This page offers The Making of a Scientist long answer type question for Class 10  from the book Footprints Without Feet. We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand The Making of a Scientist long answer type question

The Making of a Scientist Long Answer Type Question

Question: 1  How did Richard Ebright’s early interests and hobbies help shape his future career in science?

Answer: Richard Ebright’s hobbies like collecting butterflies helped him become a scientist. As a kid, he loved to explore and learn about nature. His mother helped by getting him books and taking him on trips. This made him very curious about how things worked.

He learned to be patient and careful while collecting and studying butterflies. This helped him develop important skills like observing carefully and working hard. These skills were very useful when he became a scientist and started doing his own experiments.

His early success with collecting butterflies and learning from books like “The Travels of Monarch X” made him more interested in science and helped him choose it as a career. These experiences made him good at scientific research, leading to big discoveries later on.

Question: 2 ‘Success is failure turned inside inside out.’ How does Richard Ebright’s journey from science fair losses to international wins show this?

Answer: Richard Ebright’s story shows that failure can lead to success. He didn’t win his first science fair in seventh grade when he presented slides of frog tissues. Instead of getting upset, he used this loss to push himself to do better.

The next year, he won a prize with his project on how diseases affect monarch caterpillars. He kept improving and studying butterflies. By trying harder each year and learning from each failure, Richard eventually won first place at an international science fair. His journey proves that working through failures can lead to great success.

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Question: 3. How did the book “The Travels of Monarch X” influence Richard Ebright’s scientific journey?

Answer: The book “The Travels of Monarch X” had a huge influence on Richard Ebright’s scientific journey. When Richard was young, his mother gave him this book, which talked about how monarch butterflies migrate to Central America. This book opened a new world of science for him.

It explained how scientists were studying butterfly migration and invited readers to help by tagging butterflies. Richard was very excited by this idea and started tagging butterflies himself. This activity gave him hands-on experience in scientific research and taught him about the life cycle of butterflies.

It also connected him to Dr. Urquhart, a scientist studying monarch butterflies, who later became a mentor to him. It was a key turning point that inspired him to pursue science more seriously, leading to many of his future scientific achievements and discoveries.

Question: 4. Explain the significance of Richard Ebright’s first science fair experience and how it motivated him.

Answer: Richard Ebright’s first science fair experience was very important in his scientific journey. In seventh grade, he entered a county science fair with slides of frog tissues but did not win any prize. This disappointment made him realise that winners did real experiments, not just neat displays.

Motivated to do better, Richard decided to conduct a real experiment for the next fair. He wrote to Dr. Urquhart for ideas and received many suggestions. This experience taught Richard the importance of proper research and experimentation.

It sparked his competitive spirit and pushed him to work harder and smarter in his future projects, setting a strong foundation for his scientific career.

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Question: 5. How did Dr. Urquhart contribute to Richard Ebright’s growth as a young scientist?

Answer: Dr. Urquhart helped Richard Ebright become a better scientist. When Richard started studying butterflies, his mother contacted Dr. Urquhart, an expert on monarch butterflies. Dr. Urquhart gave Richard many ideas and experiments to try, which moved him beyond simple projects to real scientific research.

This guidance let Richard do important work, like tagging butterflies and learning about their lives, which won him awards at science fairs. Dr. Urquhart also encouraged Richard to think deeply and ask important questions about his studies. This mentorship was key to Richard growing his scientific skills and confidence, pushing him to tackle more complex research and make new discoveries in the future.

6. Discuss the importance of Richard Ebright’s discovery of the insect hormone and its impact on his scientific career.

Answer: In high school, Richard Ebright made an important discovery about monarch butterflies. He found that the gold spots on monarch pupae produce a vital hormone for their development.

This work showed Richard could do big science projects. His discovery won him first place at the International Science Fair and led to opportunities to work in well-known labs. These experiences helped him learn more about biology and set him up for future research.

Later, at Harvard, he developed a new theory on how cells work. This early work proved Richard was a smart and hardworking scientist, ready for a bright future in research.

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7. How did Mr. Weiherer influence Richard Ebright’s development beyond science?

Answer: Mr. Weiherer, Richard Ebright’s social studies teacher, had a significant influence on Richard’s development beyond science. Mr. Weiherer encouraged Richard to join the Debating and Model United Nations clubs.

These activities helped Richard develop important skills like public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. Mr. Weiherer’s guidance opened Richard’s mind to new ideas and ways of thinking. He taught Richard to look at problems from different perspectives and to communicate his ideas clearly and confidently.

Mr. Weiherer was also a mentor and role model for Richard. He spent extra time helping Richard with debate research and encouraged him to give his best effort. This support and encouragement boosted Richard’s confidence and motivated him to excel not only in science but in other areas as well.

8. Describe the challenges Richard Ebright faced in his scientific experiments and how he overcame them.

Answer: Richard Ebright faced many challenges in his scientific experiments, but he overcame them with hard work and clever thinking. In seventh grade, his project didn’t win a prize, and he realised he needed real experiments, not just displays.

This made him work harder. When he tried to find out why a virus was killing monarch caterpillars, his first experiments failed. However, he kept trying and eventually won at the science fair.

In high school, he studied the gold spots on a monarch pupa. He had to build a special tool to prove these spots made a hormone needed for butterfly growth. He worked with another student to do this difficult task successfully.

These challenges taught Richard to be strong, think carefully, and do good experiments. Overcoming these problems helped him become a better scientist.

9. Explain how Richard Ebright’s dedication and hard work led to his success at Harvard University.

Answer: Richard Ebright’s dedication and hard work were key to his success at Harvard University. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in science and worked tirelessly on his projects. His early experiments with butterflies and his discoveries, like the insect hormone, helped him develop important skills and a deep understanding of biology.

At Harvard, spent long hours studying, conducting research, and working on his theories. He and his roommate, James R. Wong, developed a new theory about how cells read DNA. This significant discovery highlighted Richard’s innovative thinking and deep knowledge of science.

Richard graduated from Harvard with the highest honours, finishing second in his class of 1,510 students. His success at Harvard was a result of his relentless dedication, hard work, and passion for science.

10. Discuss the overall theme of “The Making of a Scientist” and how Richard Ebright’s story can inspire other young students.

Answer: The overall theme of “The Making of a Scientist” is that curiosity, hard work, and support from family and mentors lead to great success. Richard Ebright’s story shows how these factors can shape a person’s future. From a young age, Richard was curious about the world around him. His mother supported him by providing books, tools, and encouragement. This foundation helped him explore his interests deeply.

Richard’s story can inspire other young students by showing them the importance of being curious, working hard, and seeking support from others. It teaches that success comes from a combination of passion, effort, and encouragement.

11. Question: How might Richard Ebright’s life have been different if his mother had not supported his scientific interests from a young age?

Answer: If Richard Ebright’s mother had not supported his scientific interests, his life might have been very different. Without her buying him books, tools, and taking him on trips, Richard might not have developed such a deep love for science.

His curiosity might not have been nurtured, and he could have pursued a different path. The lack of encouragement might have led to less confidence in his abilities. He may not have discovered his passion for butterflies or had the opportunity to tag them. Without his mother’s support, Richard might not have met mentors like Dr. Urquhart or participated in science fairs.

This could have resulted in fewer opportunities for growth and recognition in the scientific community. Overall, his mother’s support was crucial in shaping his successful scientific career.

12. Question: What qualities do you think Dr. Urquhart saw in Richard Ebright that made him decide to mentor him?

Answer: Dr. Urquhart noticed several qualities in Richard Ebright that made him a good candidate for mentorship. Richard had a strong curiosity about butterflies and science, shown by his detailed butterfly collection and his desire to learn more. He was dedicated and hardworking, actively studying and caring for butterflies in his basement.

Richard also reached out to Dr. Urquhart for advice, showing his willingness to learn from experts. Despite facing challenges and early failures, Richard kept pursuing his interests. Dr. Urquhart saw Richard’s potential to contribute significantly to science, which likely influenced his decision to mentor him.

13. Question: Imagine Richard Ebright had not read “The Travels of Monarch X.” How might his scientific journey have been different?

Answer: If Richard Ebright had not read “The Travels of Monarch X,” his scientific journey might have been very different. The book inspired him to start tagging butterflies, which was a key turning point in his life. Without this inspiration, Richard might not have engaged in hands-on scientific research at such a young age.

His interest in butterflies might have remained a simple hobby rather than a serious scientific pursuit. He may not have connected with Dr. Urquhart, who became an important mentor.

This could have led to fewer opportunities for learning and growth in the field of science. Overall, the book played a crucial role in sparking Richard’s passion for research and setting him on the path to becoming a successful scientist.

14. Question: How do you think Richard Ebright’s experiences in the Debating and Model United Nations clubs contributed to his success as a scientist?

Answer: Richard Ebright’s experiences in the Debating and Model United Nations clubs contributed significantly to his success as a scientist. These activities helped him develop important skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. Debating would have taught him how to present his ideas clearly and confidently, which is essential for a scientist when sharing research findings.

The Model United Nations would have exposed him to different perspectives and improved his ability to work collaboratively with others. These skills are valuable in scientific research, where presenting ideas and working with a team are important. Additionally, these activities also boosted his confidence and helped him become a well-rounded individual. 

15. Question: What impact do you think Richard Ebright’s story can have on the future generation of scientists and why?

Answer: Richard Ebright’s story can have a significant impact on the future generation of scientists. It shows that curiosity, hard work, and support from family and mentors can lead to great success.

Young students can learn the importance of being curious and asking questions about the world around them. Richard’s dedication to his projects, even when faced with challenges, teaches the value of perseverance and resilience. His story highlights the importance of having mentors who can provide guidance and inspiration.

It also shows that success in science requires a combination of passion, effort, and encouragement. Richard’s journey can inspire young students to pursue their interests in science and strive for excellence, knowing that they too can achieve great things with the right support and dedication.

16 Question: How important is the role of family support in achieving one’s goals, as seen in Richard Ebright’s life?

Answer: Richard Ebright’s mother was his complete family after his father’s death. From a young age, she encouraged his hobbies, providing him with books and tools that helped him explore his interests in butterflies, rocks, and fossils.

She also facilitated his deeper engagement with science by supporting his experimental needs. After his father’s death, her involvement increased; she actively nurtured his curiosity and helped him stay motivated by engaging with him daily.

This consistent support not only boosted his confidence but also allowed him to pursue and excel in his scientific endeavours. Her dedication played a crucial role in developing the skills and persistence he needed to overcome challenges and make significant contributions to science.

17. Question: Discuss the value of perseverance in the face of failure, as shown by Richard Ebright’s experiences.

Answer: Richard Ebright’s journey shows how perseverance can turn failures into successes. In seventh grade, he didn’t win at a science fair, but instead of giving up, he realised he needed to conduct genuine experiments. This setback pushed him to seek advice from Dr. Urquhart, leading to improved projects.

Later, when studying a viral disease in monarch caterpillars, his initial experiments failed to give clear results. However, Richard didn’t quit; he kept refining his approach. His persistence eventually led to success in science fairs, illustrating that challenges can be overcome with determination. Richard’s story teaches that failure can be a catalyst for growth and achievement when met with persistence.

18. Question: How did Dr. Urquhart’s mentorship impact Richard Ebright’s development?

Answer: Dr. Urquhart’s mentorship was important for Richard Ebright’s growth in science. He provided Richard with valuable guidance and support. Dr. Urquhart also sparked his curiosity and taught him to conduct thorough scientific research. When Richard started tagging butterflies, Dr. Urquhart offered experiment ideas that sharpened Richard’s skills.

This guidance also encouraged Richard to ask deeper questions, enhancing his critical thinking. Dr. Urquhart’s constant encouragement and suggestions helped Richard achieve great heights, like understanding the function of gold spots on monarch pupae. His mentorship not only boosted Richard’s confidence but also laid a strong foundation for his future successes in science.

19. Explain the importance of curiosity and a love for learning in personal growth, using examples from Richard Ebright’s journey.

Answer: Curiosity and a love for learning are very important for personal growth, as shown in Richard Ebright’s journey. From a young age, Richard was curious about the world. He loved collecting butterflies, rocks, fossils, and coins. His curiosity made him want to learn more, and his mother supported him by buying books and tools.

Richard’s love for learning led him to read “The Travels of Monarch X,” inspiring him to tag butterflies. This hands-on activity taught him a lot about science. In high school, his curiosity about the gold spots on a monarch pupa led to discovering an important insect hormone.

20. Question: If Richard had more failures in his early experiments, do you think he would still love science as much? Discuss how facing challenges can make someone more determined.

Answer: If Richard Ebright had faced more failures in his early experiments, he might still have loved science, but his journey could have been more challenging. Failures can be discouraging, but they also provide valuable learning experiences. Richard’s initial failures, like not winning his first science fair, taught him important lessons about the importance of real experiments and perseverance.

Facing more failures could have strengthened Richard’s determination and resilience. Each failure would have been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. His natural curiosity and passion for science might have driven him to keep trying despite setbacks. Overcoming challenges can build character and make someone more determined to succeed.

25. Question: Richard’s story shows the importance of curiosity and loving to learn. How can teachers and parents encourage these qualities in kids? Think about how a good learning environment helps.

Answer: Teachers and parents can help kids be curious and love learning by creating a supportive environment. Giving children access to books, educational tools, and materials can spark their interests and help them explore.

Encouraging kids to ask questions and creating a place where they feel comfortable asking is important. Answer their questions patiently and help them find answers by researching and exploring.

Engaging kids in learning in a fun way helps them understand better. For example, Richard’s butterfly tagging was a fun activity that made him love science. Paying attention to children’s interests and supporting them is crucial.

Take them on educational trips, join clubs, or participate in related activities. Richard’s mother supported his interest in butterflies by taking him on trips and helping with his projects.

Question: 26. Describe the role of Richard Ebright’s mother in his success as a scientist.

Answer: Richard Ebright’s mother played a very important role in his success as a scientist. She supported his interests from a young age by buying him books, tools, and taking him on educational trips. She was his main companion and encouraged his curiosity.

After Richard’s father died when he was in third grade, his mother became even more dedicated to helping him learn. She made sure he had everything he needed for his projects and experiments. When Richard collected butterflies, she helped him by getting him the book “The Travels of Monarch X,”.

This book inspired him to start tagging butterflies for research. She also found work for him to do that was related to learning. Her dedication and involvement were key factors in his successes in his scientific career.

Note- Following are the old types questions with answers for the chapter Making of a Scientist. These were asked till 2023-24 session. They focus more on memory rather than assumption and extrapolation. They are still useful.

1.’Success is failure turned inside out’. Prove the above statement with instances from the journey taken by Richard Albright from losing at the science fair to winning at the international fair.                                                                                                 

 Ans. Success is the fruit of failure. It never comes straight but through failure. This can be seen in the life of Richard Albright. Although he earned top grades in school, on everyday things he was just like every other kid. He faced many failures in his life but every failure strengthened his will to succeed.

When he was in seventh grade he participated in County Science Fair with his slides of frog tissues. But he could not win a prize. This made him determined to win the prize and in his eighth grade, he again participated in the science fair with the experiment of viral disease in monarch caterpillars and won the prize.

The very next Year he participated with his experiment of whether viceroy butterflies copy the monarch butterflies in order to save their life from the birds and this project won Albright, third prize in overall county science fair.

His experiment regarding gold spots of monarch liar which he built a device that showed. That the spots produced hormones necessary for the full development of butterflies won third prize in international science and engineering fair.

Next year his advanced experiments on the monarch pupa won him first place at the international science fair. Thus, for Richard Albright, we can say that success is failure turned inside out.

2. How does Richard Albright become a scientist?

Ans. Richard Ebright had been a curious child even when he was in kindergarten. His curiosity prompted him to collect rocks, fossils, coins and butterflies. His mother’s encouragement and his bright mind also contributed to making him a success. His mother got him all that he needed to develop his scientific bent of mind. His response to Dr Fredrick A. Urquhart to collect butterflies for his research gave him an opportunity in his endeavours.

Then in the seventh grade, he got a hint of what real science is when he entered a country science fair and lost. He realized that winners had tried to do real experiments, not simply make a neat display. Thereafter, Ebright worked sincerely on every science project he got every year in school.

Then he stood first in a county fair that gave him entry into international science and engineering fair where he won third place. He then went on to win the highest honours and graduated from Harvard. His high school research into the purpose of the spots on a monarch pupa eventually led him to his theory about cell life. Thus he became a renowned scientist.

3.”Richard Ebright was a successful scientist who gave a new theory of cells to the scientific world.” Elucidate.

Ans. Ebright tried experiments on butterflies for a science fair. In his project, in the second year of high school, he tried to explain the purpose of twelve tiny gold spots on a Monarch pupa. He found out that those spots produced a hormone necessary for the full development of a butterfly.

He continued with his experiments even after graduation using sophisticated instruments of the university. He discovered the chemical structure of the hormone. He came across his new theory of cell life. It gave an answer to one of the questions — “How a cell can read the blueprint of DNA.“

4. Ebright’s backbone was his mother. How did she contribute to his learning? What kind of work did she find for him even at the dining table? What values did Ebright imbibe from his mother?

Or

 Discuss the role of Ebright’s mother in making him a scientist.

 Ans. Ebright’s mother played an important role in making him a scientist. She motivated him to learn new things. She took him on trips, bought him telescopes, microscopes, cameras, mounting material and other equipment.

Every evening mother and son worked together at the dining table. If Ebright had nothing to do, she would find his work — learning work. He was a keen learner, liked learning and got `A’ grade throughout his schooling.

She also bought him a book, `The Travels of Monarch X’, which opened the world of science to him. Ebright’s mother helped him to become a scientist by sustaining his interest in the scientific field.

Q.5. How did Ebright’s mother encourage him to become a scientist?

Ans. Ebright’s mother recognized his curiosity and encouraged him. She took him on trips. She also bought him telescopes, microscopes, cameras and other equipment so that he could follow his hobbies. Ebright’s mother was his friend until he started going to school. She would bring home friends to him.

Ebright’s mother would find work for him if he had nothing to do. She found learning tasks for him. He had a great hunger for learning. He earned top grades in school. By the time he was in second grade, he had collected 25 species of butterflies.

One day his mother other gave him a children’s book. It opened the world of science to Ebright.

Q.6. Which book proved to be a turning point in Ebright’s life?

Ans. One day, Ebright’s mother gave him a book. That book was ‘The Travels of Monarch X’. It described readers were monarch butterflies migrate to Central America. This book fascinated him. At the end of the book, deere invited to help study butterfly migrations.

They were asked to tag butterflies for research by Dr Frederick of Toronto University, Canada. Anyone who found a tagged butterfly was asked to send the tag to Dr Frederick. Ebright started tagging monarch, butterflies. The butterfly collecting season around Reading lasts only six weeks in late summer.

He realized that chasing the butterflies one by one won’t enable him to catch many. So he decided to raise a flock of butterflies.

Q7. What experiments did Ebright do about monarch butterflies?

Ans. Ebright wrote to Dr Frederick for ideas. In reply, the famous scientist gave him many suggestions for experiments. These experiments kept Ebright busy all through high school. He also won many prizes in the county and international science fairs. Ebright tried to find the cause of a viral disease that killed all monarch caterpillars. He thought the disease might be carried by a beetle.

He tried raising caterpillars in the presence of beetles. But he didn’t get any real results. But he showed his experiment in the science fair and won. The next year his science fair project was testing the theory that viceroy butterflies imitate monarchs.

By copying monarchs, the viceroys escape being eaten by birds. This project was placed first in the zoology division and third overall in the county science fair.

Q.8. How did Ebright discover an unknown insect hormone?

Ans. In his second year in high school, Ebright’s research led to his discovery of an unknown insect hormone. Indirectly, it led to his new theory on the life of cells. He tried to answer a very simple question. What is the purpose of the twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa?

To prove Ebright and one other student built a device that showed that the spots were producing a hormone. It was necessary for the butterfly’s full development. This project won Ebright first place in the county fair and entry into the International Science and Engineering Fair. There he won third place for zoology.

Q.9. How did Ebright get the idea for his new theory about cell life? How can this theory be beneficial?

Ans. One day, Ebright was seeing the X-ray photos of the chemical structure of cells. He got the idea for his new theory about cell life. Those photos provided him with the answer to one of biology’s puzzles: how the cell can ‘read’ the blueprint of its DNA. DNA is the substance in the nucleus of a cell that controls heredity. It is the blueprint for life.

Ebright and his college room-mate James R. Wong drew pictures and constructed plastic models of molecules to show how it could happen. At the Harvard Medical School, Ebright began experimenting to test his theory.

If the theory proves correct, it will be a big step towards understanding life processes. It might also lead to new ideas for preventing some types of cancer and other diseases.

Q10. Give a character sketch of Richard Ebright highlighting his achievements and his added interests.

Ans. Richard H Ebright was a many-faceted genius. He was a competent scientist, a lovable son, a respecting pupil and above all, a man with varied interests and hobbies. But first and foremost, he was a scientist. His fame rests on his wonderful works and achievement on butterflies.

By the time he was in the second grade, Ebright collected all twenty-five species of butterflies found around in his hometown. Ebright was a great learner. He learnt an important lesson at his first county science fair. He learnt that winners do real experiments than making a neat display.

The book, Travels of Monarch X opened the world of science to the eager young collector. One of his famous projects was based on the theory that viceroy butterflies copied monarch butterflies to escape being eaten by birds. This project was placed first in the zoology division.

Later, Ebright showed that the spots on a monarch pupa produced a hormone necessary for the butterfly’s development. He also proved that DNA controls heredity and is the blueprint for life.

Richard Ebright got all his encouragement, help and inspiration from his mother. He was her only companion and they spent almost every evening at the dining table. She encouraged his interest in learning.

She bought him telescopes, microscopes, cameras and other instruments for him. Dr Urquhart helped him with new suggestions and ideas. His Social Studies teacher, Richard A Weiherer, opened his mind to new ideas and made him competitive.

Richard Ebright was more than a scientist. He found time for other interests and hobbies. He was a champion debater and public speaker. He was a good canoeist and an expert photographer. He had a first-rate mind, competitive spirit and scientific curiosity.

Q11. Describe Richard Ebright’s various achievements in science, particularly his great work on the monarch butterflies. Who did Ebright look to for getting fresh ideas and suggestions?

Ans. Richard Ebright had all the necessary ingredients that are required in the making of a scientist. He had a first-rate mind, was competitive and had the will to win. Above all, he was a great collector and never lost his scientific curiosity. His scientific journey started very early. While he was still in the second grade, he had collected all the species of butterflies found around his hometown.

The Travels of Monarch X was the book that changed his life. It opened the world of science to the eager collector. His failure at his first county science fair taught him an important lesson. He learnt that winners do real experiments. One of the most important projects of Richard Ebright was to prove that viceroy butterflies try to look like monarch butterflies.

They do so to avoid being eaten by birds. Ebright also proved that twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa produced a hormone that was necessary for the butterfly’s full development. His other project won first place for zoology at the International Fair. It showed that if cells are fed the hormone from the gold spots, they can develop into normal butterfly wing scales.

The crowning achievement of Ebright’s brilliant scientific career was his work on the chemical structure of a hormone. He proved that a cell can read the blueprint of its DNA and thus DNA controls heredity and is the blueprint for life.

Richard Ebright looked to Dr Urquhat for fresh ideas and suggestions. The book, The Travels of Monarch X, opened the world of science to him. He sent tagged butterflies to Dr Urquhart for his research works. Dr Urquhart’s new ideas and suggestions helped Ebright to achieve prizes and honours in the county and International Science Fairs.

Q12. How did The Travels of Monarch X open the world of science to Richard Ebright? Elaborate.

Ans. It is absolutely true that the book called The Travels of Monarch X changed the very course of Ebright’s life. That book told how monarch butterflies migrated to Central America. Richard Ebright was a passionate and eager collector.

By the time he was in the second grade, he had collected all twenty-five species of butterflies found around his hometown. Had he not got The Travels of MonarchX, Richard Ebright’s butterfly collecting would have ended.

The book was a children’s book and was gifted to him by his mother. At the end of the book, readers were invited to help study butterfly migrations. They were asked to tag butterflies for research to Dr Urquhart. Soon, Ebright started sending tagged butterflies to Dr Urquhart of the University of Toronto, Canada.

Then, Ebright started raising a flock of butterflies in his basement. For several years his basement was home to thousands of monarch butterflies in different stages of development.

Dr Urquhart had a dominating influence on Richard Ebright’s life. He made him do elaborate experiments on monarch butterflies. Ebright succeeded in proving that viceroy butterflies copy monarch butterflies to avoid being eaten by birds. He also showed how DNA controls heredity and is the blueprint for life.

Q13. Describe the contribution of his mother in Richard Ebright’s life. What role did she play in making Ebright a scientist?

Ans. They say that behind the success of a man stands a woman. And in Richard Ebright’s success as a scientist and also as a man, solidly stood his mother. Richard Ebright’s father had died when he was just in the third grade.

“Richie was my life after his father died …,” said his mother. He was her only companion and they spent almost every evening at the dining table. Ebright’s mother encouraged his interest in learning. She knew that her son had a driving curiosity along with a bright mind. She took him on trips, bought him telescopes, microscopes, cameras, mounting materials and other equipment.

She helped Ebright in many ways. She was an important link between Dr Urquhart and her son. She wrote to Dr Urquhart and after her advice, Ebright sent tagged butterflies to him in Canada.

She knew that her son had a passion for collecting things. By the time he was in the second grade, Ebright had collected all twenty-five species of butterflies found around his hometown. His interest in his butterfly collecting would have ended had she not got him a children’s book called The Travels of Monarch X. That book told how monarch butterflies migrated to Central America. It opened the world of science to the eager collector.

Q14. How did Richard Ebright’s not winning anything at his first County Science Fair motivate him to become a great scientist? What lessons did he learn from his failure there?

Ans. Richard Ebright had started the work of butterflies and insects from a very early age. His main work was based on butterflies, particularly monarch butterflies. By the time he was in the second grade, he had collected all twenty-five species of butterflies found around his hometown.

But he learnt the lesson of his life when he was in the seventh grade. He got a hint of what real science was. He entered the County Science Fair with a project. His project was slides of frog tissues, which he showed under a microscope. In the fair, he failed miserably.

He didn’t get anything while everybody else had won something. It was really a very sad feeling for him. From his first county science fair, Ebright came to know what real science was. He also learnt a lesson of knowing what made a winner. He realised his mistakes. He had only made a neat display of frog tissues under a microscope. He realised that winners had tried real experiments.

 From then onwards, he looked to Dr Urquhart for new ideas and suggestions. Dr Urquhart gave him a number of suggestions for experiments. Continuous research and experimentations won him great honours and prizes locally as well as internationally.

Q15.What other interests, besides science did Richard Ebright pursue? Why did Ebright respect and praise his Social Studies teacher so much?

Ans.No doubt, first and foremost, Richard Ebright was a scientist. He was interested in science, he first began to collect butterflies. But this scientist found time for other interests too. He was a man of many parts — a multifaceted genius. Not only did he collect butterflies but also took a deep interest in other activities.

He collected rocks, fossils, and coins. He became an eager astronomer. He would indulge in star-gazing sometimes all night. Ebright also became a champion debater and public speaker. In this field, his Social Studies teacher turned Ebright’s tremendous energy towards the Debating and Model United Nations Clubs.

He was a good canoeist and all-around outdoors-person. He was also an expert photographer. He excelled in nature and scientific exhibits. In brief, besides being a remarkable scientist, Richard Ebright enjoyed all pleasures, adventures, hobbies and entertainments that a happy and civilised living provided to him.