Solution of Chapter 6. The Making of a Scientist (Footprints without Feet Book)

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

How did his mother help him?

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

What experiments and projects does he then undertake?

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

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?

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?

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.

(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 Professor Yash Pal's and Dr. Rahul Pal's answers (as given in Discovered Questions).

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