The Making of a Scientist
The Making of a Scientist Solution, Summary & Word Meaning
The Making of a Scientist Summary
Richard Ebright, a former “scout of the year,” made headlines at 22 when he and his college roommate published a groundbreaking theory on cell function in a prestigious scientific journal. This achievement marked the beginning of Ebright’s illustrious scientific career, which stemmed from his childhood fascination with butterflies.
Growing up as an only child in Reading, Pennsylvania, Ebright’s curiosity and intellect were nurtured by his mother. She encouraged his interests by providing him with scientific equipment and engaging him in educational activities. His butterfly collection began in kindergarten and quickly expanded to include all 25 species found in his hometown.
A turning point came when Ebright’s mother gave him the book “The Travels of Monarch X,” which introduced him to the scientific study of butterfly migration. This led to his participation in Dr. Frederick A. Urquhart’s butterfly tagging program and sparked his interest in conducting real experiments.
Ebright’s first county science fair in seventh grade taught him the importance of original research. He went on to win numerous science fairs with projects on monarch butterflies, including studies on viral diseases affecting caterpillars and the purpose of gold spots on monarch pupae.
His high school research on an unknown insect hormone led to his discovery of its chemical structure and, ultimately, to his theory about how cells read DNA blueprints. This work, completed with his college roommate, was published while Ebright was still an undergraduate at Harvard.
Throughout his academic career, Ebright excelled not only in science but also in debating, public speaking, and outdoor activities. He graduated from Harvard with highest honors and continued his research as a graduate student at Harvard Medical School.
Ebright’s success can be attributed to his first-rate mind, unwavering curiosity, and desire to excel for the right reasons. His story exemplifies how a childhood interest, when coupled with dedication and support, can evolve into groundbreaking scientific work. Ebright’s journey from a young butterfly enthusiast to a renowned scientist demonstrates the power of nurturing curiosity and pursuing knowledge with passion.
Character Sketches: The Making of a Scientist
1. Richard Ebright:
The protagonist of the story, Richard Ebright is a brilliant and curious individual from a young age. He demonstrates an insatiable thirst for knowledge, particularly in science. Ebright is methodical, persistent, and highly competitive, but in a positive way. He strives for excellence not just to win, but to do his best work. His interests are diverse, ranging from butterfly collecting to astronomy, debating, and outdoor activities. Ebright’s journey from a young butterfly enthusiast to a groundbreaking scientist showcases his exceptional intellect, dedication, and passion for learning.
2. Richard’s Mother:
A supportive and nurturing figure, Richard’s mother plays a crucial role in his development as a scientist. After her husband’s death, she dedicates herself to fostering Richard’s interests and education. She encourages his curiosity by providing him with scientific equipment, books, and opportunities to learn. Her approach to parenting is hands-on and educational, spending evenings working with Richard at the dining room table. Her unwavering support and guidance are instrumental in shaping Richard’s scientific mind and work ethic.
3. Dr. Frederick A. Urquhart:
Though not physically present in the story, Dr. Urquhart’s influence is significant. As a scientist studying butterfly migration at the University of Toronto, he creates a program that allows young enthusiasts like Ebright to participate in real scientific research. His willingness to correspond with Ebright and provide suggestions for experiments demonstrates the importance of mentorship in scientific development.
4. Richard A. Weiherer:
Ebright’s social studies teacher and adviser to the Debating and Model United Nations clubs, Mr. Weiherer plays a crucial role in broadening Ebright’s horizons beyond science. He is described as the “perfect person” for Ebright at that time, opening his mind to new ideas. Weiherer recognizes and appreciates Ebright’s exceptional qualities, particularly his willingness to put in extra effort and his healthy approach to competition.
5. James R. Wong:
Ebright’s college roommate at Harvard, Wong collaborates with him on the groundbreaking theory about how cells read DNA blueprints. While not much is said about Wong directly, his partnership with Ebright in this significant scientific work suggests he is also a bright and dedicated student with a keen interest in biology.
Difficult Words and Their Meanings
1. Proceedings: The published records of an organization’s meetings or conferences
2. Fossils: The remains or impression of a prehistoric plant or animal embedded in rock
3. Astronomers: Scientists who study celestial objects, space, and the physical universe
4. Fascination: An intense interest or attraction to something
5. Microscopes: Instruments used to view very small objects
6. Adhesive: Substance used for sticking objects or materials together
7. Pupa: An insect in its immature form between larva and adult
8. Caterpillar: The larval stage of a butterfly or moth
9. Ornamental: Serving or intended as an ornament; decorative
10. Entomology: The scientific study of insects
11. Zoology: The scientific study of animals
12. Hormone: A regulatory substance produced in an organism to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action
13. Culture: (in this context) The growing of cells in artificial conditions
14. Sophisticated: (of a machine or technique) Developed to a high degree of complexity
15. Eureka: An exclamation of triumph at a discovery
16. DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes
17. Nucleus: A central part about which other parts are grouped or gathered
18. Heredity: The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another
19. Canoeist: A person who paddles or travels in a canoe
20. Debater: A person who argues about a subject, especially in a formal manner
21. Viceroy: A type of butterfly that mimics the appearance of monarch butterflies
22. Milkweed: A plant that is the primary food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars
23. Fritillary: A type of butterfly with checkered wing patterns
24. Checkerspot: A species of butterfly with a checkered pattern on its wings
25. Starling: A common European bird known for its ability to mimic sounds
26. Monarch: A large orange and black butterfly known for its long-distance migrations
27. Grayling: A type of butterfly also known as the wood nymph
28. Sulphur: A group of butterflies typically yellow or orange in color
29. Hairstreak: A type of small butterfly with hair-like projections on its hindwings
30. Copper: A group of butterflies with copper-colored wings
31. Crescent: A type of butterfly with crescent-shaped markings on its wings
32. Mourning cloak: A large butterfly with dark wings edged with yellow
33. Buckeye: A butterfly species with eyespot patterns on its wings
34. Hackberry: A type of butterfly named after the hackberry tree, its host plant
35. Plumage: The layer of feathers that cover a bird
Solution to The Making of a Scientist
READ AND FIND OUT
Q1: How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?
A1: The book “The Travels of Monarch X” became a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life. This children’s book, which his mother got for him, told the story of monarch butterfly migrations to Central America. It opened up the world of science to Ebright by introducing him to real scientific research. The book invited readers to participate in studying butterfly migrations by tagging butterflies for Dr. Frederick A. Urquhart’s research. This opportunity sparked Ebright’s interest in conducting actual scientific experiments and set him on the path to becoming a scientist.
Q2: How did his mother help him?
A2: Richard Ebright’s mother played a crucial role in nurturing his scientific interests and overall development:
1. She encouraged his interest in learning from an early age.
2. She took him on trips to broaden his experiences.
3. She bought him scientific equipment such as telescopes, microscopes, cameras, and mounting materials.
4. She brought home friends for him to socialize with after he started school.
5. She spent evenings with him at the dining room table, finding educational activities for him when he didn’t have other work to do.
6. She got him the book “The Travels of Monarch X,” which sparked his interest in scientific research.
7. She wrote to Dr. Urquhart on Ebright’s behalf to involve him in the butterfly tagging program.
8. She provided constant support and encouragement for his scientific pursuits and other interests.
These actions by Ebright’s mother were instrumental in fostering his curiosity, providing him with opportunities to learn, and supporting his development as a scientist.
Think about it
1. How can one become a scientist, an economist, a historian…? Does it simply involve reading many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking, and doing experiments?
Answer: Becoming an expert in any field, including science, economics, or history, involves more than just reading books. While reading is important, it’s only one part of the process. The path to expertise typically includes:
– Reading extensively on the subject
– Observing phenomena or studying primary sources
– Critical thinking and analysis
– Conducting experiments or research
– Practical application of knowledge
– Collaborating with others in the field
– Continuous learning and staying updated with new developments
2. You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in the 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 on and why?
Answer: This is a personal reflection question. Students are encouraged to:
– Relate Ebright’s work on cell biology and DNA to their own studies
– Consider which scientific field interests them most
– Explain why they’re drawn to that particular field
– Think about what kind of experiments or projects they might like to conduct
Talk about it
1. What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?
Answer: DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify an individual based on their unique DNA profile. It analyzes specific regions of DNA that vary between individuals.
Uses include:
– Forensic science (identifying criminals or victims)
– Paternity testing
– Identifying familial relationships
– Diagnosing genetic disorders
– Wildlife conservation (tracking animal populations)
– Agriculture (identifying plant varieties)
2. How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?
Answer: Honeybees identify their own honeycombs through several methods:
– Scent recognition: Each colony has a unique odor
– Visual cues: Bees memorize the appearance and location of their hive
– Dance communication: Bees perform specific dances to guide others to the hive
– Magnetic sensing: Bees can detect Earth’s magnetic field for navigation
3. Why does rain fall in drops?
Answer: Rain falls in drops due to a combination of factors:
– Surface tension: Water molecules attract each other, forming spherical shapes
– Gravity: Pulls water down from clouds
– Air resistance: Shapes larger water masses into smaller droplets
– Coalescence: Smaller droplets combine into larger ones as they fall