NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Chapter 6

NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 6 The Making of a Scientist – complete answers & explanations

The chapter “The Making of a Scientist” from Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet highlights the inspiring journey of Richard Ebright, a young boy whose curiosity and determination led him to become a successful scientist. This chapter emphasizes the importance of observation, experimentation, and perseverance in learning. In this blog, you will find complete NCERT solutions strictly based on the worksheet provided, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the original content.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

1. The inspiring story of Richard Ebright’s scientific journey.  
2. The importance of curiosity, observation, and experimentation in learning.  
3. Key biology concepts such as DNA, heredity, and cell functioning.  
4. How determination and hard work lead to success.  
5. Language skills like comprehension, critical thinking, and structured writing.  

How to use these NCERT solutions?

1. First, attempt the worksheet questions on your own.  
2. Compare your answers with the solutions provided here.  
3. Use the guidelines mentioned in the worksheet to refine your responses.  
4. Parents and teachers can use these solutions to guide students in structured learning.  
5. The solutions follow the exact order of the worksheet, making it easy to cross-check.  

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Avoid copying answers blindly; understand the reasoning behind them.  
2. NCERT expects clear, concise, and logical answers.  
3. Always connect answers to the chapter’s themes for full marks.  
4. For activities and speaking tasks, follow the worksheet instructions exactly.  
5. Practice writing answers in simple language to build confidence.  

NCERT solutions – complete answer key

READ AND FIND OUT  
1. The book *The Travels of Monarch X* opened the world of science to Ebright. It explained how monarch butterflies migrate to Central America and invited readers to help in research. This inspired him to tag butterflies and pursue scientific experiments.  

2. Ebright's mother encouraged his curiosity by buying him equipment like microscopes and telescopes, taking him on trips, and guiding him in learning activities. She was his constant companion and support after his father's death.  

3. He realised that real science involves experiments and not just neat displays. This motivated him to focus on genuine research projects.  

4.  
- Studied viral disease in monarch caterpillars.  
- Tested the theory of viceroy butterflies mimicking monarchs.  
- Researched the purpose of gold spots on monarch pupae.  
- Grew cells from a monarch's wing and proved the role of hormones.  
- Developed a theory on how cells read DNA.  

5. Curiosity, a bright mind, determination, competitiveness for the right reasons, and the will to work hard.  

THINK ABOUT IT  
1 Sample Answer:  
One can become a scientist, economist, or historian not just by reading books but by observing carefully, asking questions, thinking critically, and conducting experiments or research. Practical work and curiosity are essential.  

Guideline for Students:  
- The importance of observation and curiosity.  
- The role of experiments and practical work.  
- Why reading alone is not enough.  
- How active participation leads to deeper understanding.  

2 Sample Answer:  
Ebright's work on DNA and cell functioning connects directly with biology concepts. His experiments showed how cells interpret DNA, which is crucial for understanding heredity and life processes.  

Guideline for Students:  
- Relate the answer to your science syllabus (cells, DNA, heredity).  
- Mention Ebright's experiments on monarch butterflies.  
- Highlight how his findings contributed to biology.  

3 Sample Answer:  
I would choose environmental science to study climate change because it affects all living beings and requires urgent solutions.  

Guideline for Students:  
- Choose a field you are genuinely interested in.  
- Explain why it matters to you or society.  
- Keep the answer concise and clear.  

THINK ABOUT IT  
i. DNA fingerprinting is a technique to identify individuals based on their unique DNA patterns. It is used in criminal investigations, paternity tests, and genetic studies.  

ii. Honeybees use their sense of smell and unique chemical signals to identify their own honeycombs.  

iii. Rain falls in drops because water vapour condenses into droplets due to surface tension, and gravity pulls them down.  

2 Guideline for Students:  
- Begin by writing a natural question that arises from your daily observations (e.g., nature, science, everyday life).  
- Frame your answer in simple, clear language that shows logical or scientific reasoning.  
- Use examples from your surroundings or what you have studied in class.  

SUGGESTED READING  
Students are advised to read the following books to broaden their knowledge and gain inspiration from different stories:  
- *Journey by Night* by Norah Burke  
- *Children Who Made It Big* by Thangamani  
- *School Days* by Tom Brown  

Why NCERT solutions help students?  

These NCERT solutions help students prepare effectively for exams by providing clarity of concepts and structured answers. They ensure alignment with NCERT expectations, build confidence, and make revision easier.  

Help your child build strong English fundamentals with expert-guided learning support.  
Book a free trial!