It opened the wide world of science to this curious young collector.
2. How did his mother help him ?
Answer – His mother was a source of great inspiration for him. She always encouraged him and provided constant company to him. In the day she brought friends for him. In the night she herself worked with him. This way she helped him.
Read and Find Out
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.
4. What experiments and projects does he 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.
5. 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
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.
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
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).
(i) What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?
(ii) How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?
(iii) 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 –
- DNA fingerprinting is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by the characteristics of their DNA. It is used in parentage testing, criminal investigation etc.
- Honeybees have signalling chemicals. They leave trails for fellow honeybees so that they can reach their honeycomb.
- Rain is the result of condensation of vapour when the air is cooled below the dew point. Pockets of air move up and slowly cool till condensation begins and water droplets form.
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 :
- Why is the sky blue?
- Why do stars twinkle?
- What is a rainbow?
- Why do fruits fall on Earth?
