2.7 Great Scientists (Michael Faraday) – Class 7 – Balbharati

Author: Adapted from Reignited by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam & Srijan Pal Singh

Genre: Biographical Sketch / Inspirational Prose

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

Great Scientists narrates the inspiring life of Michael Faraday, one of the most distinguished inventors in the field of electricity. Born in poverty, Faraday had little formal education and even suffered a speech defect. At thirteen, he worked with a bookbinder and read books passionately. A lecture by Humphry Davy inspired him to dream of becoming a scientist. Though Davy initially discouraged him, Faraday’s perseverance led him to work as his assistant. Faraday’s experiments with electricity led to the discovery of the induction motor, electrical generator, and principles of electromagnetism. His work later combined with James Maxwell’s equations revolutionised modern science, making communication and electronic systems possible. Despite early failures, such as trying to reverse engineer Bavarian glass, Faraday never gave up. His determination, humility, and courage made him one of the greatest scientists, proving that success comes through conviction and perseverance, not wealth or status.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson highlights the value of perseverance, hard work, and courage in the face of difficulties. Faraday’s life shows that passion and determination can overcome poverty, lack of education, and setbacks.

Character Sketches

Michael Faraday

• Born in poverty, had little formal education.

• Loved reading and science passionately.

• Persistent, hardworking, and courageous despite obstacles.

• Made revolutionary discoveries in electricity and magnetism.

• Humble, resilient, and an inspiration for students.

Humphry Davy

• Famous chemist and scientist of the time.

• Initially discouraging and jealous of Faraday.

• Yet indirectly gave Faraday opportunities through his lab.

James Clerk Maxwell

• Wealthy, educated physicist.

• Converted Faraday’s ideas into mathematical equations.

• Helped establish modern electronics and communication systems.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Faraday loved to read books.”

   Infinitive: to read – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Faraday discovered the principle of the electrical generator.

   Passive: The principle of the electrical generator was discovered by Faraday.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We must never give up in the face of failure.”

   Must shows necessity.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Davy said, “You should continue bookbinding.”

   Indirect: Davy told Faraday that he should continue bookbinding.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: Faraday invented the first induction motor.

   Question: What did Faraday invent?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What inspires you most about Michael Faraday’s life?

   The most inspiring part of Faraday’s life is his perseverance. Despite poverty, poor education, and discouragement, he never gave up. His passion and hard work made him a world-famous scientist.

   
   

2. Do you think poverty can stop a person from achieving greatness? Why?Poverty cannot stop a determined person from achieving greatness. Faraday’s life proves that courage, knowledge, and persistence matter more than wealth or status.

   
   

3. What lesson does Faraday’s first failure with Bavarian glass teach us?It teaches that failure is not the end but a step toward success. Faraday used his failure as motivation and later achieved great success in science.

   
   

4. Why is James Maxwell’s contribution important in Faraday’s story?

   Maxwell’s contribution is important because he translated Faraday’s experiments into mathematical equations. This gave Faraday’s work scientific acceptance and global impact.

   
   

5. Would you like to become a scientist like Faraday? Why?

   Yes, I would like to become a scientist like Faraday because he showed how curiosity and hard work can change the world. His humility and passion inspire young learners.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Faraday was born into a wealthy family. → False (He was born poor.)

2. Faraday discovered the principle of the induction motor. → True

3. Humphry Davy always encouraged and supported Faraday. → False (He was jealous and discouraging.)

4. Faraday kept a brick of Bavarian glass as a reminder of his first failure. → True

5. Faraday’s ideas were later supported by James Maxwell. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. How did Faraday first get interested in science?

   Faraday first got interested in science when he read a book on electricity while working in a bookbinder’s shop. It became his lifelong fascination.

   
   

2. Why was Davy jealous of Faraday?

   Davy was jealous because Faraday became a celebrity scientist after discovering the induction motor. People even said that Davy’s greatest discovery was Faraday himself.

   
   

3. What was Faraday’s first great success in science?

   His first great success was solving the problem of continuous electrical motion, leading to the invention of the induction motor.

   
   

4. How did Faraday discover the electrical generator?

   Faraday discovered it by noticing that a moving magnet could produce electric current. This discovery revolutionised power generation.

   
   

5. What lesson does Faraday’s life teach us?

   His life teaches us that perseverance, hard work, and humility can overcome all difficulties. Even poverty and failure cannot stop true passion and conviction.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Great Scientists is an inspiring biographical lesson on Michael Faraday. It highlights how a poor boy with little education rose to become one of the greatest scientists. The story captures his struggles, failures, and triumphs. His perseverance, curiosity, and courage make him a role model for students. The lesson is memorable because it combines science, values, and motivation. It teaches that success comes not from wealth but from determination and hard work.

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