Famous Scientists & Mathematicians: Louis Pasteur

 

Science: Life Science

• Grade: 5

Louis Pasteur was a famous French scientist. He developed several important inventions in medicine, chemistry and industry. He was the first scientist to believe that life could come only from life. He understood that life could not just suddenly occur out of nowhere. His research proved that diseases are spread via bacteria and that the spread of bacteria could be controlled. With this knowledge, humans were able to save many lives. His works greatly benefited human life.

Pasteur discovered a way to make milk, wine and foods safe. The process, known as pasteurization, was named after him. He figured out that by heating these foods and freeing them from harmful bacteria, they could be better preserved. The heat kills the germs that spread disease.

This research was also valuable in medicine. Pasteur was able to prove that germs in the body cause illnesses. He also discovered that animals could be resistant to certain diseases if they have been exposed to the disease in a very minute amount. This paved the way for the development of vaccinations. Vaccinations keep humans from contracting certain illnesses such as rabies, smallpox and chickenpox.

Pasteur’s contributions to the scientific world make him one of the most important scientists of all time.

Comprehension Questions

1.

According to the passage, Pasteur’s research proved that diseases are spread by 

1. heat. 
2. animals 
3. bacteria. 
4. vaccination. 

2.

How do the middle paragraphs of the passage support its main topic? 

1. The paragraphs explain controversy surrounding Pasteur’s legacy. 
2. The paragraphs discuss Pasteur’s contributions and influences. 
3. The paragraphs discuss Pasteur’s private life. 
4. The paragraphs explain Pasteur’s educational background. 

3.

Based on information in this passage, what can we conclude about pasteurization? 

1. It only helps make milk safer. 
2. It was the first vaccine ever created. 
3. It helps prevent certain diseases from being spread by food. 
4. It had existed for a long time but no one had ever come up with a name for it. 

4.

Read this sentence:

“Vaccinations keep humans from contracting certain illnesses such as rabies, smallpox and chickenpox.”

As used in this sentence, contracting means

1. burning. 
2. curing. 
3. getting. 
4. hiring. 

5.

What is the author’s main purpose in writing this passage? 

1. to discuss the importance of Pasteur in food production 
2. to discuss the importance of Pasteur in science and medicine 
3. to give a detailed history of how pasteurization was invented 
4. to explain how medicine is different in France 

6.

How does pasteurization help prevent the spread of disease? 

(written answer)

7.

What evidence in the passage supports the author’s statement that Pasteur was “one of the most important scientists of all time”? 

(written answer)

8.

The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence.

Louis Pasteur’s research paved the way for future advancements in science; _____________, his research on diseases helped lead to the development of vaccinations.

1. instead 
2. otherwise 
3. on the other hand 
4. for example