(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 changes 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 gualities 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 India have asked Prof. Yash Pal and Dr. Rahul
Pal as reported in their book, Discovered Questions.
- What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?
- How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?
- 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. It is also used in criminal investigation to identify a person or to place him at the scene of crime.
- Honeybees have signalling chemicals. They leave trails for fellow honeybees so that they can reach their honeycomb.
- 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.