UNIT 3

THE TRAIL OF SCIENCE

CHAPTER 1
TALKING OF SCIENCE

SUMMARY

The lesson “Talking of Science” is about how science has become a part of
our daily life. Dr. Ajith Parameswaran explains that science is not something
far away in laboratories, but something that helps us in our everyday
activities. From the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the medicines we use,
and the machines that make our work easy—science is present everywhere.

The chapter encourages students to develop a scientific attitude: asking

questions, observing carefully, experimenting, and finding answers. It shows
that science is not only about inventions but also about improving life,
solving problems, and making the world a better place.

Theme: Importance of science in daily life and the need for curiosity,
questioning, and a scientific outlook.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Dr. Ajith, how would you describe the role of scientists in our society?
2. What inspired you in your childhood to develop curiosity about the
natural world?
3. Even with all the information available today, what are some important
questions that still remain unanswered in science?
4. Why do you think curiosity is considered the heart of science?
5. What qualities, in your opinion, are essential for becoming a good
scientist?

LETTER
Write a letter to your friend describing what you learned from Dr.
Ajith Parameswaran’s views on science.
From Address

Date

To

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. Yesterday, I read an inspiring interview with Dr. Ajith
Parameswaran, an astrophysicist. He believes scientists create knowledge and are
always curious about the world. He also said that anyone can become a scientist if
they follow their passion and work hard. His words motivated me to be more
curious and serious about learning.

Yours lovingly,

[Your Name]

DIARY
Imagine you are a student who listened to Ajith’s talk. Write a
diary entry about your feelings.

Date: …………
Dear Diary,
Today was a special day! I read about Dr. Ajith
Parameswaran, a great astrophysicist. He said curiosity is
the heart of science and that we should never stop asking
questions. His advice, “Don’t hesitate to follow your
passion,” touched me deeply. I now feel more confident
that with hard work, I too can achieve my dreams
CONVERSATION
Write a short conversation between Dr. Ajith and a student
Answer:
Student: Good morning, Dr. Ajith Parameswaran! We are very
happy to have this opportunity to talk to you. Could you tell us,
what exactly do scientists do?
Ajith: Good morning! Please call me Ajith. I would say that
scientists create knowledge. While all of us are consumers of
knowledge, scientists work to discover and explain new things
about the world.

Student: That’s very interesting! What made you personally

interested in the world of science?
Ajith: When I was a child, I read a fascinating book in Malayalam
called Why is it so? From our local library. It explained natural
phenomena in simple words, and it sparked my curiosity about
the world around me.

Student: Even today, with so much information available, are

there still questions without answers?
Ajith: Absolutely! For example, we still don’t fully understand why
human-animal conflicts are increasing in Kerala, or why extreme
weather events like flash floods and landslides are becoming
frequent. These unanswered questions show how much more we
need to learn.

Student: People often say curiosity is the heart of science. Why is

curiosity so important, according to you?
Ajith: Curiosity drives us to ask questions and seek answers.
Children are naturally curious, but adults sometimes stop asking
questions out of fear of appearing ignorant. A true scientist must
retain that childlike curiosity and never stop learning.

Student: What, in your opinion, are the qualities of a good

scientist?
Ajith: A good scientist must ask the right questions, conduct
careful experiments, and reach logical, unbiased conclusions.
Above all, they must keep researching and learning throughout
their life.

Student: Finally, Ajith, what is your message to youngsters like

us?
Ajith: Don’t hesitate to follow your passion. Work hard, stay
curious, and never give up. If you do that, I strongly believe there
is a place for everyone in science.

EXPERIMENT
Q: Write a simple classroom experiment to encourage curiosity.
Experiment: Candle and Glass
Light a candle and cover it with a glass jar.
Observe how the flame goes out after some time.
Ask students: Why did this happen? (Answer: The flame needs
oxygen to burn, and the oxygen inside the jar was used up.)
Learning: Curiosity about simple events leads to scientific
discovery.
SPEECH
Write a speech on the topic The Inspiring Thoughts of Dr. Ajith
Parameswaran on Science and Curiosity
Respected teachers and my dear friends,

Today, I would like to speak about science and the inspiring

thoughts of Dr. Ajith Parameswaran, a renowned astrophysicist
from Kerala. According to him, scientists are creators of
knowledge. While all of us consume knowledge in our daily lives,
it is scientists who explore, discover, and explain the truths of the
natural world.
Dr. Ajith was inspired in childhood by a book called Why is it so?,
which sparked his curiosity. He reminds us that even today, many
questions remain unanswered—such as the reasons behind
human-animal conflicts, extreme weather events, and outbreaks
of rare diseases. These challenges show us the importance of
scientific research.
He strongly believes that curiosity is at the heart of science.
Children ask questions naturally, but adults often stop questioning
out of fear of appearing ignorant. A true scientist must keep the
childlike spirit of curiosity alive.
Dr. Ajith also says that good scientists should ask the right
questions, conduct careful experiments, and arrive at logical,
unbiased conclusions. His message to the youth is simple but
powerful: follow your passion, work hard, and never stop learning.
If we do so, science has a place for every one of us.

Thank you.
INVITATION
Q: Write an invitation to parents for a science exhibition inspired
by Ajith’s ideas.

Invitation

Dear Parents,

We are happy to invite you to our Science Exhibition, inspired by the

ideas of Dr. Ajith Parameswaran. The exhibition will showcase our
students’ models and experiments based on curiosity and discovery.

📅 Date: [Insert Date]

🕘 Time: [Insert Time]

📍 Venue: [School Hall]

Your presence will inspire and encourage our young scientists.

With regards,

[Principal’s Name]

Principal

ALTERNATIVE ENDING

Q: If Ajith had not become a scientist, what would be an alternate

ending to his story?
Answer:
If Ajith had not become a scientist, he might have become a
teacher or writer, spreading knowledge through books and
classrooms. His passion for curiosity would still inspire thousands
of young learners.
POSTER
Prepare a poster to inspire students to become scientists.

Be Curious, Be a Scientist!

Ask questions.

Seek answers.

Do experiments.

Think logically.

“Anyone can become a scientist if they work hard!” – Dr. Ajith

EMAIL
Write an email to your teacher sharing your thoughts after
reading Ajith’s interview.
Answer:

To: [teacher’s email]

Subject: My Thoughts on Dr. Ajith’s Interview

Respected Ma’am,

I recently read an inspiring interview of Dr. Ajith Parameswaran. He said

curiosity and hard work are the keys to becoming a scientist. I was
touched by his belief that anyone can become a scientist if they follow
their passion. I will surely try to be more curious and sincere in my
studies.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]
 CHARACTER SKETCH
Write a character sketch of Dr. Ajith Parameswaran.
Answer:
Dr. Ajith Parameswaran is a passionate and humble astrophysicist
from Kerala. He is deeply curious about the natural world and
believes in the power of knowledge. Ajith is hardworking, logical,
and unbiased in his scientific approach. He inspires youngsters to
be curious and to follow their passion with dedication.

PROFILE
Write a short profile of Dr. Ajith Parameswaran.

Name: Dr. Ajith Parameswaran

Born: 1980, Chemmaniyode, Malappuram, Kerala
Profession: Astrophysicist at ICTS, Bengaluru
Achievements: Won 2020 TWAS-CAS Young Scientist Award for
Frontier Science
Beliefs: Curiosity is the heart of science; anyone can become a
scientist with passion and hard work.
Answer:
Dr. Ajith Parameswaran, born in 1980 in Chemmaniyode,
Malappuram, Kerala, is a renowned astrophysicist at the
International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), Bengaluru.
His love for learning and curiosity, nurtured from a young age,
shaped his journey into science. In recognition of his outstanding
contributions, he received the prestigious 2020 TWAS-CAS Young
Scientist Award for Frontier Science. Dr. Ajith firmly believes that
curiosity is at the heart of science and that with passion and hard
work, anyone can become a scientist.

NEWSHEADLINE

Headline: Kerala-born Astrophysicist Wins

International Science Award
Reporter name
Place: Dr. Ajith Parameswaran, an astrophysicist
from Chemmaniyode, Malappuram, has won the
2020 TWAS-CAS Young Scientist Award for Frontier
Science. Currently working at ICTS, Bengaluru, Dr.
Ajith inspires students by stressing the importance
of curiosity and hard work in becoming a scientist.

GRAMMAR
Phrasal verbs
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verbs
(Choose from: find out, carry out, look into, come up with, set up,
bring about, turn out)
Science helps us to __________ (1) new facts about the world.
Scientists often __________ (2) experiments to test their ideas.
When problems occur, they __________ (3) them carefully and
sometimes __________ (4) new solutions. Schools often __________
(5) science clubs to encourage curiosity among students. In this
way, science can __________ (6) many changes in society, and
many ideas __________ (7) to be very useful in our daily life.
Answers:
1. Find out
2. Carry out
3. Look into
4. Come up with
5. Set up
6. Bring about
7. Turn out
PHRASAL VERBS QUESTIONS

1. Ajith often __________ (a) the questions his friends asked about
scientists. Scientists must __________ (b) experiments to test their
ideas. A good scientist always __________ (c) problems carefully. They
try to __________ (d) the mysteries of nature and never __________ (e)
their passion for learning.
(laugh off, carry out, look into, figure out, give up)

2. As a child, Ajith __________ (a) a fascinating book in Malayalam. This

book helped him __________ (b) curiosity and interest in science.
Newton said that scientists could see farther by __________ (c) the
shoulders of giants. Ajith urged youngsters to __________ (d) their
passions and always try to __________ (e) more about the world.

(come across, build up, stand on, follow up, find out)

3. Scientists __________ (a) experiments to test their theories. They

__________ (b) problems in detail and sometimes __________ (c) new
solutions. Their discoveries can __________ (d) changes in society, and
many of them __________ (e) to be useful in daily life.

(look into, carry out, bring about, come up with, turn out)
 4. Schools often __________ (a) science clubs to encourage curiosity.
Students should __________ (b) their ideas with serious work. By doing
so, they can __________ (c) their knowledge and __________ (d) mysteries
that scientists are still trying to __________ (e).

(set up, figure out, build up, follow up, laugh off)

5. Ajith believes that scientists must __________ (a) experiments carefully.

He once __________ (b) a book that changed his life. Newton reminded
that progress in science means to __________ (c) the shoulders of
giants. Scientists try to __________ (d) new truths and never __________
(e) their interest in learning.

(carry out, come across, stand on, give up, find out)

6. Scientists never __________ (a) their passion for knowledge. They

__________ (b) difficult questions carefully and sometimes __________ (c)
new ideas. To test their theories, they __________ (d) experiments, and
often their results __________ (e) to be very important for society.

(give up, look into, come up with, carry out, turn out)

7. Newton said scientists could __________ (a) the shoulders of giants to

make discoveries. Students should __________ (b) their passion with
hard work. By doing so, they can __________ (c) their knowledge and
slowly __________ (d) mysteries of nature. Scientists always try to
__________ (e) new truths.

(stand on, follow up, build up, figure out, find out)

8. Ajith once __________ (a) a book that sparked his interest in science. He
would often __________ (b) the questions of his friends with a smile.
Schools can __________ (c) science clubs to help children. Such efforts
__________ (d) curiosity among students and can __________ (e) real
change in society.
(come across, laugh off, set up, bring about, carry out)

9. Youngsters should __________ (a) their ideas with dedication. They

should not __________ (b) when challenges come. By working hard, they
can __________ (c) confidence and slowly __________ (d) answers to
problems. Sometimes, they may even __________ (e) brilliant solutions.

(follow up, give up, figure out, come up with, build up)

10. Scientists always try to __________ (a) the secrets of nature. They
__________ (b) problems carefully before making conclusions. Newton
said he could see farther by __________ (c) the shoulders of giants.
Often, their discoveries __________ (d) to be useful, and sometimes they
__________ (e) unexpected

(find out, look into, stand on, turn out, come across)

ANSWERS

1)

1. Laugh off
2. Carry out
3. Look into
4. Figure out
5. Give up

2)

1. Come across
2. Build up
3. Stand on
4. Follow up
 5. Find out

3)

1. Carry out
2. Look into
3. Come up with
4. Bring about
5. Turn out

4)

1. Set up
2. Follow up
3. Build up
4. Figure out
5. Laugh off

5)

1. Carry out
2. Come across
3. Stand on
4. Find out
5. Give up

6)

1. Give up
2. Look into
3. Come up with
4. Carry out
5. Turn out

7)
 1. Stand on
2. Follow up
3. Build up
4. Figure out
5. Find out

8)

1. Come across
2. Laugh off
3. Set up
4. Bring about
5. Carry out

9)

1. Follow up
2. Give up
3. Build up
4. Figure out
5. Come up with

10)

1. Find out
2. Look into
3. Stand on
4. Turn out
5. Come across

EDIT THE PASSAGE

1. Ajith say(a) that curiosity are(b) important for every good scientist.
They should asks(c) the right questions and does (d) carefully(e)
experiments.
 2. Ajith(a) friends often ask him what scientist does(b). He usually
laugh(c) off the question. Book remains as a good source of
informations(d) even today. Many childrens stop asking questions
when they grows(e) up.
3. Newton say(a) that he could seen (b) farther by standing in the(c)
shoulder of giants. Curiosity and passion drives the quest of
knowledge. Ajith believe(d) that not everyone can becomes(e) a
great scientist.
4. Ajith adviced(a) youngsters to follows there (b) passion. He told
them don’t gives(c) up easily. Everyone have(d) to works(e) hard
for success. He strongly believe that their is a place for every one.
5. A farmer have(a) to know when to sow and reaps the crops. A
vegetable vendor need(b) to do some arithmetics(c) in his
heads(d). Without maths, they cannot earns(e) a living.
6. Scientists(a) creates knowledges(b) for the society. They was
always searching for answers. It are(c) not a easy work(d) to
becomes(e) scientist.
7. Ajith were(a) born in Malappuram Kerala. His parents was(b) very
supportive to him(c). He say(d) that book in library(e) changed his
life.
8. Children stops(a) asking questions because they(b) afraid to
looks(c) foolish. Adults do not encourages(d) curiosity. A good
scientist keep(e) his curiosity alive throughout there life.
9. Ajith telled that we should not looses(a) hope. Scientist comes(b)
from anywhere in the world. Everyone have(c) the abilitys(d) to
learns(e) something new.
10. Books was (a) Ajith favourite guide in childhood. He readed(b)
one that explains natural phenomenas. Now a days,(c) peoples
depends(d) more on internet informations(e).

ANSWERS

1)

a. Says
b. Is
c. Ask
d. Do
e. Careful
2)

a. Ajith’s
b. Do
c. Laughed off
d. Information
e. Grow

3)

a. Said
b. See
c. On the
d. Believes
e. Become

4)

a. Advised
b. Follow their
c. Give
d. Has
e. Work
5)

a. Has
b. Reap
c. Arithmetic
d. Head
e. Earn
6)

a. Scientist
b. Create knowledge
c. Are
d. Task
e. Become
7)

a. Was
b. Were
c. Of
 d. Say
e. The
8)

a. Stop
b. Are
c. Look
d. Encourage
e. Keep
9)

a. Lose
b. Can come
c. Has
d. Ability
e. Learn
10)

a. Were
b. Read
c. Nowadays
d. People depend
e. Information

FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. Ajith was interested (a) science right (b) his childhood, inspired (c) a book
(d) Malayalam.

(Options: by, in, from, in)

2. Books remain a source (a) reliable information, unlike most (b) the
information we get (c) the internet (d) present.

(Options: at, of, on, from)

3. We still don’t have good answers (a) many questions, such as reasons (b)
extreme weather, conflicts (c) humans and animals, or outbreaks (d)
diseases.

(Options: to, for, between, of)

4. Curiosity is essential (a) a scientist, since it drives the quest (b) knowledge
and leads (c) discovery (d) truth.
(Options: to, of, to, of)

5. Scientists must build (a) the knowledge already known, standing (b) the
shoulders (c) giants, as Newton said (d) his time.

(Options: on, in, of, during)

6. Aspiring scientists need to master techniques (a) research, arrive (b)

logical conclusions, and critically evaluate evidence (c) dependence (d) bias.

(Options: in, at, without, on)

7. Knowledge is necessary (a) all: a farmer knows when to sow, a vendor

works (b) arithmetic, and an engineer designs a bridge (c) withstand load (d)
traffic.

(Options: for, with, to, of)

8. Ajith was nurtured (a) the teachers (b) his local school, and encouraged
(c) reading books (d) the library.

(Options: by, in, through, from)

9. He won the TWAS-CAS Young Scientist Award (a) Frontier Science (b) 2020
and now works (c) ICTS, Bengaluru, focusing (d) astrophysics.

(Options: in, at, on, in)

10. Ajith’s message (a) youngsters is clear: follow your passion, work (b)
dedication, believe (c) yourself, and find a place (d) science.

(Options: to, with, in, in)

ANSWERS

1. (a)In, (b) from, (c) by, (d) in

2. (a)Of, (b) of, (c) on, (d) at

3. (a)to, (b) for, (c) between, (d) of

4. (a)To, (b) of, (c) to, (d) of

5. (a)On, (b) on, (c) of, (d) during

6. (a)In, (b) at, (c) without, (d) on

7. (a)For, (b) with, (c) to, (d) of

8. (a)By, (b) in, (c) through, (d) from

9. (a)In, (b) in, (c) at, (d) on

10. (a)to, (b) with, (c) in, (d) in