Middle School
Worksheets
Alfred Nobel - Creator of the Nobel Prize
Alfred Nobel
Reading Comprehension for October 21
He was born into poverty, yet he left the world one of the most prestigious gifts. Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite and creator of the Nobel Prize, was born October 21, 1833. During the first years of his life, his parents struggled to buy food for the family. His mother, Andriette, worked as a seamstress; his father, Immanuel, was an engineer and inventor. By the time Alfred was four years old, his father's business had suffered many losses. Immanuel left the family in Stockholm, Sweden, and went to Finland and Russia in search of his fortune. Immanuel had worked for years on inventing a land mine, and officials in these countries were very interested in his work. Immanuel spent five years away from his family in Sweden before sending for them.
Although Alfred was a sickly child, there were times when he was healthy enough to attend school. He excelled in his studies and made his parents proud. His father taught him the value of hard work and a good education. Alfred met his father's expectations in both of these areas. After the family joined Immanuel, Alfred's father was able to provide tutors for his sons. Alfred was fascinated with languages and studied English, Italian, German, and French in addition to his native Swedish. His father saw little value in languages and made sure Alfred had a good grounding in science. Immanuel needed Alfred to help him in his land mine business. Chemistry was the way for Alfred, according to his father.
When Alfred was a teen, his father's business was thriving. The Crimean War brought a great demand for land mines. With his success, Immanuel sent Alfred on a world tour to enhance the young man's education. Alfred traveled across Europe. During his travels, Alfred dreamed of becoming a writer. His father was furious to hear of Alfred's ambition. Immanuel insisted that Alfred continue studying chemistry. Alfred complied and began studying with Professor Pelouze in Paris. In 1850, he left Paris and headed to the United States, the final stop on his world tour. He then returned home to work with his father. After the Crimean War ended, demand for land mines ceased. The Nobels packed up and returned to Sweden.
