Read and Find Out
(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. (published by NCERT in 2006).
1. What is DNA fingerprinting?
What are its uses?
2. How do honeybees
identify their own honeycombs?
3. 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:
1. 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.
2. Honeybees have signalling
chemicals. They leave trails for fellow honeybees so that they can reach their
honeycomb.
3. 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:
Some of the questions are
1. Why is the sky blue?
2. Why do stars twinkle?
3. What is a rainbow?
4. Why do fruits fall on
Earth?
Either way the teacher or student will get the solution to the problem within 24 hours.