Footprints Without Feet – Chapter 6: The Making of a Scientist

About the Author: Robert W. Peterson was an American author and journalist who wrote for Reader's Digest and other publications.

Summary: The story is about Richard Ebright, a young American scientist who became famous for his research on butterflies and cell biology. He was a curious and intelligent child who collected butterflies from a young age. His mother encouraged his interest in science. He participated in science fairs and won many awards. He discovered a new theory about how cells read their DNA. He also discovered that the DNA of butterflies could be used to understand how cells work. The story emphasizes that a true scientist is curious, hardworking, dedicated, and has a competitive spirit. It also highlights the importance of a supportive family and a good education in shaping a scientist's career.

Richard Ebright: Richard Ebright was a brilliant and curious student from a young age. He collected butterflies, rocks, fossils, and coins. He participated in science fairs and won many awards. He was not just a collector but also a thinker. He discovered a new theory about cell DNA. He was hardworking, dedicated, and had a competitive spirit. His curiosity and passion for learning led him to become a renowned scientist.

Richard's Mother: She played a crucial role in Richard's development as a scientist. She encouraged his curiosity from a young age. She took him on trips, bought him books, and helped him with his projects. She did not have a scientific background but she knew how to nurture his interest. Her support and encouragement were instrumental in Richard's success.

Answer: Richard Ebright collected butterflies, rocks, fossils, and coins. His mother helped him by taking him on trips, buying him books, and encouraging his curiosity. She also helped him with his projects and supported his interest in science.

Answer: Richard's first science project was to collect as many butterflies as possible. He chose it because he was already interested in butterflies and had a collection. He wanted to learn more about them and share his findings.

Answer: Richard discovered that the monarch butterflies' DNA could be used to understand how cells work. He found that the butterflies' DNA was similar to the DNA of other organisms, which helped him develop a new theory about cell biology.

Answer: Richard's curiosity about how cells read their DNA led him to conduct experiments. He discovered a new theory about the way cells work, which was recognized by the scientific community. His willingness to ask questions and find answers was the key to his success.

Answer: A scientist should be curious, hardworking, dedicated, observant, and willing to experiment. Richard Ebright had all these qualities. He was curious from a young age, collected many things, worked hard on his projects, and was dedicated to his research. He was also competitive and participated in many science fairs.

Answer: Richard's mother played a crucial role in his success. She encouraged his curiosity, bought him books, took him on trips, and helped him with his projects. She did not have a scientific background but she knew how to nurture his interest. Her support and encouragement were instrumental in Richard's development as a scientist.

Answer: (Students should discuss in groups. Points: Science fairs encourage curiosity, help students develop research skills, build confidence, and provide opportunities to learn from others. They also help students identify their interests and pursue careers in science.)

Answer: Richard Ebright's life teaches us that curiosity and hard work are essential for success. He was curious from a young age, which led him to explore and learn. He worked hard on his projects, participated in science fairs, and never gave up. His dedication and passion for learning made him a successful scientist. The story shows that with curiosity and hard work, anyone can achieve great things.

Curiosity: a strong desire to know or learn something
Fossils: the remains of ancient plants or animals preserved in rock
Butterfly: a flying insect with colourful wings
DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid — the molecule that carries genetic information
Experiment: a scientific procedure to make a discovery
Competitive: having a strong desire to win
Dedicated: committed to a task or purpose
Cell: the smallest structural unit of an organism
Genes: units of heredity passed from parent to offspring
Spectacular: beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way
Preserve: to maintain or keep something in its original state
Nurture: to care for and encourage the growth of something

Answer:
(i) Richard Ebright is being described.
(ii) His aim was not just to win but to learn new things and discover new ideas.
(iii) He was competitive, curious, hardworking, and dedicated to learning.

Answer:
(i) Richard's mother played a supportive and encouraging role.
(ii) She encouraged him by taking him on trips, buying him books, and helping him with his projects.
(iii) A supportive family provides encouragement, resources, and emotional support, which helps young scientists pursue their interests and achieve their goals.

Answer: The key factors that contributed to Richard Ebright's success were his curiosity, hard work, dedication, competitive spirit, and a supportive mother. He was curious from a young age and loved to collect things. He worked hard on his projects and participated in many science fairs. His mother encouraged his interests and helped him pursue his goals. He also had access to good education and resources.

Answer: Richard Ebright's research on butterflies led to important discoveries about cell DNA. He found that the DNA of monarch butterflies could be used to understand how cells work. His research helped scientists learn more about how cells read their genetic information. His work was recognized by the scientific community and contributed to the field of cell biology.

Answer: The story conveys that curiosity, hard work, and dedication are essential for success. It encourages young students to explore their interests, ask questions, and never stop learning. The story also highlights the importance of a supportive family and good education. It shows that with the right attitude and effort, anyone can achieve great things, regardless of their background.