CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet - The Making of a Scientist Summary

CBSE

CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet – The Making of a Scientist Summary

Chapter 6 of the Class 10 English Supplementary Reader ‘Footprints Without Feet’ consists of a prose titled – The Making of a Scientist. This prose by Robert W. Peterson tells the story of Richard Ebright, a curious child who becomes a great scientist.
Here’s a simple summary of the prose– The Making of a Scientist.

Summary of The Making of a Scientist

This story is about Richard Ebright, a renowned scientist who showed exceptional curiosity and intelligence from a young age. As a child, he loved collecting butterflies and had already collected 25 species by the time he was in the second grade. Moreover, his mother supported his interests and gave him a book called “The Travels of Monarch X.” Significantly, the book marked a turning point in his life, introducing him to the world of science. Specifically, it explained the migration of monarch butterflies to Central America, thereby fueling his eagerness to learn more about the species. Subsequently, he entered the county science fair and realized he needed to pursue something extraordinary. With persistent efforts, he eventually secured a place in the fair through his valid experiments.

In his eighth-grade project, Ebright aimed to identify the disease caused by a virus that nearly killed most of the monarch caterpillars each year. He assumed that a beetle might be transmitting the disease and began breeding caterpillars alongside beetles. Although the experiment did not yield results, he presented it at the county science fair and won the competition that year.
In his second year of high school, Ebright began researching a mysterious insect hormone, which led him to develop a new theory on cell life. His experiment focused on discovering the primary function of the twelve tiny golden spots on a monarch pupa. This project won first prize at a county science fair, earning him an opportunity to work in the entomology lab at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
As a junior in high school, he continued his advanced experiments on the monarch pupa and ultimately succeeded in identifying the chemical structure of hormones. One day, while examining X-ray photos of the hormone’s chemical structure, he realized how the cell could ‘read’ the blueprint of its DNA.

Ebright and his college roommate, James R. Wong, dedicated themselves to creating detailed drawings and plastic models of molecules to demonstrate how DNA functions. This effort marked a significant milestone in Ebright’s career. He graduated from Harvard with the highest honors, ranking second in a class of 1,510 students. Their work was published in a science magazine. Ebright soon became a graduate student researcher at Harvard Medical School and began working on additional experiments.

Richard Ebright was a straight-A student in high school. He was also actively involved in debate and public speaking, excelled as a canoeist, and enjoyed various outdoor activities, making him an all-around achiever. His competitive spirit and determination to excel in all his endeavors were evident. Ebright possessed all the essential qualities of a brilliant scientist: an exceptional mind, boundless curiosity, and the willpower to succeed for the right reasons.

Conclusion of The Making of a Scientist

In conclusion, “The Making of a Scientist” portrays the remarkable journey of Richard Ebright from a curious child to a renowned scientist. Through his passion for science and relentless pursuit of knowledge, Ebright overcame challenges and achieved remarkable success. Furthermore, from his early fascination with butterflies to his groundbreaking research on molecular structures, Ebright’s story exemplifies the power of curiosity, dedication, and perseverance in shaping one’s destiny. Moreover, his journey serves as an inspiration, illustrating how the combination of intellect, curiosity, and determination can lead to significant contributions in the field of science. “The Making of a Scientist” not only celebrates Ebright’s achievements but also highlights the transformative power of science in shaping lives and advancing human knowledge.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Prose, “The Making of a Scientist,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.