Ernest Rutherford was born on August 30, 1871, in Spring Grove, New Zealand. He was the fourth child out of twelve children, as well as the second son in the family. Ernest’s father struggled with education and supporting the family, while Ernest’s mother, a schoolteacher, pushed him to obtain an education. During Rutherford’s early life, he did household and farm work. His family referred to him as “Ern.” Due to lack of financial funds in the Rutherford family, Ernest believed that he had to think to get through the tough times. Ernest Rutherford received his first science book at the age of ten. (www.biogprahy.com: Early Life) In 1887, Rutherford received a scholarship to a private secondary school named Nelson Collegiate School. There,
