The Making of a Scientist Solutions and Questions & Answers

Content Structure

  • 1. About the author – Robert W. Peterson
  • 2. Summary of the story The Making of a Scientist
  • 3. Word meanings
  • 4. NCERT Solutions
    • 4A. Think about it
    • 4B. Talk about it
  • 5. Extra Questions and Answers of the poem The Making of a Scientist
    • 5A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
    • 5B. Fill in the blanks
    • 5C. True and false
    • 5D. One-sentence questions and answers
    • 5E. Short Questions and Answers
    • 5F. Long Questions and Answers

1. About the Author – Robert W. Peterson

Robert W. Peterson was an American newspaper writer, editor, and freelance author. He was born on 19 December 1925 and well known for writing magazine articles and books, especially on sports, scouting, and inspiring real-life stories. His writing style was simple, engaging, and based on factual events, making complex ideas easy for readers to understand. In The Making of a Scientist, Peterson presents the inspiring journey of Richard H. Ebright and shows how curiosity, hard work, determination, and scientific thinking can help an ordinary child achieve extraordinary success. He died on 11 February 2006. His works continue to motivate young readers to develop a love for learning and never stop asking questions.

2. Summary of the story The Making of a Scientist

The Making of a Scientist by Robert W. Peterson tells the inspiring story of Richard H. Ebright, who became a successful scientist through curiosity, hard work, and determination. From a young age, Ebright loved collecting butterflies and was always eager to learn new things. His mother played an important role in encouraging his interest by giving him the book The Travels of Monarch X, which inspired him to study monarch butterflies and sparked his passion for scientific research. He began taking part in science fairs and soon realized that real success came from conducting original experiments rather than simply collecting information. Although some of his early experiments did not produce the expected results, he learned from his mistakes and continued working with dedication. His research on monarch butterflies led him to discover the function of tiny golden spots on the monarch pupa, earning him recognition and an opportunity to work at a leading research laboratory. Later, while studying insect hormones, he made an important discovery about how cells read the instructions stored in DNA. Along with his college roommate, James R. Wong, he developed models to explain this process, and their work was published in a scientific journal. Ebright graduated from Harvard with top honours and continued his research at Harvard Medical School. Besides being an outstanding student, he also enjoyed debates, public speaking, and outdoor activities. His intelligence, curiosity, perseverance, and love for learning helped him become a successful scientist, proving that true achievement comes from hard work, determination, and a desire to discover new things.

3. Word meanings

WordMeaning
RenownedFamous and respected
CuriousEager to know or learn something
SpeciesA group of similar living organisms
EncouragedGave support or confidence
EffortsHard work or attempts
MigratedMoved from one place to another seasonally
ExceptionalUnusually good or outstanding
DiscoverTo find or learn something new
ExhibitedDisplayed or presented publicly
MysteriousDifficult to understand or explain
PupaThe stage between a caterpillar and an adult butterfly
EntomologyThe scientific study of insects
LaboratoryA place where scientific experiments are conducted
BlueprintA detailed plan or design
MoleculesTiny particles made of atoms
CanoeistA person who paddles a canoe
ZealGreat enthusiasm and energy
DeterminationFirmness in achieving a goal
PerseveranceContinued effort despite difficulties
ContributionSomething valuable done to help a field or society
InnovationA new idea, method, or invention

4. NCERT Solutions

4A. 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?
Ans: A person can become a scientist, an economist, or a historian by reading books, asking questions, observing carefully, thinking deeply, and doing practical work or experiments. Reading alone is not enough because real learning comes from curiosity, hard work, and applying knowledge in real life.

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?
Ans: Richard Ebright studied cells, insect hormones, and DNA to understand how living organisms work. His research showed how cells read the instructions stored in DNA, which helped scientists learn more about biology. If I get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright, I would like to work in the field of medical science because I want to discover better treatments and help people live healthier lives.

4B. 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 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?
Ans: DNA fingerprinting is a scientific method used to identify a person by studying their unique DNA. It is used to solve crimes, identify people, prove family relationships, and help in medical and scientific research.

(ii) How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?
Ans: Honeybees identify their own honeycombs by using their sense of smell because each hive has a special smell that helps the bees recognise it.

(iii) Why does rain fall in drops?

Ans: Rain falls in drops because water in the clouds gathers into tiny droplets, and when these droplets become heavy enough, they fall to the ground as raindrops.

2. You also must have wondered about certain things around you. Share these questions with your class, and try and answer them.
Ans: Some questions I often wonder about are why the sky changes colour at sunrise and sunset, how birds find their way during migration, and why some plants grow faster than others. We can try to answer such questions by observing nature, reading books, and doing simple experiments.

5. Extra Questions and Answers of the poem The Making of a Scientist

5A. Additional Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who is the central character of The Making of a Scientist?
a) James Watson
b) Richard Ebright
c) Victor Canning
d) Ausable

Ans: (b) Richard Ebright

2. Ebright graduated from Harvard with ________.
a) Average marks
b) Highest honours
c) Second division
d) No degree
Ans: (b) Highest honours

3. Where was Ebright’s research published?
a) A newspaper
b) A science magazine
c) A storybook
d) A history journal
Ans: (b) A science magazine

4. Which quality best describes Richard Ebright?
a) Lazy
b) Careless
c) Curious and hardworking
d) Irresponsible
Ans: (c) Curious and hardworking

5. Besides science, Ebright actively participated in ________.
a) Debate and public speaking
b) Acting only
c) Singing only
d) Cricket only
Ans: (a) Debate and public speaking

6. Richard Ebright was also an excellent ________.
a) Football player
b) Canoeist
c) Swimmer
d) Boxer
Ans: (b) Canoeist

7. What was one of Ebright’s strongest qualities?
a) Overconfidence
b) Curiosity
c) Carelessness
d) Laziness
Ans: (b) Curiosity

8. What lesson does the chapter mainly teach?
a) Luck is more important than effort.
b) Curiosity and hard work lead to success.
c) Only talented people become scientists.
d) Science is easy.
Ans: (b) Curiosity and hard work lead to success.

9. Why did Ebright continue experimenting even after failures?
a) He enjoyed wasting time.
b) He wanted to learn and improve.
c) He had no other hobby.
d) His friends forced him.
Ans: (b) He wanted to learn and improve.

10. Which of the following is NOT a quality of Richard Ebright?
a) Determination
b) Perseverance
c) Curiosity
d) Dishonesty
Ans: (d) Dishonesty

11. Assertion: Richard Ebright developed an interest in science from an early age.
Reason: His mother encouraged him to read books and participate in scientific activities.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

12. Assertion: Richard Ebright won every science fair with simple butterfly collections.
Reason: Higher-level science fairs required original scientific investigations.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: d) A is false, but R is true.

13. Assertion: Richard Ebright’s curiosity played a major role in his success as a scientist.
Reason: He constantly observed nature and carried out scientific experiments.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

14. Assertion: Richard Ebright’s first real scientific experiment was related to monarch butterflies.
Reason: He wanted to find out the function of the tiny gold spots on the butterfly pupa.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

15. Assertion: Richard Ebright believed that success could be achieved without hard work.
Reason: He depended only on his natural intelligence to make scientific discoveries.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: d) A is false, but R is true.

5B. Fill in the blanks

1. Richard Ebright was very fond of collecting __________. (butterflies) 
2. Ebright’s mother gave him a book called The Travels of __________ X. (Monarch) 
3. The book inspired Ebright to study the migration of __________ butterflies. (monarch) 
4. Ebright realised that he needed to perform __________ experiments to win science fairs. (original) 
5. Ebright believed that a __________ might be carrying the disease. (beetle) 
6. Richard Ebright was also an excellent __________. (canoeist) 
7. Curiosity and __________ are two important qualities of a successful scientist. (determination) 
8. Ebright’s mother always __________ him to learn and explore. (encouraged) 
9. The chapter shows that failures are steps towards __________. (success) 
10. Richard Ebright was a straight-__________ student in high school. (A) 
11. The chapter teaches that __________ work and perseverance lead to success. (hard) 

    5C. True or False

    1. Richard Ebright loved collecting butterflies as a child. (True) 
    2. Ebright gave up science after his first failed experiment. (False) 
    3. The tiny golden spots on the monarch pupa produced an important hormone. (True) 
    4. Ebright worked at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. (True) 
    5. His research helped explain how cells read the instructions stored in DNA. (True) 
    6. James R. Wong was Ebright’s school teacher. (False) 
    7. Ebright graduated from Harvard University with the highest honours. (True) 
    8. Ebright’s research was never published. (False) 
    9. Ebright was interested only in science and no other activities. (False) 
    10. He actively took part in debates and public speaking. (True) 
    11. Richard Ebright was an excellent canoeist. (True) 

      5D. One-sentence questions and answers

      1. Who was Richard Ebright?
      Ans: Richard Ebright was a brilliant American scientist whose curiosity, hard work, and dedication helped him make important scientific discoveries at a young age.

      2. What was Richard Ebright’s favourite hobby in childhood?
      Ans: Richard Ebright’s favourite hobby in childhood was collecting butterflies, and this hobby later inspired him to study them scientifically.

      3. How did Ebright’s mother influence his life?
      Ans: Ebright’s mother influenced his life by encouraging his curiosity, providing him with books, answering his questions, and motivating him to participate in science fairs.

      4. Why was The Travels of Monarch X important in Ebright’s life?
      Ans: The Travels of Monarch X was important in Ebright’s life because it inspired him to study monarch butterflies scientifically and begin his research.

      5. What lesson did Ebright learn from his first science fair?
      Ans: Ebright learned from his first science fair that original scientific experiments and discoveries were more valuable than simply displaying collections.

      6. What was the aim of Ebright’s eighth-grade project?
      Ans: The aim of Ebright’s eighth-grade project was to find the cause of the disease that killed many monarch caterpillars every year.

      7. Why did Ebright win the county science fair despite his failed experiment?
      Ans: Ebright won the county science fair because his experiment showed careful observation, logical thinking, and a proper scientific approach despite its failure.

      8. What important discovery did Ebright make in high school?
      Ans: Ebright discovered that the tiny golden spots on the monarch pupa produced an important insect hormone.

      9. How did Ebright contribute to the study of DNA?
      Ans: Ebright contributed to the study of DNA by helping explain how cells read the instructions stored in DNA through research with his college roommate James R. Wong.

      10. What qualities made Richard Ebright a successful scientist?
      Ans: Richard Ebright became a successful scientist because he was curious, intelligent, hardworking, patient, determined, and willing to learn from his failures.

      11. Why did Richard Ebright become interested in scientific research?
      Ans: Richard Ebright became interested in scientific research after reading The Travels of Monarch X, which inspired him to study monarch butterflies and conduct experiments.

      12. How did Ebright make use of his failures?
      Ans: Ebright made use of his failures by treating them as learning experiences and improving his research through careful analysis and determination.

      13. What opportunity did Ebright receive after winning the science fair?
      Ans: After winning the science fair, Ebright received the opportunity to work at the entomology laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

      14. How did James R. Wong help Richard Ebright?
      Ans: James R. Wong helped Richard Ebright by working with him on DNA research and developing models that explained how cells function.

      15. Why was Richard Ebright called an all-rounder?
      Ans: Richard Ebright was called an all-rounder because he excelled in academics, debates, public speaking, canoeing, and many other activities.

      16. What role did curiosity play in Ebright’s success?
      Ans: Curiosity played an important role in Ebright’s success by motivating him to ask questions, perform experiments, and make scientific discoveries.

      17. Why is Richard Ebright considered a true scientist?
      Ans: Richard Ebright is considered a true scientist because he combined curiosity, observation, logical thinking, perseverance, and scientific research to make important discoveries.

      18. How did Ebright balance his studies and other activities?
      Ans: Ebright balanced his studies and other activities by managing his time wisely and participating actively in academics, debates, public speaking, and canoeing.

      19. What message does Dr. Urquhart give about becoming a scientist?
      Ans: Dr. Urquhart says that becoming a successful scientist requires curiosity, hard work, determination, and the desire to succeed for the right reasons.

      20. What is the central message of The Making of a Scientist?
      Ans: The Making of a Scientist teaches that curiosity, hard work, perseverance, continuous learning, and encouragement can help anyone achieve success and contribute to society.

        5E. Short Questions and Answers

        1. Who was Richard Ebright?
        Ans: Richard Ebright was a brilliant American scientist whose curiosity and hard work led him to make important scientific discoveries. As a child, he loved collecting butterflies and gradually developed a deep interest in scientific research. His dedication, intelligence, and perseverance helped him become a successful scientist at a young age.

        2. What was Richard Ebright’s favourite hobby in childhood?
        Ans: Richard Ebright’s favourite hobby was collecting butterflies. By the time he was in the second grade, he had collected 25 different species found in his hometown. This hobby later developed into a serious interest in studying butterflies and inspired him to conduct scientific research.

        3. How did Ebright’s mother influence his life?
        Ans: Ebright’s mother played a major role in shaping his future. She encouraged his curiosity, bought him books, answered his questions, and motivated him to participate in science fairs. She gave him The Travels of Monarch X, which inspired him to study monarch butterflies and begin scientific research.

        4. Why was The Travels of Monarch X important in Ebright’s life?
        Ans: The Travels of Monarch X changed Ebright’s life by introducing him to the fascinating world of monarch butterflies and their migration. The book encouraged him to study butterflies scientifically and inspired him to participate in science fairs and conduct original experiments.

        5. What lesson did Ebright learn from his first science fair?
        Ans: Ebright realised that simply collecting butterflies was not enough to win a science fair. He understood that judges appreciated original experiments and new discoveries. This lesson encouraged him to carry out scientific research instead of displaying collections.

        6. What was the aim of Ebright’s eighth-grade project?
        Ans: Ebright’s eighth-grade project aimed to discover the cause of a disease that killed many monarch caterpillars every year. He believed that a beetle might be carrying the disease and conducted experiments to test his idea, although he did not get the expected results.

        7. Why did Ebright win the county science fair despite his failed experiment?
        Ans: Although Ebright’s experiment did not prove his theory, it demonstrated careful observation, logical thinking, and proper scientific methods. The judges appreciated his research process and awarded him first prize because of his scientific approach and effort.

        8. What important discovery did Ebright make in high school?
        Ans: Ebright discovered that the tiny golden spots on the monarch pupa produced an important insect hormone. This discovery was a significant scientific achievement and earned him first prize at the science fair, along with an opportunity to work in a research laboratory.

        9. How did Ebright contribute to the study of DNA?
        Ans: While studying insect hormones, Ebright realised how cells read the instructions stored in DNA. Along with his college roommate, James R. Wong, he created plastic models to explain this process. Their research became an important contribution to modern biology.

        10. What qualities made Richard Ebright a successful scientist?
        Ans: Richard Ebright became successful because he was intelligent, curious, hardworking, determined, and patient. He enjoyed learning new things, accepted failures as learning opportunities, and always tried to improve through research and experimentation. His dedication and scientific thinking helped him achieve great success.

        11. Why did Richard Ebright become interested in scientific research?
        Ans: Richard Ebright became interested in scientific research after reading The Travels of Monarch X, a book gifted by his mother. The book explained the migration of monarch butterflies and inspired him to explore nature scientifically. It encouraged him to ask questions, conduct experiments, and participate in science fairs, laying the foundation for his future career.

        12. What was the significance of the golden spots on the monarch pupa?
        Ans: The golden spots on the monarch pupa were found to produce an important insect hormone needed for the butterfly’s development. Ebright’s discovery was a major scientific achievement. It won him first prize at the science fair and opened the door to further research opportunities at a well-known laboratory.

        13. How did Ebright’s scientific research become widely recognised?
        Ans: Ebright’s research was recognised because of its originality and scientific value. His discoveries impressed scientists and earned him opportunities to work in research laboratories. Later, his work on DNA, carried out with James R. Wong, was published in a scientific journal, bringing him national recognition.

        14. Why did Ebright graduate with the highest honours?
        Ans: Ebright graduated with the highest honours because of his exceptional academic performance and dedication to scientific research. He worked sincerely, remained focused on his studies, and made valuable scientific discoveries. His intelligence, discipline, and hard work helped him become one of the top students at Harvard University.

        15. What qualities of Ebright can students learn from?
        Ans: Students can learn many valuable qualities from Ebright, such as curiosity, determination, hard work, patience, discipline, and confidence. He never feared failure and always tried to improve through learning and experimentation. His life teaches students to stay focused on their goals and never stop exploring new ideas.

        16. How did science fairs contribute to Ebright’s success?
        Ans: Science fairs encouraged Ebright to think creatively and conduct original research. They taught him that genuine scientific experiments were more valuable than simple collections. Winning science fairs increased his confidence, earned him recognition, and provided opportunities to work with experienced scientists.

        17. What role did observation play in Ebright’s achievements?
        Ans: Observation was one of Ebright’s greatest strengths. He carefully studied butterflies, caterpillars, and their behaviour before conducting experiments. His sharp observation skills helped him notice small details, ask meaningful questions, and make important scientific discoveries throughout his research.

        18. Why is The Making of a Scientist an inspiring chapter?
        Ans: The chapter is inspiring because it shows how an ordinary child became a world-famous scientist through curiosity, hard work, and determination. Richard Ebright’s life proves that success comes from continuous learning, perseverance, and a willingness to overcome failures. His story motivates students to follow their dreams with dedication.

        19. What values does the chapter teach young readers?
        Ans: The chapter teaches the values of curiosity, hard work, perseverance, patience, discipline, and scientific thinking. It encourages students to ask questions, learn from failures, and remain dedicated to their goals. It also highlights the importance of parental support and continuous learning in achieving success.

        20. Why did Richard Ebright collect butterflies?
        Ans: Richard Ebright collected butterflies because he was deeply interested in nature from an early age. What began as a simple hobby soon developed into a passion for studying butterflies scientifically. This interest inspired him to observe them carefully, ask questions, and carry out experiments, eventually leading him to become a successful scientist.

        21. Why did Ebright breed caterpillars with beetles?
        Ans: Ebright believed that a beetle might be carrying the virus that killed monarch caterpillars. To test his theory, he bred healthy caterpillars with beetles and carefully observed them. Although the experiment did not support his hypothesis, it showed his scientific thinking and determination to solve a problem through research.

        5F. Long Questions and Answers

        1. How did Richard Ebright prove that failures are stepping stones to success?
        Ans: Richard Ebright never allowed failures to discourage him. His eighth-grade project on the disease affecting monarch caterpillars did not produce the expected results. Instead of feeling disappointed, he analysed his work, learned from his mistakes, and continued his research with greater determination. His scientific approach impressed the judges, and he even won first prize. Later, he conducted more advanced experiments, leading to important discoveries about insect hormones and DNA. His life teaches that failures are opportunities to learn and improve. Success comes to those who remain patient, hardworking, and determined despite difficulties.

        2. Why is The Making of a Scientist an inspiring chapter for students?
        Ans: The Making of a Scientist inspires students by showing that success does not depend only on intelligence but also on curiosity, hard work, and perseverance. Richard Ebright began as an ordinary child with a hobby of collecting butterflies. With his mother’s encouragement and his own determination, he gradually developed into a successful scientist. He learned from his failures, continued experimenting, and achieved remarkable success through dedication. The chapter encourages students to ask questions, think scientifically, work sincerely, and never lose hope when they face challenges. It teaches that continuous learning and determination can help anyone achieve their dreams.

        3. Explain the importance of curiosity in Richard Ebright’s life.
        Ans: Curiosity was the driving force behind Richard Ebright’s success. From childhood, he wanted to understand butterflies and the natural world. His curiosity encouraged him to ask questions, observe carefully, and perform scientific experiments. Instead of accepting things without explanation, he searched for answers through research. This habit led to important discoveries about insect hormones and DNA. The chapter teaches that curiosity is the first step towards learning and scientific achievement. Without curiosity, Ebright could never have become a successful scientist.

        4. What message does the chapter The Making of a Scientist convey?
        Ans: The chapter conveys that success is achieved through curiosity, hard work, determination, and continuous learning. Richard Ebright’s life proves that failures should not discourage us but should motivate us to improve. The chapter also highlights the importance of parental guidance, scientific thinking, and perseverance. It encourages students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and remain dedicated to their goals. Above all, it teaches that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary success through sincere effort, patience, and a passion for learning.

        5. Describe the important scientific discoveries made by Richard Ebright.
        Ans: Richard Ebright made several important scientific discoveries during his student years. He discovered that the tiny golden spots on the monarch pupa produced an important insect hormone. This finding earned him recognition and a chance to work at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Later, while studying the hormone, he discovered how cells read the genetic instructions stored in DNA. Along with James R. Wong, he created models to explain this process. Their research was published in a scientific journal and became a valuable contribution to biology. These achievements established Ebright as a talented young scientist.

        6. “Success comes through hard work and determination.” How does Richard Ebright’s life support this statement?
        Ans: Richard Ebright’s life is a perfect example of how hard work and determination lead to success. Although he was naturally intelligent, he achieved greatness because of his dedication and continuous effort. He spent hours reading, observing butterflies, conducting experiments, and improving his research. Even when his experiments failed, he never became discouraged. Instead, he learned from his mistakes and continued working with greater determination. His perseverance helped him win science fairs, make important scientific discoveries, and graduate from Harvard University with the highest honours. His story teaches that success is earned through consistent effort rather than luck.

        7. What values can students learn from Richard Ebright’s life?
        Ans: Richard Ebright’s life teaches students many valuable lessons. They learn the importance of curiosity, hard work, discipline, perseverance, patience, and scientific thinking. His story shows that failures should be accepted as opportunities to learn and improve. Students also understand the value of reading, asking questions, and conducting careful research. The chapter highlights the importance of parental encouragement and balanced personality development through academics and extracurricular activities. By following Ebright’s example, students can become confident, responsible, and successful individuals.

        8. Why does Dr. Urquhart believe Richard Ebright had all the qualities of a successful scientist?
        Ans: Dr. Urquhart believed that Richard Ebright possessed all the qualities needed to become a successful scientist. He had an excellent mind, strong curiosity, and the determination to succeed for the right reasons. Ebright enjoyed solving problems through careful observation and experimentation rather than guessing. He was hardworking, patient, and always eager to learn new things. He accepted failures positively and continued improving his research. Besides being academically brilliant, he was also an active participant in debates, public speaking, and outdoor activities. These qualities made him an outstanding scientist and an inspiring role model.

        9. Justify the title “The Making of a Scientist.”
        Ans: The title “The Making of a Scientist” is appropriate because the chapter describes how Richard Ebright gradually developed into a successful scientist. It explains that he was not born a great scientist but became one through curiosity, hard work, determination, and continuous learning. His mother’s encouragement, his interest in butterflies, his participation in science fairs, and his willingness to learn from failures all contributed to his growth. Step by step, he developed the qualities of observation, logical thinking, and perseverance that are essential for scientific research. The title emphasises that a scientist is shaped by dedication, discipline, and experience rather than by talent alone.

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