NCERT Solution for Class 10 English : Footprints Without Feet – Chapter 6 The Making of a Scientist

NCERT solution is a great help to students. Students can check the understanding of the chapter by solving NCERT solution.

Read and Find Out

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. 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.

Question.3. What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?
Answer. Ebright learns a lesson that the real experiments would win him a prize. It was not simply a neat display of things. The real experiments showed the things clearly and proved the point. The subject he knew was about the insect work. He had been carrying this work in the past several years.

Question.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.

Question.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

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 books is just an aspect of learning and gain knowledge in particular subject. It helps to gain subject knowledge but only reading books will not make a person scientist or economist or historian. A person should involve observing, thinking and doing experimental activities to reach his goal. One should implement his observation practically to gain knowledge. Thinking is another aspect to improve one’s creativity and explore new things.

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. Ebrights’ work is directly related to Biology. Discovery of cell’s structure has helped scientific community to understand the way any organism functions and grows. This has helped scientists to discover how disease causing organisms attack us and grow inside our body. This must have given them idea to counter a particular disease. DNA fingerprinting is helping police to pinpoint the real culprit. This was not possible when DNA was discovered. Monarch butterflies present an amazing example of a tiny creature migrating thousands of miles from North America to the rainforest of Amazon. Some day we can be in a position to develop as sturdy and reliable navigation system as that of the Monarch butterflies. It I get an opportunity to work like ebright, I would like to work on the secrets behind the formation of this universe.

Talk About It

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 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 drops?
Answer. (i) DNA fingerprinting is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by the characteristics of their DNA. It is used in parentage testing. It is also used in criminal investigation to identify a person or to place him at the scene of crime.
(ii) Honeybees have signalling chemicals. They leave trails for fellow honeybees so that they can reach their honeycomb.
(iii) The only solid thing in the air are dust particles. Water vapour uses it as a centre of attraction when it becomes too heavy. Water vapor condenses on the dust particle as a drop and falls on Earth.

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