Alice Augusta Ball — Questions and answers

Read the full story

What important 'first' did Alice Ball achieve at the University of Hawaii?

Choices

  1. She became the first student to study kava plants.
  2. She was the first African-American and first female to earn a master's degree in chemistry. ✓
  3. She was the first to work with Professor Hollmann.
  4. She became the first person to cure leprosy.

Answer: She was the first African-American and first female to earn a master's degree in chemistry.

From page 4

What did Alice Ball change the chaulmoogra oil's fatty acids into to make them work better?

Choices

  1. Crude oil again
  2. Plain water
  3. Ethyl esters ✓
  4. Kava plant extract

Answer: Ethyl esters

From page 5

What was a key benefit of the 'Ball Method' for patients?

Choices

  1. It made the oil taste better.
  2. It allowed safe injections without severe side effects. ✓
  3. It made the compounds less stable.
  4. It required patients to stay isolated.

Answer: It allowed safe injections without severe side effects.

From page 6

What sad event happened to Alice Ball before she could see her discovery help many people?

Choices

  1. She moved to another country.
  2. She decided to stop doing science.
  3. She became ill and passed away. ✓
  4. She received all the credit immediately.

Answer: She became ill and passed away.

From page 7

How did the 'Ball Method' change the lives of people with leprosy?

Choices

  1. They had to stay isolated forever.
  2. They experienced big improvements and could return home. ✓
  3. They had to take crude oil again.
  4. The treatment only worked for a few days.

Answer: They experienced big improvements and could return home.

From page 8

How is Alice Ball's important work recognized today?

Choices

  1. Her story is kept a secret.
  2. People have completely forgotten about her.
  3. Statues, scholarships, and special announcements honor her name. ✓
  4. Only a few people know about her discovery.

Answer: Statues, scholarships, and special announcements honor her name.

From page 9

What does Alice Ball's story inspire scientists to do today?

Choices

  1. To always follow old ideas without question.
  2. To be afraid of big challenges in science.
  3. To be curious, challenge old ideas, and make their own mark on the world. ✓
  4. To keep scientific discoveries hidden from others.

Answer: To be curious, challenge old ideas, and make their own mark on the world.

From page 10