Lesson 1: Feathered Friend – Arthur C. Clarke
Before the Text
Q1. What comes to your mind when you hear “life in space”?
Ans. Astronauts floating in zero gravity, space stations, advanced machines, and unusual challenges.
Q2. Do you think animals can be useful in space? How?
Ans. Yes, animals can sense danger earlier, give companionship, and even help in experiments.
Q3. Why might space travel be dangerous for humans?
Ans. Because of lack of oxygen, zero gravity, cosmic radiation, and isolation.
Let Us Discuss
Q1. Who was Claribel?
Ans. A small yellow canary secretly taken aboard the space station.
Q2. Who brought her there?
Ans. Sven Olsen, the narrator’s friend and fellow astronaut.
Q3. Why did the narrator think Sven had chosen a canary?
Ans. Because canaries are light, cheerful companions and have been used in coal mines to detect poisonous gases.
Q4. What happened one morning inside the space station?
Ans. Claribel fainted, which alerted the astronauts that oxygen had leaked.
Q5. How did the bird save their lives?
Ans. By fainting first, she warned them of low oxygen levels before it was dangerous for humans.
Let Us Think and Reflect
Extract 1
Q1. Why did the narrator call Claribel an “illegal immigrant”?
Ans. Because animals were not officially allowed on the space station.
Q2. What does this reveal about Sven?
Ans. That he was kind-hearted, playful, and valued companionship.
Q3. Why was Claribel welcomed despite being illegal?
Ans. Because she brought joy and song to the astronauts.
Extract 2
Q1. Why did Claribel faint before the astronauts?
Ans. Because small animals need more oxygen and are affected earlier by lack of it.
Q2. How does this incident show science in action?
Ans. It shows how living beings react differently to changes in environment, and how animals can be natural warning systems.
Q3. What qualities of Claribel are admired in the story?
Ans. Her innocence, cheerfulness, and her unintentional role as a life-saver.
Comprehension Questions
Q1. Why did the narrator initially disapprove of Claribel?
Ans. Because he thought bringing a bird was childish and unnecessary in a space station.
Q2. How did his opinion change?
Ans. He realised the bird was useful when she saved their lives.
Q3. What does the story teach us about animals?
Ans. That they are sensitive, valuable companions, and can even save human lives.
Q4. Why is the story titled Feathered Friend?
Ans. Because Claribel, the feathered canary, proved to be a true friend by warning them of danger.
Q5. How is humour used in the story?
Ans. By calling the bird an “illegal immigrant” and describing Sven’s secret plan in a light, amusing way.
Vocabulary & Language Work
Q1. Synonyms:
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Illegal → Unlawful
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Friend → Companion
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Oxygen → Air
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Warn → Alert
Q2. Antonyms:
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Life × Death
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Legal × Illegal
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Large × Small
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Safe × Dangerous
Writing Task
Q. Write a diary entry as Sven Olsen on the day Claribel saved the astronauts.
Ans.
Dear Diary,
Today Claribel proved why she belongs with us in space. This morning, she fainted suddenly. At first, I was terrified. But then we realised what had happened—oxygen levels were dropping fast. If not for her, we might not have noticed until it was too late. Who would have thought a little yellow bird could save the lives of strong astronauts? She is not just my pet, but everyone’s feathered friend now.
– Sven
Summary of the Story
Feathered Friend by Arthur C. Clarke is a humorous yet thoughtful science fiction story set in a space station. Sven Olsen secretly brings a canary, Claribel, aboard. While some astronauts laugh at this, the bird proves her worth when she faints, warning them of low oxygen levels. This helps save their lives. The story highlights the importance of animals, their sensitivity, and the bond between humans and other creatures. It shows that even in a world of science and technology, simple natural companions can be life-savers.
Lesson 2: Magnifying Glass – Walter de la Mare
Before the Text
Q1. Have you used a magnifying glass? What did you observe?
Ans. Yes, I used it to look at leaves, insects, and small print. It made tiny details look bigger and clearer.
Q2. Why do children enjoy using magnifying glasses?
Ans. Because they make small things appear large and magical, sparking curiosity and fun.
Let Us Discuss
Q1. What does the child do with the magnifying glass?
Ans. The child looks at everyday objects—ant, letters, hair, dust, leaf—and discovers hidden details.
Q2. What does the poem suggest about curiosity?
Ans. That curiosity turns ordinary things into exciting discoveries.
Q3. Why does the poet use a child’s point of view?
Ans. To show innocence, wonder, and the joy of exploring small things.
Q4. How does the magnifying glass change the child’s world?
Ans. It makes common objects appear extraordinary, teaching that science reveals hidden beauty.
Let Us Think and Reflect
Extract 1
Q1. What objects does the child observe first?
Ans. An ant and printed letters.
Q2. Why does the ant look different?
Ans. It looks huge and strange through the magnifying glass.
Q3. What does this show about science tools?
Ans. That simple tools help us see the world in new ways.
Extract 2
Q1. What other things did the child see?
Ans. A hair, a leaf, and tiny specks of dust.
Q2. How did these things appear?
Ans. Large, detailed, and sometimes surprising.
Q3. What feelings do these discoveries bring?
Ans. Excitement, wonder, and curiosity to explore more.
Comprehension Questions
Q1. What is the central idea of the poem?
Ans. The joy of curiosity and how science tools like magnifying glasses reveal hidden wonders.
Q2. Why is the magnifying glass compared to magic?
Ans. Because it transforms ordinary things into something extraordinary.
Q3. How does the poem connect science and imagination?
Ans. By showing how observation creates amazement, mixing knowledge with wonder.
Q4. What values does the poem teach children?
Ans. Curiosity, observation, creativity, and love for learning.
Vocabulary & Language Work
Q1. Synonyms:
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Magnify → Enlarge
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Tiny → Small, minute
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Strange → Unusual
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Discover → Find
Q2. Antonyms:
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Big × Small
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Clear × Blurred
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Magic × Ordinary
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Known × Unknown
Writing Task
Q. Imagine you are a child with a magnifying glass. Write a short poem or paragraph about what you see.
Ans.
Through my tiny magic glass,
I see the world in class.
A leaf becomes a forest deep,
An ant a giant, on a leap.
Dust like planets in the sky,
So much wonder meets my eye.
Summary of the Poem
Magnifying Glass by Walter de la Mare captures the curiosity of a child exploring the world with a magnifying glass. Simple things like ants, leaves, dust, and letters become extraordinary under the lens. The poem blends science and imagination, showing that curiosity and observation turn everyday life into a magical discovery.
Lesson 3: Bibha Chowdhuri – The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science
Before the Text
Q1. Do you know any famous Indian women scientists?
Ans. Yes, like Kalpana Chawla (astronaut), Janaki Ammal (botanist), and Tessy Thomas (missile scientist).
Q2. Why is it important to highlight women scientists?
Ans. Because their contributions inspire future generations and show that science belongs to everyone.
Q3. What qualities are needed to succeed in science?
Ans. Curiosity, hard work, patience, observation, and determination.
Let Us Discuss
Q1. Who was Bibha Chowdhuri?
Ans. She was India’s first woman particle physicist and a pioneer in cosmic ray research.
Q2. With whom did she work in England?
Ans. With Nobel Prize winner Patrick Blackett at the University of Manchester.
Q3. What was her contribution to physics?
Ans. She studied cosmic rays and particles like mesons, making important discoveries in particle physics.
Q4. What role did she play in India after independence?
Ans. She worked at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and later at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata.
Q5. How was she honoured later?
Ans. The International Astronomical Union named a star, “Bibha,” after her in 2017.
Let Us Think and Reflect
Extract 1
Q1. Why was it difficult for Bibha to pursue science in her time?
Ans. Because women faced gender bias and very few studied science in the 1930s.
Q2. What does her success prove?
Ans. That determination and talent can overcome social barriers.
Q3. What values are shown in her life?
Ans. Courage, dedication, and passion for knowledge.
Extract 2
Q1. Why was Bibha’s work not widely recognised in her lifetime?
Ans. Because she worked in a male-dominated field where women’s contributions were often overlooked.
Q2. How does naming a star after her give justice?
Ans. It immortalises her name, shining as a symbol of inspiration for future scientists.
Q3. What lesson can students learn from her?
Ans. To never give up, to break barriers, and to follow curiosity with perseverance.
Comprehension Questions
Q1. Why is Bibha Chowdhuri called “a beam of light”?
Ans. Because like light, she illuminated the path for women in science and inspired others.
Q2. What field of science did she specialise in?
Ans. Particle physics and cosmic ray research.
Q3. How did she contribute to Indian science after returning?
Ans. By teaching, guiding young scientists, and doing research at top Indian institutes.
Q4. What does her story tell us about women in science?
Ans. That though women faced challenges, they made pioneering contributions with courage and brilliance.
Q5. How can we continue her legacy today?
Ans. By encouraging girls in STEM fields, supporting equality, and recognising women scientists.
Vocabulary & Language Work
Q1. Synonyms:
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Beam → Ray
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Pioneer → Trailblazer
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Inspire → Motivate
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Honour → Respect
Q2. Antonyms:
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Success × Failure
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Recognised × Ignored
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Early × Late
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Male-dominated × Equal
Writing Task
Q. Write a short biographical sketch of Bibha Chowdhuri.
Ans.
Bibha Chowdhuri (1913–1991) was India’s first woman particle physicist. She studied physics at the University of Calcutta and later worked with Nobel Laureate Patrick Blackett in England on cosmic rays. Returning to India, she worked at TIFR and the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics. Despite facing gender bias, she made pioneering contributions to particle physics. In 2017, a star was named “Bibha” in her honour. She remains an inspiration for all who wish to break barriers in science.
Summary of the Lesson
This lesson tells the story of Bibha Chowdhuri, India’s first woman particle physicist. At a time when very few women studied science, she became a pioneer in cosmic ray research and worked with Nobel laureates. She contributed greatly to Indian science after independence but did not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime. Later, a star was named after her. Her life teaches us the values of determination, courage, and the importance of recognising women in science.