Footprints without Feet - Class X
Reprint 2025-26
This story is about Richard Ebright, who through his fascination with butterflies, entered the world of science and became a notable scientist. You'll learn how his curiosity, determination, and support from his mother led him to make significant scientific discoveries.
In this interactive lesson, we'll explore how Richard Ebright's journey from collecting butterflies to becoming a prominent scientist demonstrates the qualities needed for scientific success.
The story we shall read is about a young scientist whose fascination for butterflies led him to develop a new theory on how cells work. It highlights the qualities that go into the making of a scientist.
Scientific pursuits require curiosity, determination, and the willingness to learn and experiment. Let's think about what qualities contribute to success in scientific research.
What do you think are the most important qualities a scientist should have? Have you ever been fascinated by something in nature that made you want to learn more about it?
Think about a time when your curiosity led you to discover something new or interesting. What motivated you to keep exploring?
Read this sentence taken from the story:
Already the competitive spirit that drives Richard Ebright was appearing.
The word drive can be used both as a noun and as a verb. As a verb it can be used in different forms for different meanings.
1. Ranjan's hobby is all kinds of vehicles.
2. The teacher home the importance of regular practice.
3. The workers are by their desire for better wages.
4. I to the countryside last weekend.
5. An intense to succeed is what makes him a champion.
Look at this sentence from the story:
"If the theory proves correct, it will be a big step towards understanding the processes of life."
This sentence expresses a condition with an if-clause. If-clauses or conditionals are used to indicate that one event or situation depends on another.
1. If you work hard,
2. If I had time,
3. If scientists find a cure for cancer,
4. If we had left earlier,
5. If I become a scientist,