The Making Of a Scientist — An Overview

Introduction

The “Making of a Scientist” is a story about renowned scientist Richard Ebright”. From the very beginning of his life, he had a natural curiosity. He began collecting butterflies when he was a little child, and when he was in “second grade”, he had gathered all 25 kinds that could be found in his area. He also collected rocks, fossils, and coins.

Short Summary of Making of a Scientist

The protagonist is the famous scientist Richard Ebright. An innate interest was there in him from an early age. As a young boy, he began collecting butterflies; by the time he was in the “second grade,” he had amassed specimens of all “25 varieties” found in his region. He amassed a collection of “rocks, fossils, and coins,” too. He read “The Voyage of Monarch X,” a “book” given to him by his mother. He reached a turning point in his life when he was introduced to the scientific world and this work. He also understood that it is not enough to merely follow the crowd if one wants to achieve their goals. During the “country science fair,” he was able to participate in hands-on scientific activities.

Scientist

Then, he chose to research the virus that yearly wipes off nearly all monarch caterpillars as his eighth-grade project. For this reason, he bred caterpillars alongside beetles in the hopes of discovering the insect’s identity. Unfortunately for him, he was completely wrong. His plan for next year’s science fair project was to conduct an experiment to see if viceroy butterflies can successfully mimic monarchs. His research paper won third place at the national level but took first place in the zoology section.

During his sophomore year of high school, “Richard Ebright” conducted research that would ultimately lead to the identification of an unnamed “insect hormone” and the creation of his groundbreaking theory on the nature of cells.

He persisted through high school and college with his challenging experiment, and he discovered the hormones’ chemical composition. Ebright and his roommate fashioned a plastic replica of a molecule of DNA to demonstrate its operation.

About the author

Newspaper writer, freelance journalist, and author of various books on sports and current events “Robert W. Peterson” (1925-2006). The publication of his book “Only the Ball Was White” in 1970, which focused on the “Negro Leagues,” was his most significant contribution to the sport of baseball.

Conclusion

The story conveys a message that anything is possible with hard effort, endurance, and dedication.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1. How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?

Ans: Richard became interested in science after reading “The Travels of Monarch X.” After reading it, he developed an interest in monitoring butterfly migration. His other initiatives and experiments were a result of this passion. He eventually became a great scientist

2. How did his mother help him?

Ans: The assistance of Richard’s mother was beneficial. She bought him scientific equipment and took him on outings. She devoted all of her efforts to set new challenges for him.  She gave him “The Travels of Monarch X,” a book. Richard’s life is altered by the novel permanently.

3. What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?

Ans: At a science fair, Ebright displayed slides of frog tissues. He received no award. He realized that science is more than merely a means of a show. Projects and experiments are the subjects. From that day onwards, he began conducting experiments.

4. What experiments and projects does he then undertake?

Ans: He worked on numerous projects and experiments. To demonstrate how closely they resemble monarch butterflies, he worked on viceroy butterflies. He looked at the monarch pupa’s colorful patches and found a new hormone. Additionally, he discovered how cells read their DNA.

5. What are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist?

Ans: A scientist must possess three things to succeed. The first has an excellent mind. The presence of curiosity comes next. Last but not least, there is the desire to succeed.

6. How can one become a scientist, an economist, or a historian … ? Does it simply involve reading many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking, and doing experiments?

Ans: It is not enough to read several books on a subject. One needs to develop their ability to observe and think. There should be experimentation. Above all, one must put in a lot of effort and learn to accept failure.

7. You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in 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 in and why?

Ans: DNA is the blueprint for life and inheritance. They transmit knowledge from one generation to the next. I would prefer to study diseases if I had the chance to work as Richard Ebright. I might learn how to treat numerous diseases by researching DNA.

Additional Important Questions Answers

1.What is so special about mothers?

Ans: Moms are the most selfless people on Earth because they love their children even before they are born. Nothing can compare to the unconditional love of a mother for her child.

 2. Where did Richard grow up?

Ans: Richard was the only kid his parents ever had. Reading was always a priority for him as he grew up in Pennsylvania. He had no friends or companions with whom to pass the time. This led to him starting a collection of rocks, fossils, and currency.

3. Who influenced Ebright’s life the most?

Ans: Both Ebright’s mother, who helped him when he was young, and Dr. Urquhart, who sparked his interest in butterflies, played crucial parts in his development.