Discover_Evs_CB_Grade4_SS_AY25 by Uolo

DISCOVER

The World Around Us

Environmental Science

Discover

Environmental Science

Acknowledgements

Academic Authors: Tarunna Mendirata, Ankita Yadav, Yuvraj, Anuj Gupta, Urmi Maitra, Rachna Bhardwaj

Creative Directors: Bhavna Tripathi, Mangal Singh Rana, Satish

Book Production: Sanjay Kumar Goel, Vishesh Agarwal

Project Lead: Sneha Sharma

VP, Learning: Abhishek Bhatnagar

All products and brand names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks or trade names of their respective owners.

First published 2025

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser and without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above-mentioned publisher of this book.

Book Title: Discover Environmental Science 4

ISBN: 978-81-979364-2-5

Published by Uolo EdTech Private Limited

Corporate Office Address:

85, Sector 44, Gurugram, Haryana 122003

CIN: U74999DL2017PTC322986

Illustrations and images: www.shutterstock.com, www.stock.adobe.com and www.freepik.com

All suggested use of the internet should be under adult supervision.

Preface

Welcome to the fascinating world of environmental science with Discover, a textbook that has been thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, and nurture a love for understanding the environment in young minds.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, building a solid foundation in understanding the surroundings and environment from an early age is more crucial than ever. It lays the groundwork for observation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to make informed choices about the world around us. These skills are not just academic: they are essential life skills that empower young minds to understand and interact with the world around them in a rational and meaningful way. At UOLO, we believe that every child deserves to start this journey with the best resources available.

In this pursuit, Discover is uniquely crafted to provide a comprehensive and contemporary learning experience, meticulously aligned with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023. The book incorporates the curricular goals and competencies outlined in the NCF 2023, ensuring that every chapter, exercise, and feature reflects these foundational principles.

This textbook transcends traditional teaching methods by adopting a competency-based approach, recommended by both NEP 2020 and NCF 2023, that emphasises not just conceptual understanding and critical thinking, but also application of key concepts, and problem-solving. It is designed to make learning both meaningful and relevant, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Carefully curated content, NEP-specific tags, and a diverse array of elements have been seamlessly integrated throughout the book to nurture essential skills, values, and dispositions outlined in the NEP. Competency-based projects and assessments are strategically placed to help students master important concepts and develop higher-order thinking skills.

The book has the unique feature of being complemented by a graphic novella. Each unit of the book begins with an episode of the gripping sci-fi tale, which not only captivates the students’ interest and promotes reading, but also ingeniously connects with some of the core concepts that will be taught in the respective units.

Each chapter is also enriched with vibrant illustrations, relatable examples, and interactive activities to engage our young learners. Hands-on activities and real-life applications have been embedded throughout the book to instil a pragmatic mindset among students and make learning an enjoyable journey for them. Moreover, assessments ‘of, as, and for learning,’ as envisioned by the NEP and NCF, have been interwoven throughout the curriculum, providing continuous evaluation and meaningful feedback to students to support their growth and success.

The Discover product bundle offers a comprehensive EVS kit which includes a textbook that provides relevant and up-to-date content, concept building opportunities, projects, and assessments; a Teacher Manual offering extensive teaching support; technology-powered features, including engaging videos and interactive exercises for students; and digital lesson plans and an assessment generator for teachers. In conclusion, Discover is designed to fascinate students towards their environment, both as a subject and as a practical experience in their everyday lives, while also making them well-rounded individuals. We invite educators, parents, and students to embrace Discover and join us in nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers. Embark on this exciting journey with us and let Discover be a valuable resource in your educational adventure.

The Product Philosophy

Welcome to the Discover journey.

The program is carefully designed to elevate the experience of learning EVS through an NCF-based, age-appropriate, pedagogically-sound, and engaging content. Teachers will be supported with a manual that offers comprehensive guidance to optimise classroom instruction. Furthermore, various assessment mechanisms have been built in to the program.

PRINT

Engaging Textbooks

Comic Stories

Teacher Manual

ASSESSMENT

Competency-based Model Assessments

STEAM Projects

Question-paper Generator

DIGITAL

Student and Teacher Apps

Learning Videos

Interactive Tasks & Exercises

Byte-size Lesson Modules

The Discover program is also augmented by a digital learning platform that offers powerful educational videos and interactive exercises to help children master concepts and skills in a joyful and fear-free manner.

Key NEP Recommendations

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced by the Government of India, represents a transformative shift in the country’s education system. It aims to create a more holistic, dynamic and multidisciplinary approach to education. NEP 2020 focuses on fostering conceptual understanding, skills, values, and competencies that align with the demands of the 21st century, while also preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. UOLO is fully committed to actualising the vision of NEP 2020 by meticulously adhering to its outlined recommendations.

1. Focus on conceptual understanding

2. 21st century skills, values, and dispositions

3. Critical thinking and problem solving

4. Application in real life

5. Holistic and integrated learning

6. Experiential learning

7. Enjoyable and engaging

8. Discovery-based approach

9. Technology-based solutions

10. Knowledge of India

Competency-based Education

NEP Pages 12, 17, and 22

Teaching and Learning Pedagogy

NEP Pages 3, 11, 12, and 27

National Pride

NEP Pages 15, 16, and 43

11. Assessment of core concepts and application skills Assessments

NEP Pages 12, 18, and 22

Our Key Features: Aligning with NEP 2020

STEAM Projects

Engaging hands-on projects blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths (STEAM) to inspire young minds 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11

Competency-based Assessments

Test papers designed to evaluate the understanding of core concepts and application of skills 1 2 3 11

Story-based Approach

Enchanting comic stories that bring learning themes to life, making education a captivating adventure

5 7

Explore More

Curated videos to find out more about key concepts

7 9 1 Focus on conceptual understanding

Do and Learn

Multidisciplinary, holistic, and fun-filled activities to internalise the concept better

21st century skills, values, and dispositions 3 Critical thinking and problem solving

Application in real life

Holistic and integrated learning

Experiential learning

Translating Words into Action

Error Alert

Concise snippets of information designed to caution against potential misconceptions

HOTS

Intellectually stimulating questions designed to encourage deep, analytical, critical, and evaluative thought processes

Digital worksheets on key concepts to supplement textbook exercises

Wonders of Bharat

Fascinating insights into India’s rich culture and heritage, designed to ignite a profound sense of pride and love for the nation

Picture-based Questions

featuring visual stimuli to elevate comprehension, interpretation, and critical thinking

Life Skills

Simple activities and tips to develop a diverse set of essential skills for living well

The NEP Tags

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 outlines essential skills, values, dispositions, and learning approaches necessary for students to thrive in the 21st century. This textbook identifies and incorporates these elements throughout its content, activities, and exercises. Referred to as “NEP Tags”, they are defined as follows:

Art Integration

Bringing creativity and fun into learning by combining music, drama, and art with other subjects

Sports Integration

Using physical activities, sports, and games to make learning active and engaging

INTEGRATED

Holistic & Integrated Learning

Cross-curricular and skill linkages to make the learning experience more holistic, joyful and meaningful

Teamwork

TEAMWORK

Embracing the spirit of mutual collaboration and cooperation while working together to solve problems

SDG

Sustainable Development Goals

Unwavering commitment to create a green, peaceful, prosperous, and equitable and inclusive world

SEL Social Emotional Learning

Developing the skills to understand and manage emotions, build positive relationships with others, and make responsible choices

GAMES

Education Standards as per the NCF 2023

The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF), released in 2023, is developed based on the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Its purpose is to enable the implementation of the NEP. The NCF provides guidelines for designing school syllabi and textbooks in India. It aims to improve the quality of education by making it more relevant, engaging, inclusive, and learner-centric. To achieve this, the NCF has articulated precise Learning Standards through well-defined Curricular Goals and Competency statements. These statements serve to harmonise the syllabus, content, pedagogical practices, and assessment culture, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive educational experience.

Curricular Goals: Curricular Goals are statements that give directions to curriculum development and implementation. They are derived from Aims and are specific to a Stage in education.

Competencies: Competencies are learning achievements that are observable and can be assessed systematically. These Competencies are derived from the Curricular Goals and are expected to be attained by the end of a Stage.

NCF Page 59

Curricular Goals

CG-1

Explores the natural and social environment in their surroundings

CG-2

Understands the interdependence in their environment through observation and experiences

Competencies

C-1.1 Observes and identifies the natural (insects, plants, birds, animals, geographical features, sun and moon, soil) and social (houses, relationships) components in their immediate environment

C-1.2 Describes structures, relationships, and traditions in the family and community

C-1.3 Asks questions and makes predictions about simple patterns (season change, food chain, rituals, celebrations) observed in the immediate environment

C-1.4 Explains the functioning of local institutions (family, school, bank/ post office, market, and panchayat) in different forms (story, drawing, tabulating data, noting discussion), and analyses their role

C-1.5 Creates simple objects (family tree, envelopes, origami) on their own using local materials

C-2.1 Identifies natural and humanmade systems that support their lives (water supply, water cycle, river flow system, life cycle of plants and animals, food, household items, transport, communication, electricity in the home)

C-2.2 Describes the relationship between the natural environment and cultural practices in their immediate environment (nature of work, food, traditions)

C-2.3 Expresses the changes in the lives of their family and community as communicated by elders and through local stories (changes in occupation, food habits, resources, celebrations, communication)

The above is a snapshot of the curricular goals and competencies relationship in EVS for the Preparatory Stage (NCF 2023, pages 340–341). The next section shows the coverage of all these competencies across the chapters.

Mapping with NCF 2023

Ch 22

Ch 21

Ch 20

Ch 19

Ch 18

Ch 17

Ch 16

Ch 15

Ch 14

Ch 13

Ch 8 Ch 9 Ch 10 Ch 11 Ch 12

Ch 7

Ch 6

Ch 5

Ch 4

Ch 3

Ch 2

Ch 1

Competencies

Curricular Goals

Observes and identifies the natural (insects, plants, birds, animals, geographical features, sun and moon, soil) and social (houses, relationships) components in their immediate environment

C-1.1

CG-1

Explores the natural and social environment in their surroundings

C-1.2 Describes structures, relationships, and traditions in the family and community

C-1.3 Asks questions and makes predictions about simple patterns (season change, food chain, rituals, celebrations) observed in the immediate environment

C-1.5 Creates simple objects (family tree, envelopes, origami animals) on their own using local materials

C-3.1 Describes the basic safety needs and protection (health and hygiene, food, water, shelter, precautions, awareness of emergency situations) of humans, birds, and animals

CG-2

Understands the interdependence in their environment through observation and experiences

CG-3 Explains how to ensure the safety of self and others in different situations

C-3.3 Develops simple labels, slogans, and participates in roleplay on safety and protection in the local environment to be displayed/done in school and locality

C-4.1 Observes and describes diversity among plants, birds, and animals in their immediate environment (shape, sounds, food habits, growth, habitat)

CG-4 Develops sensitivity towards social and natural environment

C-4.2 Observes and describes cultural diversity in their immediate environment (food, clothing, games, different seasons, festivals related to harvest and sowing)

C-4.3 Observes and describes natural resources in their immediate environment, and their use

C-4.5 Identifies needs of plants, birds, and animals, and how they can be supported (water, soil, food, care)

C-4.6 Identifies the needs of people in different situations—access to resources, equal opportunities, work distribution, shelter

C-5.1 Explains a mental map of their school, village, and ward

C-5.2 Reads simple maps of city, State, and country to identify natural and humanmade features (well, lake, post office, school, hospital, etc.) with reference to symbols and directions

CG-5 Develops the ability to read and interpret simple maps

C-5.3 Draws a sketch of their school, village and ward using symbols and directions

C-6.1 Performs simple investigations related to specific questions independently or in groups

C-6.2 Presents observations and findings through different creative modes (drawing, diagram, poem, play, skit, through oral and written expression)

CG-6 Uses data and information from various sources to investigate questions related to their immediate environment

carbon dioxide. They

in the exchange of

Inhalation and Exhalation

Chapter at a Glance Walkthrough of Key Elements

1 Parts of Our Body

Inhalation: When we breathe in, our lungs take in air containing oxygen. This oxygen is then transported to the different parts of our body through the blood. The lungs expand during inhalation.

Take a deep breath in and count to five. Now, breathe out slowly. Did you feel your lungs filling up with air?

Comic Story: Exciting story built throughout the book, contains hooks to topics in a unit Error Alert: Caution against misconceptions

Omnivores

Get

Chapter Overview: Outline of the key concepts covered in the chapter

Inhalation and Exhalation

Exhalation: When we breathe out, our lungs remove carbon dioxide from our body. Removing carbon dioxide is essential for our body to function properly. The lungs contract during exhalation.

Breathe out slowly and feel the air leaving your body. Can you feel it? Did

important because they provide oxygen to our body and remove carbon dioxide. They help in the exchange of gases.

Heart

Inhalation: When we breathe in, our lungs take in air containing oxygen. This oxygen is then transported to the different parts of our body through the blood. The lungs expand during inhalation.

Have you ever thought about what would happen if our hearts a bit scary to think about because we need our hearts to stay heart by eating healthy food, exercising and feeling happy helps you think feeling good and taking care of our body helps us

Take a deep breath in and count to five. Now, breathe out slowly. Did you feel your lungs filling up with air?

Exhalation: When we breathe out, our lungs remove carbon dioxide from our body. Removing carbon dioxide is essential for our body to function properly. The lungs contract

These are animals that eat only meat. They have sharp claws to catch and hold the prey and long, pointed front teeth to tear its flesh. Lion, eagle and sharks are few examples of carnivores.

Internal and External Organs

The heart is reddish brown in colour. Its size is the same as that slightly towards the left side of our chest. If you put your hand feel your heart beating.

The heart pumps blood to all body parts. This blood supplies to other body parts. It also collects carbon dioxide and other different body parts.

Did You Know: Interesting facts related to the topic

Breathe out slowly and feel the air leaving your body. Can you feel it?

Organs are different parts of the body that work together to help us stay healthy and perform all the activities we need to do. Organs are mainly classified into external and internal organs.

Our body is like a big machine with many parts, each playing its own special role. In this chapter, let’s learn about different parts of our body and how they work.

These are animals that eat both plants and meat. They have a combination of sharp and flat teeth to help them eat different types of food. Bears, pigs and humans are a few examples of omnivores.

Heart

Internal and External Organs

Some animals like vultures and hyenas eat dead animals and are called scavengers

Vocabulary: Meanings of difficult words

Have you ever thought about what would happen if our hearts stopped beating? It’s a bit scary to think about because we need our hearts to stay alive. Taking care of our heart by eating healthy food, exercising and feeling happy helps keep it strong. How do think feeling good and taking care of our body helps us stay healthy?

Organs are different parts of the body that work together to help us stay healthy and perform all the activities we need to do. Organs are mainly classified into external and internal organs.

The heart is reddish brown in colour. Its size is the same as that of a fist. The heart is slightly towards the left side of our chest. If you put your hand on your chest, you can feel your heart beating.

Chapter 1 • Parts of Our Body transport: to carry from one place to another (here, oxygen) expand: increase in size contract: decrease in size fist: tightly-closed hand with fingers pointing inwards

Pause and Answer Sort the animals into groups based on their food habits.

Reproduction in Animals

Pause and Answer: Short exercises between the chapter to pause and assess comprehension

Reproduction is the process by which living beings produce young ones of their own kind. Animals reproduce in two ways: • by laying eggs

• by giving birth to young ones

Let’s learn about them.

The heart pumps blood to all body parts. This blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to other body parts. It also collects carbon dioxide and other waste materials from different body parts.

Do and Learn: Multidisciplinary, holistic, and fun activities to understand the concept better

NEP Tags: To show alignment with NEP skills and values

Most of the public property, such as roads, are built and maintained by the government, using money collected from the people. The collected money is known as tax

Remember: Recall of previous knowledge relevant to the

Kidneys

Look around your desk and in the classroom. Note down the different objects you see. Which of these objects are private property and which ones are public property?

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of our spine, below the ribs and behind the belly. Each kidney is about 4–5 inches long, roughly the size of a large fist. The kidneys filter blood and remove waste from our body. The waste is collected in the urinary bladder and is then removed from the body as urine.

Kidneys

Do and Learn

Wonders of Bharat: Fascinating insights into India’s rich culture and heritage

Think and Tell / Discuss: Analysis, reflection, and text-to-self connection-based prompts for discussion in class

Do and Learn

Collect pictures of different internal organs like the brain, stomach, liver, kidneys and heart. Paste them in your scrapbook. Write about the importance and functions of each organ below the respective images. Make your scrapbook look attractive. Show it to your friends.

Wonders of Bharat

In Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of health, the heart is thought to hold our emotions. Breathing exercises like Pranayama and simple meditation, both from India, are suggested to keep the heart healthy and lower stress. These practices also help with blood circulation and overall well-being. A girl

Word Splash: Recall of key terms and concepts in the chapter

Word Splash

organs: different parts of the body that work together skull: the part of the head that protects our brain atria:

Explore More: Short videos to find out more about the topic

Points to Remember

organs: different parts of the body that work together

skull: the part of the head that protects our brain atria: the chambers located at the upper side of the heart ventricles: the chambers located at the lower side of the heart

blood vessels: fine tubes that help in circulation of blood

organs: different parts of the body that work together skull: the part of the head that protects our brain atria: the chambers located at the upper side of the heart ventricles: the chambers located at the lower side of the heart

The brain helps us think, learn and feel emotions.

arteries: red-coloured blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to all body parts

veins: blue-coloured blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from all body parts

blood vessels: fine tubes that help in circulation of blood arteries: red-coloured blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to all body parts

oesophagus: the pipe through which food passes from mouth to stomach Word Splash

veins: blue-coloured blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from all body parts

oesophagus: the pipe through which food passes from mouth to stomach

internal organs.

Explore More!

Know more about internal organs.

We can see and touch external organs from the outside, but we can’t see or touch internal organs because they’re inside our body.

• The lungs help us breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. The heart pumps blood to all parts of our body.

We can see and touch external organs from the outside, but we can’t see or touch internal organs because they’re inside our body. The brain helps us think, learn and feel emotions.

• The stomach helps digest the food we eat. The liver cleans our blood and helps us digest fats.

• The kidneys filter waste from our blood and produce urine.

• The lungs help us breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. The heart pumps blood to all parts of our body.

• The stomach helps digest the food we eat. The liver cleans our blood and helps us digest fats.

Chapter Checkup

• The kidneys filter waste from our blood and produce urine.

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

Points to Remember: Summary of the chapter Chapter Checkup: Chapter-end practice exercises aligned to different levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy

A. What protects the brain?

Chapter Checkup

6. Long-answer questions.

Skull Heart Liver

B. Which organ pumps blood throughout our body?

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

Lungs Heart

A. Explain the journey of food from farms to our tables. List all the steps and the people involved.

B. How do protein-rich foods help our bodies? Give two examples of protein-rich foods.

A. What protects the brain? Skull Heart Liver

C. Which organ helps us to breathe?

Picture-based Questions: Special questions featuring visual stimuli to foster comprehension, interpretation, and critical thinking

Picture-based questions.

B. Which organ pumps blood throughout our body?

Lungs Heart

C. Which organ helps us to breathe?

2. Fill in the blanks.

liver atrium ventricles kidneys

D. Which blood vessels carry oxygenated blood to different body parts? Ventricles Arteries

A. The upper chambers of the heart are called

B. The lower chambers of the heart are called

HOTS: Intellectually stimulating questions designed for higher order thinking and analysis

D. Which blood vessels carry oxygenated blood to different body parts? Ventricles Arteries Veins

the main

2. Fill in the blanks. liver atrium ventricles kidneys

C. helps us in the digestion of fats.

D. filter our blood to remove waste and extra water.

A. The upper chambers of the heart are called

3. Write True or False.

B. The lower chambers of the heart are called

A. Brain and lungs are external organs.

C. helps us in the digestion of fats.

B. The heart has only two chambers.

Does

D. filter our blood to remove waste and extra water.

3. Write True or False.

A. Brain and lungs are external organs.

B. The heart has only two chambers.

Life Skills: Simple activities and tips to develop a diverse set of essential skills for living well

Life Skills

You’ve

practising Pranayama

Kidneys Kidneys

1 Parts of Our Body

Chapter Overview

Parts of Our Body

Brain Internal and External Organs

Lungs Heart Stomach Liver Kidneys

Rearrange the letters to form the names of body parts. Get Set

Introduction

Our body is like a big machine with many parts, each playing its own special role. In this chapter, let us learn about the different parts of our body and how they work.

Internal and External Organs

Organs are parts of the body that have specific functions. They keep us alive and healthy. Organs are mainly of two types: external and internal.

External Organs

These organs are present on the outside of our body. We can see and touch these body parts. Hands, legs, eyes, ears and feet are some examples of external organs.

Did You Know?

The skin is the largest external organ of the body. It covers and protects everything inside, acts as a barrier against germs, and helps to regulate the body temperature. The skin also feels sensations like touch, heat and cold.

Internal Organs

These organs are present inside our body. We can’t see or touch them from the outside. The brain, lungs, heart, stomach, liver and kidneys are some examples of internal organs.

Let us learn more about internal organs.

Brain

The brain controls all the functions of our body. It is protected by the skull, which acts like a helmet.

The brain is a part of the nervous system. It is connected to the nerves that are present throughout the body. The brain receives information from all the organs through these nerves. The brain then instructs our body on the way to respond in a given situation. It stores information and memories. It also controls our balance, posture and movement, such as running, walking, etc.

It is commonly believed that the brain doesn’t rest. But that’s not true. When we sleep, the brain, along with the rest of the body uses that time to ‘rest’ and recover.

Brain inside skull

Lungs

Take a deep breath, slowly. Then, breathe out slowly. Observe your chest when you do so. Did you notice that your chest rose up and then went down when you breathed. Why did that happen? Let us find out.

We have a pair of lungs. They are in our chest. They act like a pair of balloons when we breathe in and out. The main function of the lungs is the exchange of gases through the process of inhalation and exhalation.

Inhalation

When we breathe in, we take in air. This air, which also contains oxygen, goes to the lungs. In the lungs, the oxygen is absorbed by the blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide from the blood is taken out by the lungs.

Exhalation

When the exchange of gases is over, we breathe out the carbon dioxide-rich air, letting the lungs deflate.

The blood then distributes the oxygen to the rest of the body.

Heart

Lungs

Inhalation Exhalation

Our lungs can hold up to six litres of air. Did You Know?

The heart is reddish brown in colour. It is the same as your fist. The heart is slightly turned towards the left side of our chest. If you put your hand on your chest, you can feel your heart beating.

The heart pumps blood to all the body parts. This blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to the body. It also collects carbon dioxide and other waste materials from the body.

deflate: become smaller in size by letting out air fist: tightly-closed hand with fingers pointing inwards

Chambers of the Heart

The human heart has four chambers. Of these four, two are located in the upper part of the heart. These chambers are called atria (singular: atrium). The other two chambers are located in the lower part of the heart. These are called ventricles (singular: ventricle). The blood flows through all the four chambers.

Circulation of Blood

Right atrium

Right ventricle

Human heart

Left atrium

Left ventricle

The heart and the lungs work closely together. The heart receives carbon dioxide-rich (deoxygenated) blood in the right atrium. It sends this blood to the right ventricle. The right ventricle sends the blood to the lungs. In the lungs, the exchange of gases takes place. The oxygen-rich (oxygenated) blood comes back into the left atrium. This atrium then pumps the blood to the right ventricle, which then pumps the blood to different parts of the body. Blood circulation takes place through tubes called blood vessels. The blood vessels that provide oxygenated blood to all parts of the body are called arteries. These vessels have thick walls and appear red in colour. The blood vessels that carry impure (deoxygenated) blood from the different body parts back to the heart are called veins. These have thin walls and appear blue in colour.

Error Alert!

Not all arteries carry oxygenated blood. The artery that goes from the heart to the lungs carries deoxygenated blood. Similarly, the vein that goes from the lungs to the heart carries oxygenated blood.

Pause and Answer

Name the following.

1. The upper two chambers of the human heart.

2. The lower two chambers of the human heart.

3. The tubes that help with blood circulation.

4. These blood vessels carry oxygenated blood.

5. These blood vessels carry deoxygenated blood.

Did You Know?

Our heart beats around 1,00,000 times a day.

Stomach

The stomach helps us digest the food we eat. It is a J-shaped organ and it is located in the upper part of our abdomen, just below the ribcage.

Process of Digestion

Do you know what happens to the food we eat? How do we get energy from the food we eat? Food gives us energy after it has been digested. Digestion is the process of breaking down food so that it can easily be absorbed by the blood. Let us understand the process of digestion in our body.

• The digestion of food begins in the mouth. When we chew food, the teeth mashes it into small pieces. It is then mixed with saliva which has juices that start the process of breaking down food. Then, the mashed food is swallowed.

• The swallowed food passes through a long tube called the food pipe, or oesophagus, and reaches the stomach.

• In the stomach, the food gets mixed with digestive juices that further break down the food.

Large intes�ne

Digestive system

Oesophagus

Stomach

Small intes�ne

• After that, the food passes through the small intestine. Here, the absorption of nutrients from the food takes place. The blood absorbs the digested food through the thin walls of the small intestine and supplies it to the different body parts.

• The undigested food passes through the large intestine. Here, water is absorbed from the food, and the remaining waste becomes semi-solid. This waste is then removed from the body.

Remember!

A group of organs that works together to perform one or more functions is an organ system. The digestive system is an organ system that helps to digest food and absorb nutrition.

Mouth Liver

Proper Digestion of Food

Food needs to be properly digested to absorb essential nutrients, produce energy and keep us healthy.

Some of the things that keep the digestive system healthy are:

• Eating a balanced diet.

• Drinking plenty of water.

• Chewing our food properly.

• Exercising regularly.

• Avoiding overeating.

• Eating less junk food.

• Having meals at fixed times.

Pause and Answer

Circle the correct option in each of the following.

Exercise regularly.

Drink plenty of water.

1. The process of digestion begins in the mouth/stomach.

2. The food is mixed with digestive juices in the stomach/food pipe.

3. The absorption of nutrients from the food takes place in the stomach/small intestine.

4. Water is absorbed from the food in the large intestine/food pipe.

Liver

The liver is a reddish-brown organ located next to the stomach, on the right-hand side of the body. It is the largest gland in our body. It produces proteins that help in blood clotting. It helps us digest fats. It also stores nutrients that provide energy to our bodies whenever needed. Additionally, the liver helps in cleaning our blood.

Liver

Kidneys

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of our spine, below the ribs and behind the stomach. The kidneys filter and clean the blood. The waste is removed from the body as urine.

Do and Learn

Collect pictures of different internal organs like the brain, stomach, liver, kidneys and heart. Paste them in your scrapbook. Write about their importance and functions as well.

Wonders of Bharat

The practice of Ayurveda originated in India a very long time ago. It was one of the first scientific practices that believed that a healthy lifestyle and diet keeps us free from diseases.

Word Splash

organs: different parts of the body that perform specific functions

skull: the part of the head that protects our brain

atria: the chambers located in the upper part of the heart

ventricles: the chambers located in the lower part of the heart

blood vessels: tubes that transport blood throughout the body

arteries: blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to all body parts

veins: blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from all body parts

oesophagus: the pipe through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about internal organs.

Kidneys

Points to Remember

• We can see and touch external organs, but we cannot see or touch internal organs.

• The brain controls the entire body.

• The lungs help us to breathe.

• The heart pumps blood to all parts of our body.

• The stomach helps to digest the food we eat.

• The liver helps us digest fats, and stores nutrients.

• The kidneys clean our blood and remove the waste as urine.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. What protects the brain?

B. Which organ pumps blood to the entire body?

C. Which organ helps us to breathe?

D. Which blood vessels generally carry oxygenated blood?

2. Fill in the blanks.

A. The upper chambers of the heart are called .

B. The lower chambers of the heart are called .

C. The helps us in the digestion of fats.

D. The filter our blood to remove waste.

3. Write True or False.

A. The brain and the lungs are external organs.

B. The human heart has four chambers.

C. The stomach is slightly towards the left side of our chest.

D. The kidneys are located in our upper back.

4. Match the organs with their respective functions.

A. Lungs

B. Heart

C. Stomach

D. Kidneys

5. Short-answer questions.

A. What are external organs?

B. What is the role of the lungs?

C. How do the kidneys help our body?

a. Filter blood

b. Digests food

c. Pumps blood

d. Help us breathe

D. Mention three healthy habits that one must follow for proper digestion of food.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. How does the circulation of blood take place?

B. What happens to the food we eat? Explain different steps involved in the digestion of food.

C. Define each of the following:

7. Picture-based questions.

A. Label all the parts in the given image.

B. Mention the function of the part you labelled as 4.

Challenge (HOTS)

1. What changes do you notice in your breathing when you run fast?

2. What would happen if food is not digested properly?

Life Skills

The brain is an important part of the human body. With the help of the internet, make a list things that we should eat which is good for our brain. Include those items in your daily meals. Also, find out other things you could do to keep your brain healthy and sharp. Try to do them daily.

2 Safety and Health

Chapter Overview

Safety and Health

Ways to Stay Healthy

Safety Rules

Communicable Diseases

Get Set

Tick ( ) each good habit that you follow.

I brush my teeth twice daily.

I comb my hair regularly.

I take a bath every day. I wash fruit before eating it.

I cut my nails regularly. I wash my hands before and after eating food.

Health and safety are essential for everyone. Let us learn about staying healthy and safe.

Ways to Stay Healthy

We all need to stay healthy for ourselves and our families. Staying healthy means taking care of our body, mind and emotions to keep them strong and balanced. Let us learn about the different ways to stay healthy.

Eat Healthy Food

We need to eat a variety of food to stay healthy. Grains like wheat and rice give us energy. Eggs, meat and beans help to build our body and keep it strong. Fruit and vegetables protect us from diseases. Thus, we must include a variety of food in our diet.

We should also eat less or avoid junk and sugary food like chips, fries, candies and soft drinks. Eating unhealthy, processed food can make us ill.

Additionally, we need to drink enough water to avoid dehydration.

Exercise Regularly

To keep ourselves physically fit and strong, we should exercise regularly. Sports like running, swimming, athletics, cycling, badminton, etc. are good for our fitness. Activities like dancing and yoga are a great way to remain physically fit. These things not only helps us stay fit but also develops our muscles and bones.

Rest and Sleep

We spend our day doing various things. This makes us tired. In order to remain active and healthy, it is important for us to rest properly.

When we sleep, our body uses that time to recover from our daily wear-and-tear. It regenerates the tissues so that we can be active again the next day. Therefore, it is very important that we get a good nightʼs sleep every day.

Here are a few things that we can do to get a good sleep:

• Avoid watching TV till late at night.

processed food: food that has gone through some steps to be refined, usually in factories dehydration: illness due to drinking very less water

• Sleeping early. 8 or 9 p.m. is generally considered the best time to sleep.

• Sleeping for at least 8 hours at night.

• Sleeping at a set time daily.

• Taking about an hour-long gap after dinner to go to sleep.

Think Positively

Think and Tell

How do you feel the next morning when you do not sleep well at night?

It’s important to stay positive and calm, even when things are difficult. Thinking positively helps us feel happier. When we focus on the good things, we feel better and can find easier ways to solve problems.

Did You Know?

7 April is celebrated as World Health Day. Every year, this day is used to spread awareness about a health problem or issue that needs special attention all over the world.

Safety Rules

We need to be alert and follow some safety rules wherever we are. Safety rules help to keep us and everyone around us safe. They need to be followed whether we are indoors or outdoors.

Safety at Home

• Handle sharp and pointed objects like knives, scissors and blades carefully.

• Keep your belongings in the right place. Do not leave them lying around as someone may trip over them and get hurt.

• Be cautious when you are near a gas stove, whether it is lighted or not.

• Do not play with matchsticks or lighters. You may burn your fingers.

• Do not touch any electrical appliances, like geysers and washing machines, with wet hands. This prevents us from getting an electric shock.

• Never take medicines or use things like washing powder or cleaning liquid without asking an adult first.

Safety Outdoors

We should follow a few simple rules to keep ourselves safe outside.

• Inform an elder at home before going out.

• Walk on the footpath and never run or play on the road.

• Look both ways, left and right, before crossing the road.

• Cross roads carefully, using the zebra crossing.

• Wear safety gear like helmets, caps, or gloves when playing sports.

• Keep your hands and face inside the vehicle while travelling.

Water Safety

Here are some ways to stay safe in swimming pools or in water bodies such as ponds, lakes and seas.

• Be careful near water bodies. Do not go too close to the edges, as they are usually slippery.

• Follow the instructions while boating or doing any water sports.

• When learning how to swim, follow your instructor. Do not swim too deep without the instructor.

• Wear a life jacket or a floating tube when swimming or doing any water sports.

Fire Safety

Some ways to stay safe in case of a fire are as follows:

• Do not wear synthetic clothes near fire or in the kitchen. They catch fire easily.

• Leakage from gas cylinders can cause fire. Therefore, always ask an adult before using a stove.

• Do not play with matchsticks or lighters.

• In case of a fire, leave the area immediately and shout for help. You may dial 112 to call the fire station.

Do and Learn

Find out and learn the different helpline numbers for fire, ambulance, police, childrenʼs helpline, etc. Learn when they can be used and use them ONLY when required.

Food Safety

It is important to have healthy and hygienic food to prevent ourselves from falling sick. Some precautions that we need to take are:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after a meal.

• Always wash fruit and vegetables before eating or cooking them.

• Avoid eating junk food and street food.

• Never keep food uncovered or eat uncovered food, as it may get contaminated with flies and germs.

• Always drink clean and filtered water.

Pause and Answer

Tick ( ) the safe actions. Cross () the unsafe ones.

Keep toys scattered on the floor. Wear synthetic clothes while cooking.

Eat healthy food. Drink clean water only.

Communicable Diseases

Naman was reading an old newspaper report.

22 April 2022, Friday

‘By 2021, the world was hit by several waves of COVID-19. It spread quickly over the year and affected millions of people around the world. COVID-19 was caused by the highly infectious coronavirus. People all over the world were advised to wear masks and stay at home as much as possible.’

“What kind of disease was it that affected so many people?” Naman wondered.

COVID-19 is a communicable disease. Diseases that spread from an infected person or animal to a healthy person are called communicable diseases. Let us learn about some common communicable diseases.

Discuss!

During COVID-19, wearing masks and using a sanitiser were made compulsory. What do you think was the reason for these rules? Discuss in your class.

contaminated: made something unfit for use by the addition of unwanted or harmful things

Common Cold

It is caused by a virus. It spreads through the air. When someone with a cold sneezes, coughs or even breathes, the virus is released in the air, infecting people in that area.

Influenza

Influenza, also known as the flu, is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads through the air. The symptoms of influenza are fever, cough, muscle pain and cold.

Typhoid

This disease is caused by bacteria that spread through contaminated food and water. It is also known as enteric fever. Its symptoms include high fever, stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Cholera

Cholera is another disease caused by bacteria. It spreads through contaminated food and water. Its symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to severe dehydration. Without timely treatment, it can be fatal.

Remember!

Dehydration can occur because of other reasons as well, like exposure to excess sunʼs heat, extreme exercise, and not drinking enough water. It can be prevented by drinking fluids such as fresh juices, coconut water and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution).

Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya

These diseases are spread through mosquito bites. Dengue and chikungunya are viral diseases caused by female Aedes mosquitoes. Both have similar symptoms, such as high fever and intense body pain.

diarrhoea: loose and watery motions fatal: something that can result in death

Dry cough Fever Chills Headache

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache and vomiting.

To prevent the spread of these diseases, it’s important to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, like puddles and containers with stagnant water. Using mosquito repellents, sleeping under mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved clothing can protect us against mosquito bites.

Wonders of Bharat

During COVID, India was one of the countries that was able to develop a vaccine on its own. Bharat Biotech developed its first COVID-19 vaccine in January 2021. The government of India ran a mass vacination program. India delivered over 2.2 billion doses up to 4 March 2023.

Word Splash

communicable disease: a disease that spreads from one person or animal to another enteric fever: another name for typhoid

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about how to keep fit and healthy.

Symptoms of Malaria

Fever Headache

Chills Vomiting

Points to Remember

• We stay healthy when we eat healthy food, exercise regularly, have enough rest and think positively.

• We need to be safe, whether we are at home or outdoors. We need to be safe around water, or things that may cause a fire.

• Communicable diseases spread from an infected person or animal to another.

• Common cold, influenza, typhoid, cholera, dengue, malaria and chikungunya are some examples of communicable diseases.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. When boating, we should wear a life jacket gloves a swimming cap eyeglasses

B. Which of the following is a communicable disease?

common cold influenza malaria all of these

C. Which of the following does not help us to stay healthy?

Daily exercise Eating junk food Thinking positive Getting enough sleep

2. Fill in the blanks.

A. We should learn to be positive and stay .

B. We should stay away from sharp objects like a .

C. We should look at both ways and then the road.

D. Always your hands before and after eating food.

3. Write True or False.

A. Staying healthy means caring for your body, mind and emotions.

B. We should touch a switched-on oven with wet hands.

C. It is safe to play with matchsticks and lighters.

D. Outdoor activities like cycling and swimming are good for our health.

4. Tick ( ) the disease caused by mosquitoes. Circle the disease caused by contaminated food and water.

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Write any three ways to stay healthy.

B. Write two safety rules that you follow at home.

C. Raman is helping his parents in the kitchen. Write two safety rules that he must follow there.

D. Neena needs to cross a busy road. Write two safety rules that she must follow.

E. How does a person get infected with typhoid?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Meera and her friends are going on a picnic at the lake. What suggestions would you give them to stay safe at this site?

B. Write about the diseases caused by mosquito bites which you have studied in this chapter. Also write the ways in which they can be avoided.

7. Picture-based questions.

Isha left some food uncovered on the table.

Look at the picture.

A. Would it be healthy if she ate this food after some time? Give a reason.

B. What can happen if Isha eats this food?

Challenge (HOTS)

The number of cases of malaria increases after the rainy season.

1. What do you think the reason for this could be?

2. Write two ways in which you can help to prevent the spread of malaria.

3 Food We Eat

Chapter Overview

Food We Eat

Journey of Food Nutrients in Food Improving the Nutritional Value of Food Food Preservation Healthy Food Habits

Draw a picture of your favourite dish in the box given below. Write down the names of two food items used to prepare this dish in the space provided. Get Set

In this chapter, let us learn more about the food we eat.

Journey of Food

We eat various foods such as fruit, vegetables, grains and pulses. Have you ever wondered where the food on your plate comes from? The journey of food starts from farms and gardens, travels through markets and stores and ends up on our tables.

• Farmers grow the food we eat., such as rice, vegetables, wheat, pulses and fruit. Farmers prepare the soil by ploughing to make it ready for planting seeds. Then, they sow seeds in the soil.

• Young plants grow from the seeds. Farmers take care of the growing crops. They water the crops regularly. Farmers also use fertilisers to provide important nutrients to the soil. They protect crops from pests and diseases by using natural methods or pesticides.

• When the crops are fully grown, it is time to harvest them. Harvesting is the process of cutting and gathering the ripe crops from the fields. They use tools such as sickles or big machines called harvesters to cut crops like wheat and rice. They pick fruit and vegetables by hand to keep them safe.

• After harvesting, crops like wheat and rice are sent for threshing to separate the grain from the plants. The grain is then packed into sacks and taken to the wholesale market.

• Vegetable and fruit vendors, shopkeepers and mill owners buy the crops from these wholesale markets.

• Vendors and shopkeepers then sell these items in local markets where people can buy them.

• At home, we cook these items.

This is how the journey of food is completed and it reaches our plates.

Nutrients in Food

Discuss!

What do you think would happen if there were no wholesale markets where farmers could sell their harvest? Discuss in the class.

Different food items have different useful substances called nutrients. Nutrients are substances in food that give us energy, protect us from diseases and help us grow. There are five main nutrients in our food—carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Let us learn about them.

ploughing: the process of turning the soil using a plough to prepare it for planting crops harvesting: cutting ripe crops from the fields

threshing: the process of separating grains from the plants they grow on

Farmer ploughing the field.

A sickle

Carbohydrates

They give us energy for our daily activities. That is why they are also called energy-giving nutrients. These nutrients are found in bread, rice, potatoes and pasta.

Fats

Fats help protect the body by forming a layer under the skin and around organs. Fats help our bodies absorb important vitamins that keep us healthy.

They also work as a storehouse of energy and supply it to our body when we do not eat for a long time. Nuts such as cashews and almonds, groundnuts, avocados and oils contain fats.

Proteins

They are known as the body building nutrients. Proteins are necessary for the growth and repair of the body. They are found in a variety of food items such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, beans, cheese, pulses and nuts.

Vitamins and Minerals

They are called protective nutrients. Both these nutrients are required in small amounts. Vitamins protect us against various diseases. Minerals make our bones and teeth strong. Minerals such as iron and calcium are very important for our body. Vitamins and minerals are found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, milk and milk products, and fruit such as bananas and apples.

Water and Roughage

We need both water and roughage in our meals to keep our digestive system healthy. Water helps in digestion. It maintains body temperature which means that when we feel hot, water helps us sweat, which cools us down. Water helps to absorb nutrients from other foods, and removes waste from our bodies through sweat and urine. We must drink about 8–10 glasses of water every day.

urine: liquid waste produced by our kidneys

All fats are not bad. Only the fats in fried and processed food, when eaten in large quantity, are bad for us. Error Alert!

Carbohydrate-rich foods

Fat-rich foods

Protein-rich foods

Vitamins and minerals-rich food

Roughage refers to the dietary fibre found in fruit and vegetables. It helps the body to get rid of undigested food and prevents constipation.

Balanced Diet

A diet that contains all the nutrients in the right amounts along with water and roughage is called a balanced diet. It is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Eating a balanced diet protects us from diseases too.

Pause and Answer

Circle the correct answer for each of the following.

1. Carbohydrates are energy-giving / body-building / protective nutrients.

2. Fats / Water / Carbohydrates store energy.

3. Eggs are water / protein / roughage-rich foods.

4. Our body requires vitamins / water / roughage in small amounts.

Improving the Nutritional Value of Food

We can increase the nutritional value of food through techniques such as sprouting and fermentation. Let us learn more about them.

Fermentation

Fermentation is a process by which we can make food tastier and increase its nutritional value. For example, this method is used to make idlis. The batter, which is usually a mix of rice and pulses, is fermented overnight.

Sprouting

Sprouting is another method to increase the nutritional value of food. When grains like pulses and grams are allowed to sprout, they become rich in vitamins and proteins.

constipation: a condition in which the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass

Salad has roughage.

Balanced diet

Do and Learn

Let us make a sprout salad!

With the help of an adult, take some chickpeas and soak them in water overnight. The next day, put them in a bowl and mix chopped onions, tomatoes and cucumbers with the sprouts. Sprinkle lemon juice, salt and pepper. Your sprout salad is ready!

Food Preservation

Sprouted chickpeas

When food gets exposed to air and moisture, it gets spoilt. This may change the way our food looks, smells and tastes.

To preserve food, we use some food preservation techniques. Each culture has developed food preservation methods that suit their climate and available resources to ensure they have food to eat all year round. Let us learn about them.

Boiling

Remember!

Germs need water and warmth to grow.

Do you know why we boil milk? We do so to prevent milk from spoiling. Boiling is effective for short-term preservation only. Once the milk cools down again, it can get spoilt if not stored properly. This method is commonly used to preserve milk.

Salting

This method preserves food by adding salt. Salt draws out the moisture and prevents the growth of germs that spoil the food. This method is commonly used in preparing pickles and for preserving meat and fish.

Sweetening

In this method, we add a lot of sugar to the food. The sugar acts as a preservative, making it difficult for germs to survive. For example, fruit are preserved by this method by making them into jams.

Adding sugar to preserve apricot as jam.

culture: the beliefs, customs, art, and way of life of a particular group of people preservative: a substance used to prevent food, beverages or other products from spoiling

Milk boiling in a pan.

Pickling

When we preserve food by soaking it in vinegar, oil and salt, it is called pickling. This combination prevents the food from getting spoilt. Pickled foods have a longer shelf life

Refrigeration and Freezing

We can keep the food in the refrigerator to keep it cool or freeze it. Germs do not grow easily in cold temperatures and thus the food remains good for some days. We can keep curd, fruit, vegetables, and cooked food in the refrigerator. Another way is to freeze food and then use it several months later. Food items such as peas, corn, and meat are preserved by freezing.

Dehydration

When we preserve food by drying it in the sun for many days, it is called dehydration. It removes all the moisture from the food, which prevents the growth of germs in it. Different types of foods like chips, fish, meat, tomatoes, fruit and spices can be dehydrated and preserved for a long time.

Think and Tell

Pause and Answer

Pickles

Healthy Food Habits

Developing healthy food habits is essential for maintaining good health. Here are some important practices to follow:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food to remove germs and prevent illness.

• Chew food properly to aid the process of digestion and for the body to absorb nutrients.

• Wash vegetables and fruit under clean running water to remove dirt and pesticides.

• Store food properly to keep it fresh and safe.

• Buy/Eat only what you need and store leftovers to minimise waste.

• Listen to your body and eat until you are satisfied, not overly full.

• Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to support digestion and overall health.

• Reduce your intake of chips, candies and sugary drinks, which are low in nutrients and high in unhealthy fats and sugars.

Wonders of Bharat

The history of proper food storage in India goes far back to the ancient times. Wheat grains were properly stored in large rooms called granaries in an ancient Indian civilisation called Harappa, almost 5000 years ago.

Word Splash

fertilisers: substances added to soil to provide essential nutrients that help plants grow pesticides: chemicals used to kill or control pests that can harm crops sickle: a tool used to harvest crops

nutrients: substances in food that provide us energy, protect us from diseases and help us grow

roughage: the dietary fibre found in fruits and vegetables

balanced diet: diet containing nutrients in the right amounts as required by the body food preservation: the process of preventing food from spoiling so it can be stored and consumed later

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn about food preservation.

Points to Remember

• Farmers grow, harvest and transport crops to the markets. We buy them from the market.

• There are five main nutrients in the food we eat—carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

• We should eat a balanced diet to stay fit and healthy.

• Food preservation methods are refrigeration, dehydration, salting, pickling, sweetening and boiling.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. What is the first step in the journey of food from farms to our tables?

Harvesting the crop Transporting the crop

Sowing seeds into the soil Preparing the soil

B. Which preservation method uses vinegar/salt to prevent food from getting spoilt?

Salting Pickling

Sweetening Boiling

C. Why is it important to chew your food before swallowing?

It makes the food taste better. It is easier to digest and absorb.

It cools down the food. It helps one eat faster.

2. Fill in the blanks.

boiling roughage balanced diet fermentation

A. helps the body to get rid of undigested food and prevent constipation.

B. A includes all the nutrients along with water and roughage.

C. Sprouting and help increase the nutritional value of food.

D. is a method of preserving food by heating it to a high temperature to kill germs.

3. Write True or False.

A. Carbohydrates and fats are body-building foods.

B. We can make idlis using the technique of sprouting.

C. Fermentation is a method of food preservation.

D. We should chew our food properly while eating.

4. Match the following.

A. Boiling

B. Salting

C. Sweetening

D. Freezing

E. Dehydration

5. Short-answer questions.

a. Pickles

b. Jams and jellies

c. Milk

d. Potato chips

e. Corn

A. Why is roughage important for our body?

B. What is a balanced diet?

C. How does refrigeration help in preserving food?

D. Write one main difference between salting and pickling.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Explain the journey of food from farms to our tables. Briefly explain all the steps.

B. Give two examples of protein-rich food. How do they help us?

7. Picture-based questions.

A. Identify the main nutrient that these foods provide.

B. What is the role of these nutrients in our body?

Does food preservation help in protecting the environment in some way? Explain.

Carrots Oil

Challenge (HOTS)

4 A Good House

Chapter Overview

A Good House

An Ideal House Types of Houses Temporary Houses

Choose words from the hint box. Label different parts of a house. Get Set

Hallway

Kitchen

Bedroom

Bathroom

Living room

Study

Store room

Dining area

An Ideal House

A house is a place where we live. It keeps us safe. A house protects us from harsh weather, enemies and wild animals. We live in different types of houses. There are some features of a house that make it ideal to live in.

Enough Sunlight

Ravi’s house has large windows that let in a lot of sunlight. Every morning, his room is filled with light, making it easy for him to wake up and feel fresh. He often opens the curtains wide to let the sunlight in. This also helps reduce their electricity bill as they don’t need to switch ON light bulbs during the day.

Sunlight makes the room bright.

A good house should have plenty of sunlight. Sunlight brightens the house, making it look welcoming and warm. Sunlight helps keep the house free from germs.

Proper Ventilation

Open windows, doors and ventilators allow fresh air to flow freely through the house. This circulation of fresh air is known as ventilation. A house needs to have enough windows and doors to allow fresh air in and let stale air out. Additionally, having green plants around the house helps to keep the air fresh.

Proper Sanitation

Getting rid of waste from our homes in the right way is called sanitation. The dirty water from the kitchen, washing machine, bathroom, mopping the floor and washing the car is called sullage. The waste from toilets that mixes with dirty water is called sewage. It is very important to get rid of waste properly from our homes. We should keep pipes and drains clean so they don’t get blocked. We should also dispose garbage daily. We should take care to sort the garbage and not try to litter around our neighbourhood. Proper sanitation prevents diseases and keeps the family healthy.

A clean toilet

Greenery in and Around the House

Ria’s house has a small garden with many small plants and a few trees. They also keep potted plants in the living room and balcony.

Ria: Mom, why do we have so many plants?

Mom: Plants help clean the air we breathe and make our homes beautiful. They also make us feel happier and more relaxed.

Having greenery in and around the house is very important. Plants provide fresh air and shade and make the house look beautiful. Indoor plants can purify the air and create a calming environment in the house. Gardens and trees outside offer a space for relaxation and we can even grow fruit and vegetables.

Pause and Answer

Fill in the blanks.

Plants provide fresh air and shade.

ventilators diseases plants sunlight

1. brightens the house, making it look welcoming.

2. Windows, doors and allow fresh air to flow freely through the house.

3. provide fresh air and make the house look beautiful.

4. Proper sanitation prevents and keeps the family healthy.

Types of Houses

People live in various kinds of houses. These houses differ based on where they are located, the materials used to construct them, and their designs. Let us learn about different types of houses.

Houses in Rural Areas

In rural areas, houses are often made of easily available, natural materials like mud, straw and bamboo. These materials are eco-friendly and blend well with the natural

eco-friendly: good for the environment and helps protect nature

surroundings. Such houses are also called kutcha houses or huts.

These houses are usually not very strong. They are often built by the residents themselves using traditional methods. But nowadays, strong houses are also being built in rural areas using bricks, cement, iron, wood etc.

Houses in Urban Areas

Houses in urban areas are usually made of bricks, cement and concrete. They are generally stronger and more durable than those in rural areas. These are known as pucca houses. They typically have multiple rooms, such as a drawing room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Independent houses with gardens or lawns are called bungalows. Buildings that contain multiple homes within them are known as flats or apartments.

Do and Learn

Draw a picture of a house you might find in a village and another in a city. Think about the materials used and the surroundings. Then, compare the two houses and discuss with your classmates how they are similar or different.

Houses According to Climatic Conditions

In Cold Regions

Igloos

Igloos are usually found in polar regions. They are small dome-shaped houses made of blocks of snow. Inside the igloo, the temperature is higher than the outside. They provide shelter against icy-cold winds.

polar regions: coldest places on Earth at the North Pole and the South Pole

Houses in rural areas.

Houses in urban areas.

An igloo

Wooden Houses

In cold regions, many houses are made of wood. It keeps the warmth inside, so the house stays warm. They have slanting roofs to shed off ice on snowy days. Wooden houses are also quick to build and can be very strong.

In Hot and Dry Regions

Mud or Clay Houses

Mud or clay houses are found in hot and dry areas. These houses stay cool inside, even when it is really hot outdoors. The thick mud walls keeps the heat out, making the inside comfortable. Mud houses can be seen in the desert regions of Rajasthan.

In Hot and Wet Regions

Stilt Houses

Stilt houses are built on high platforms. These houses are common in regions with heavy rainfall and near rivers or lakes. The stilts keep the living area above the water level and also protect against flooding. Stilt houses also allow cool air to flow underneath, keeping the house cooler in hot weather.

Pause and Answer

Think and Tell

What materials are commonly used to build houses in the region you live in?

Match the type of houses with the place they are built in.

1. igloos

2. mud houses

3. wooden houses

4. stilt houses

Temporary Houses

a. cold regions

b. polar regions

c. near rivers

d. hot and dry regions

Temporary houses are shelters designed to be used for a short period. They are not fixed but movable and can be set up at different locations. Let us learn about some types of temporary houses.

Tents

They are shelters made of waterproof materials like canvas or nylon. They are used by people who travel often and at camps. Most tents are easy to set up.

Caravans

Caravans are houses on wheels. They are mobile homes that move from one place to another. They may be pulled by animals or by a car or truck.

Houseboats

They are houses built on boats. They are usually found in regions with large lakes or rivers and provide a unique living experience. Large houseboats have multiple rooms and modern amenities.

Did You Know?

Houseboats in Kerala are called kettuvallams. They are made by tying wooden planks together with coir ropes. No nails are used in building them.

Wonders of Bharat

In the palaces and traditional homes of Rajasthan, India you’ll find beautiful overhanging balconies called jharokhas. These provide shade and keep the interiors cool, while also offering a view of the surroundings.

Word Splash

ventilation: having a good flow of fresh air in and out of the house

igloo: a house made from blocks of snow

stilt house: houses that are built high above the ground on platforms temporary houses: houses designed to be used for a short period caravan: houses on wheels that can be driven from one place to another

Jharokhas

Tent

Caravan

Houseboat

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the types of houses.

Points to Remember

• A house is a place where we live. Houses keep us safe from harsh weather, enemies and wild animals.

• Good sunlight, proper ventilation and sanitization are some features of a good house.

• In cities, houses are usually made of bricks, cement and concrete.

• In rural areas, houses are often made of natural materials like mud and wood.

• Temporary houses, like tents, are not fixed and are used for a short period.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of the following helps to keep a house cool and fresh?

proper thick walls no sunlight big roof ventilation

B. Which type of house is commonly found in hot and dry regions?

igloo clay house wooden house houseboat

C. What is the primary material used to build igloos?

wood snow blocks straw cement

D. Which of these is a movable shelter often used by travellers?

houseboat tent igloo stilt house

2. Fill in the blanks. ventilation greenery sunlight tent

A. During camping, people usually stay in a .

B. A good house should have enough to keep it bright.

C. Proper means maintaining fresh air flow in the house.

D. Having around the house makes it look beautiful and provides fresh air.

3. Write True or False.

A. Proper sanitation helps in preventing diseases.

B. Stilt houses are built to protect against flooding.

C. Houseboats are temporary houses that move in the water.

D. Caravans are permanent houses that cannot be moved.

E. Large windows help to get enough sunlight inside the house.

4. Circle the odd one out.

A. tent caravan houseboat igloo

B. wooden house igloo mud house stilt house

C. skyscraper apartments clay house bungalows

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Write two features that make a house perfect to live in.

B. Why do people use temporary houses like tents? Give a reason.

C. Write two benefits of having greenery in and around the house.

D. Renu was in a stilt house when the area near the river was flooded. Will this type of house be able to keep her safe? How?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Using one example for each type, describe how different climates affect the types of houses people live in.

B. Riya lives in a village in Rajasthan. Pawan lives in the city of Dehradun. Write three ways in which their houses would be different from each other. Draw pictures to support your answer.

7. Picture-based questions.

A. Identify and name the type of house shown in the picture.

B. Write two features of this type of house.

C. In 2–3 sentences, explain why this type of house is suitable for the region it is in.

Challenge (HOTS)

1. If you were to design a house in a hot and wet region, what features would you include to make it comfortable and safe? Give any two features.

2. Imagine you are living in a stilt house. How would you change your daily activities to fit this special type of house? For example, how would you carry things up and down the stairs or play safely outside?

Life Skills

Houses are traditionally built to suit the climate of a place. But now, tall concrete buildings are being built everywhere—even near rivers, on mountains, and in deserts! With help from your parents, find out how these changes are affecting people’s safety and comfort. Look for information in newspapers and on the internet, then write a short report. Share what you learn with your class.

Clothes

Clothes and Fibres

for Clothes Journey of Cloth: Fibre to Fabric

Tick ( ) the images of the clothes that help us stay warm during the winter season. Get Set

We wear different types of clothes to cover our bodies and protect ourselves from weather, germs and dust. We choose different clothes for different seasons. For example, in summer, when it’s hot, we wear cotton clothes because they keep us cool. In winter, when it’s cold, we wear woollen clothes to stay warm. And during the rainy season, we wear raincoats and jackets to avoid getting wet.

To make these clothes, we use different types of fabric, which are made from different kinds of fibres. For example, cotton and wool. This fabric is then converted into clothes. Now that we know clothes are made from fibres, let us learn where do these fibres come from?

fibres: thread-like structures that are thin, long and flexible

Clothes

Caring

Chapter Overview

Clothes and Fibres

The fibres that we get from plants or animals are known as natural fibres. Fibres that are produced using chemicals are called artificial fibres.

Natural Fibres

Natural fibres are obtained from plants and animals. For example, cotton is a natural fibre that comes from the cotton plant. Wool is another natural fibre, and it comes from the fleece of sheep. Silk is obtained from silkworms. These fibres are them used to make clothes such as cotton or silk shirts, or woollen sweaters.

Artificial Fibres

Artificial fibres, also called synthetic or man-made fibres, are made in factories. Examples of artificial fibres include nylon, rayon, and polyester. These fibres are made from chemicals and are used to make clothes, like raincoats and jackets. People think that all artificial clothes are bad for the environment. But some artificial clothes, such as those made from polyester, can be made from recycled things and can be good for the environment.

At home, sort your clothes on the basis of the materials they are made from. List them in a table and share it with your classmates. Do and Learn

Journey of Cloth: Fibre to Fabric

Natural fibres are hair-like materials derived from animals or plants. They go through multiple processes to become strong and durable, forming long fibres that can be woven into fabrics. The steps they undergo are:

• Spinning: This is the first step where yarn is made from raw fibre. Here, the single thread of fibres is twisted to form yarn. Charkha was earlier used to spin yarn. Later, we started using the spinning jenny. Now, hi-tech machines are used in factories to spin yarn.

Cotton fibre comes from the cotton plant.

Polyester thread

Charkha was first used to spin yarn. The spinning jenny was also used to spin yarn.

• Weaving: The yarn produced through spinning is turned into fabric by weaving it on large machines called looms. These looms interlace long threads in a criss-cross pattern to create fabric or cloth. While some weavers still use handlooms to weave by hand, most fabric today is produced on power-looms, which are operated using electricity. The fibre is dyed in various colours, either before the fabric is made or after the weaving process.

• Knitting: Knitting is a method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles. Knitted fabrics are stretchy and flexible, making them perfect for making items like sweaters, scarves and socks. Knitting can be done by hand using knitting needles or by machines that can knit much faster.

• Finishing: Now let us understand how these different fabrics are made in different colours, designs and patterns. It involves three steps:

⸰ Dyeing: In this stage, the fabric is put into large vessels of hot water with different colours. The fabric is left and stirred for some time. Later, it is removed and dried.

⸰ Printing: Many different designs and patterns are printed on the dyed cloth. First, we choose a design or a pattern. Then, we use special colours and tools to put that design onto the cloth. It’s a bit like stamping or drawing on paper, but we do it on clothes.

Designs and patterns are printed on the dyed cloth.

Hi-tech machines are used in factories to spin yarn.

A loom

Knitting: Creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles

Dyeing of fabric.

⸰ Special treatment: The final fabric is then given special treatment. This helps the fabric to look shiny and smooth. This prevents the fabric from shrinking and getting wrinkles. Now, the final fabric is ready and can be cut and stitched into various patterns.

Did You Know?

The tie-and-dye technique involves tying a piece of cloth with threads and then dipping it into various colours. Once the cloth is dried, it reveals a unique tie-and-dye pattern.

Pause and Answer

Name the following.

1. A method in which a single thread of fibre is twisted to form yarn.

2. A method where different fibres are laced together to make a fabric or a cloth.

3. A method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.

Caring for Clothes

The final fabric is then given special treatment.

1. Washing: Our clothes should be washed regularly to keep them germ-free and extend their lifespan. White and coloured clothes should be washed separately using a mild detergent. Clothes should be dried in the sunlight.

2. Dry-cleaning: Not all clothes can be washed at home. Delicate fabrics like silk and wool require a chemical process known as dry cleaning to maintain their quality. In this process, special chemicals and machines are used to wash and iron the delicate materials.

3. Ironing: We need to iron our clothes to make them wrinkle-free. It helps us look smart and presentable.

Clothes should be washed and dried regularly.

Ironing makes the clothes look wrinkle-free.

4. Storage: Clothes should be stored in a clean, dry and closed space that is free from germs and insects. To protect woollen and silk clothes, we can place neem leaves, boric powder or naphthalene balls between them. Clothes should be stored in a clean, dry, and closed space.

Discuss!

How can you help your parents with storing clothes? Discuss with your partner.

Wonders of Bharat

The bandhani or the bandhej technique of dyeing clothes is famous in Gujarat and Rajasthan. In this, the cloth is pinched and tied with threads before they are dyed. Later, a pattern is created with small dots on them. The bandhani print

Word Splash

natural fibres: fibres that come from plants and animals artificial fibres: fibres that are made in factories using chemicals spinning: twisting a single thread of fibre to form yarn weaving: lacing fibres together to make a fabric or a cloth loom: a machine used to weave threads into cloth handlooms: looms that are operated by hand power-looms: looms that uses electricity to weave fabric faster knitting: creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles

Points to Remember

• Clothes are made from natural and artificial fibres.

• To convert the fibres to fabric, the steps followed are: spinning, weaving, knitting and finishing.

• The final stage is the finishing process, where we dye the clothes, print them with various designs and patterns, and apply special treatments.

• We need to take care of our clothes by regularly washing them, dry cleaning special clothes made of silk and wool, ironing them and storing them in a clean and dry space.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of these is not a natural fibre?

Cotton Silk Polyester Wool

B. What is used to make raincoats?

Cotton Silk Nylon Wool

C. Which method makes our clothes wrinkle-free?

Washing Printing Ironing Storing

2. Fill in the blanks. special treatment artificial spinning

A. Fibre made from chemicals is called fibre.

B. is the first step in fabric making.

C. helps the fabric look shiny and smooth.

3. Write True or False.

A. Charkha was earlier used to spin yarn.

B. Artificial fibres are made from chemicals.

C. Silk and wool cannot be drycleaned.

4. Match the following.

A. Dyeing

B. Special treatment

C. Hi-tech machines

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Name the two types of fibres.

B. Explain the method of knitting.

a. Help spin the yarn faster

b. Helps the fabric look shiny and smooth

c. The fabric is put into large vessels of hot water with different colours

C. How is the fabric dyed in different colours?

D. How should we store our clothes?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. What are different steps in the finishing of a fabric?

B. Explain the process of weaving.

C. Why do we need to wash clothes? Why do some clothes need to be dry cleaned?

D. How can we protect our clothes from damage? Explain.

7. Picture-based questions.

A. Identify the type of clothing shown in the picture. Is it suitable for summer or winter? Explain why.

B. What special care would you give to this type of clothing? Explain your choice.

Challenge (HOTS)

What will happen if we wash all the coloured, white and special clothes together?

PROJECT 1

Building a Balanced Plate

Objective: Students will make a plate of meal consisting of food from all the group.

Materials Needed: Chart paper, colours, scissors, glue or tape, markers, magazines and rulers

Step 1: Learn About Food Groups

Study the five main food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. You may research on the internet. Focus on why each food group is important for our body.

Step 2: Make a Paper Plate

Take a sheet of chart paper and cut it into a big circle. This is your paper plate!

Step 3: Divide Your Plate

Use a ruler to measure and divide the paper plate into five sections, one for each food group. Colour each section differently and label them.

Step 4: Design Your Plate

Draw or cut out pictures of food that fits into each group. You can find these images in magazines or online with the help of your teacher or parent. Paste the pictures onto the correct sections of your plate.

Step 5: Present Your Plate

Share your plate with the class and explain why you chose each food.

Project Output: You have learnt to make a plate of balanced diet that shows a nutritious meal. Present it to your class.

Final Outcome: This hands-on project will help you understand the importance of nutrition and a balanced diet.

To be read aloud and explained in the mother tongue by the teacher, as needed.

Assessment 1

Read the story. Answer the questions given below.

Priya’s Move to Assam

Priya recently shifted from Shimla to Dispur. In Shimla, her house was made of wood. It had a sloping roof to make the snow fall off. However, her new home in Dispur is a stilt house. It is built on wooden pillars to protect it against flooding during heavy monsoon rains. Priya also needs different clothes. In Shimla, she used to wear woollen clothes to stay warm. In Dispur, she will have to wear light, cotton clothes to help her skin breathe and stay cool. She also has to drink more water to stay hydrated in the hot weather, keeping her body safe and healthy in her new environment.

1. Why is Priya’s house in Dispur built on stilts?

A. To stop insects from entering the house.

B. To protect against flooding during heavy rainfall.

C. To get a nicer view from the house.

2. Why was Priya’s house in Shimla made of wood?

A. It kept the house warm.

B. It made the house more beautiful.

C. It protected the house from rain.

3. Why is it important for Priya to switch from woollen clothes to cotton clothes in Assam? How should she take care of her woollen clothes?

4. Suggest any three ways Priya can take care of her health in the new environment.

To be read aloud and explained in the mother tongue by the teacher, as needed.

6 Community Services

Chapter Overview

Community Services

Public Services

Source of Funds Gram Panchayat Municipal Councils & Municipal Corporations

Look at this map of a neighbourhood. Spot and circle the hospital, the train station, the bus stop and the sports stadium. Get Set

Public Services

Hospitals, train stations, buses and stadiums are just some of the facilities of public services. They are provided by the government to all its people. These are also called civic amenities.

Roads and transportation, education, health-care facilities, amenities like parks and museums, water supply and electricity—all of these are public services. These are provided to people by the government. Both building and maintaining these public services are the responsibility of government bodies.

Public services are maintained by local government bodies. Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation and Gram Panchayat are local government bodies.

• In villages, the Gram Panchayat takes care of public services.

• In towns and cities, the Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation take care of these services.

Such government bodies are important to maintain our neighbourhood with activities like fixing roads and keeping parks clean. They make sure that our communities are functioning properly and keeping everyone safe. Let us learn more about them.

Gram Panchayat

City transportation is a public service

A Gram Panchayat is a government body that provides public services in villages. All villages in India that have more than 500 people living in them have a Gram Panchayat. Two or three villages are managed by one Gram Panchayat, if the villages have less than 500 people.

Formation of Gram Panchayat

The members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the villagers. All the villagers who are 18 years of age or above vote to elect the members of a Gram Panchayat. All villagers above the age of 21 are allowed to stand for the elections to become members of the Gram Panchayat. The members are elected for 5 years.

amenities: things that make a place easy to live in local: of a particular area

A Gram Panchayat

The number of members depends on the number of people living in the village. The members of the Gram Panchayat are called Panch. All these members together elect the head of the Gram Panchayat, called the Sarpanch or Pradhan.

Role of Gram Panchayat

The Gram Panchayat has many responsibilities. Some of these are as follows:

• They build and repair roads and ensure that they are safe to travel.

• They ensure that the village has access to clean drinking water.

• They build and maintain schools and hospitals.

• They provide support to farmers by providing seeds, fertilisers and information on better farming techniques.

• They solve problems and disputes among villagers.

• They ensure the safety of the people living in the village.

Do and Learn

With the help of your teacher, do a role-play of a Gram Panchayat in your class. Pick chits of names to choose 5 students as members and one as Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat. The rest of the class will become villagers. Discuss common problems faced by villages and their solutions.

Did You Know?

The first Gram Panchayat in India was at Bagdari village in Rajasthan on 2 October 1959.

Municipal Councils & Municipal Corporations

A Municipality is a division of the government that provides public services in towns and cities. The body that provides public services in big cities is called the Municipal Corporation. In towns, it is called a Municipal Council.

fertilisers: material that makes the soil better to grow a good crop

A health checkup camp in a village

A village school building

Formation of Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council

Think and Tell

If you were the mayor or chairperson of a city or town, what would be two new public services that you would introduce to improve the lives of the people?

The members of the Municipal Corporation are elected by the people who live in the city. All the people living in the city who are 18 years of age or above can vote in the elections. The members are elected for 5 years. They are known as Municipal Councillors. The head of the Municipal Corporation is called the Mayor of the city. A Municipal Council provides public services in towns. The members of the Municipal Council are elected by the people of the town. All the people who are 18 years of age or above vote in these elections. The members of a Municipal Council are known as Municipal Councillors. The head of the Municipal Council is the Chairperson.

Role of Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council

The Municipal Corporation and Council has many different responsibilities, such as:

• They ensure a clean water supply to the people.

• They build and maintain roads, parks, hospitals and schools.

• They provide healthcare facilities and conduct regular camps for health awareness.

• They organise waste collection and disposal.

• They provide free education for children up to the age of 14.

• They keep records of births and deaths to issue birth and death certificates.

Although the Municipal Corporations are responsible for maintaining public facilities, as citizens, it is our responsibility to keep our city clean.

Source of Funds

The local government bodies require money to carry out their duties. The most important source of funds for local government bodies are taxes paid by the people. The government collects money from the people, as taxes, in order to fund

Municipality builds and repairs roads

Municipality cleans the city

various public services. People pay many different taxes, such as road tax, property tax and so on.

Local government bodies also receive funds from the central and state governments.

Wonders of Bharat

Jaipur has one of the oldest Municipal Corporations in India. It was established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

Word Splash

public services: the services that are provided to the people by the government Gram Panchayat: a local government body that provides public services in villages

Panch: the members of the Gram Panchayat

Sarpanch: the head of the Gram Panchayat

Municipality: a division of the government that provides public services in towns and cities

Mayor: the head of the Municipal Corporation taxes: money collected from the people by the government to fund public services

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the roles of the Gram Panchayats.

Points to Remember

• The Gram Panchayat, the Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council are local government bodies. They provide public services to the people.

• All the villages in India that have more than 500 people living in them have a Gram Panchayat.

• The people who are part of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the villagers.

• The body that provides public services in big cities is called the Municipal Corporation. In small cities and towns, it is called the Municipal Council.

• The members of the Municipal Corporation are elected by the people living in the city. The members of the Municipal Council are elected by the people of the town.

• Local government bodies receive funds from the central and state governments and from the taxes collected from the people.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. What are members of the Municipal Corporation called?

Panch Mayor Municipal Councillors

B. Who is the head of a Gram Panchayat?

Mayor Sarpanch Principal

C. What is the minimum number of people that need to live in a village to have a Gram Panchayat?

D. How old does a person have to be to stand for Gram Panchayat elections?

2. Fill in the blanks.

Chairperson Gram Panchayat Municipal Council Sarpanch

A. The is the head of the Municipal Council.

B. The local government body of a town is called a .

C. The head of a Gram Panchayat is called .

D. All the villages in India that have more than 500 people living in them have a .

3. Write True or False.

A. Municipal Councils are found in big cities.

B. Gram Panchayats help to provide clean water in villages.

C. Municipal Corporations issue birth and death certificates.

D. Every single village in India has its own Gram Panchayat.

4. Match the following.

A. Gram Panchayat

B. Municipal Corporation

C. Panch

D. Councillor

5. Short-answer questions.

a. Members of Gram Panchayat

b. Members of the Municipal Corporation

c. City

d. Village

A. Who is a Sarpanch? Who elects him/her?

B. What is a tax? How does it help local bodies?

C. Write any two functions of the Gram Panchayat.

D. Who elects the members of the Municipal Corporation?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Explain why local government bodies are important for villages and cities.

B. How do local government bodies receive the funds required to provide public services?

C. Why do we need Gram Panchayats when there are Municipal Corporations and Councils?

7. Picture-based questions.

1 2 3

Look at the images and answer the questions that follow.

A. Identify the pictures which show the functions performed by the Municipal Council or Municipal Corporation. Write captions for those pictures.

B. Write any two more functions performed by a Municipal Corporation and a Municipal Council.

C. Where do they get the funds from to perform these functions?

Challenge (HOTS)

Riya lives in a village in Haryana, while her cousin lives in Delhi.

1. What would be the difference in the local body of governances of their places?

2. Write three similarities in the roles of the governing bodies in their places.

Life Skills

Notice the condition of your neighbourhood, such as roads, playgrounds, streetlights, waste collection sites, etc. Observe which of them is fine and which one needs attention from the local governing body. With the help of your parents, write a letter or an email to the local governing body, informing them of the situation, and request them to solve the issue as soon as possible.

7 Public and Private Property

Complete the following crossword puzzle. All the words in the crossword are examples of property or places that are used by us.

Across

1. A road vehicle that can carry many people.

3. The place from where we send letters.

Down

2. The place where we come to learn things and study.

3. A place for children to go to play.

Any place, building or thing that belongs to a person, a group of people or the government is called property. There are two types of properties: private property and public property. Let us learn more about them.

government: a group of people who are responsible for running the country properly

Private Property

Things that belong to only one person or a group of people are called private property. For example, your house belongs to you and your family. It does not belong to anyone else. It is your private property. In the same way, your cycle, motorbike, car, clothes and books are your private property.

Public Property

Have you ever visited a park? Whom does the park belong to?

The park is used by everyone, and it belongs to everyone. All things that belong to everyone and not to any one person are called public property. Roads, trains, parks, schools, hospitals and airports are some examples of public property.

Most of the public property, such as roads, are built and maintained by the government, using money collected from the people. The collected money is known as tax.

Remember!

Government buildings are also public properties.

Think and Tell

Look at your desk and around the classroom. Note down the different objects you see. Which of these objects are private property and which ones are public property?

Types of Public Property

There are different types of public property that we need and use for our day-to-day activities. Let us learn about some of them.

maintained: taken care of

A house is a private property

A metro train is public property

A park is a public property

School Property

School furniture, equipment, buildings and grounds belong to the school and are its property. Since we use the school property, we must take care of it. We should follow some rules while using the school’s property such as:

• We should not break or damage school furniture or equipment.

• We should switch off the lights and fans when leaving the classroom.

• We should follow the rules of discipline, especially when using libraries, labs, etc.

• We should not litter around the school premises.

• We should not scribble on the school walls. Computer labs are school property

Although school property is public property but it cannot be used by everyone. It can only be used by the students and the staff of that school.

Public Parks

Parks are areas that are used for recreational activities, such as playing, walking and picnicking. Since parks are meant to be used by everyone, so it is important to maintain them. Here are a few rules that one should follow in a park:

• Do not litter. Use the dustbins to throw away waste.

• Do not pick flowers and leaves from the plants.

• Do not break or damage slides, swings, see-saw, etc.

Do and Learn

Make a poster on the importance of keeping your neighbourhood park clean.

Did You Know?

The Eco Park in Kolkata is Indiaʼs largest and one of the most popular eco parks. It has many activities like cycling, and water sports like boating.

recreational: activities that we do for our enjoyment

Error Alert!

Children playing in a park

Public Transport

We use transport to travel from one place to another. Public transport is the transport that can be used by everyone. Trains, buses, metro trains, and aeroplanes are some common types of public transport. Here are a few things we should keep in mind when using public transport:

• Do not litter while travelling on public transport.

• Do not scribble on, break or damage doors or windows.

• Do not tear or scratch the seats.

Historical Monuments

Do you think using public transport helps save our travel time and the environment? Discuss.

Historical monuments are buildings that were built in the past. They help us understand the history of a place. The Qutub Minar and the Red Fort in Delhi, the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, and the Hawa Mahal in Rajasthan are some monuments of our country. They are an important part of our national heritage. We should take care of the following things while visiting a monument:

• Do not scribble on the walls of a monument.

• Do not litter the monument and its surroundings.

• Do not damage the monument.

Wonders of Bharat

The Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most popular monuments of our country. Each year, more than 7 million people from India and abroad visit this monument. It is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

heritage: something that is handed down to us from the past

A public bus

Taj Mahal

Word Splash

property: anything that belongs to a person, a group of people or the government private property: things that belong to any one person or a group of people public property: things that belong to everyone

tax: money that we give to the government to build and take care of public property historical monuments: buildings that were built in the past and are important to our history

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about private and public property.

Points to Remember

• There are two types of properties: private and public.

• Private property is owned by any one person or a group of people. It includes our things like houses, books and toys.

• Public property is mostly owned by the government and can be used by everyone.

• Schools, parks, monuments, public transport, etc., are some of the examples of public property.

• We must take care of the various public properties that we use.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of these is NOT private property? roads cars furniture

B. Who builds and takes care of the public roads and buildings? family school government

C. Parks are a meant for: working sleeping recreation

D. What is the money that the government collects to maintain public property called?

2. Fill in the blanks.

government monuments private public

A. are buildings of historical importance.

B. A school bus is an example of property.

C. Reena’s friend gave her a box of colours as a gift. It is Reena’s property.

D. The collects money from the people to take care of public property.

3. Write True or False.

A. Airports are private property.

B. Train stations are public property.

C. A school’s property is used by all the students and staff.

D. Monuments are private property of personal importance.

4. Circle the odd one out.

A. clothes books aeroplanes shoes

B. bus house train auto-rickshaw

C. park shoes bus stop hospital

D. Taj Mahal India Gate post office Qutub Minar

5. Short-answer questions.

A. What is private property?

B. Give two examples of public property.

C. What is a monument? Give two examples.

D. What are taxes? To whom do we give it?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. What is the difference between private and public property? Give two examples of each type.

B. Write three ways in which we can take care of public property.

C. Why are monuments important for a country? Explain in 3 to 4 sentences.

7. Picture-based questions.

Look at the pictures and answer the questions.

A. Which of these pictures shows a private property? Name the private property shown.

B. Which of these pictures show public properties? Name the public properties shown.

C. Which of these pictures shows a monument? Write one thing we should keep in mind while visiting monuments.

Challenge (HOTS)

Many monuments in India are in danger due to pollution. What are the ways in which we can help to protect them from pollution?

Life Skills

Identify any public property near you that is damaged and needs attention. With your parents’ help, write a letter to the concerned authorities asking them to fix it.

Picture 1

Picture 2 Picture 3

8 Monuments of India

Chapter Overview

Monuments of India

Monuments and Their Importance

Famous Monuments of India Protecting Our Monuments

Find the following names in the given word grid and circle them.

1. Taj Mahal

2. Red Fort

3. India Gate Get Set

Monuments and Their Importance

One of the ways to learn about history and culture is through monuments. A monument is a special structure built to remember an important event or person. Historical monuments are old buildings or structures that tell us about the past.

India is a country with a rich history and culture. Monuments show the art, architecture and traditions followed at different times and places.

architecture: style or design of a building tradition: a practice that has been going on for many years

When we visit them, we can learn how people lived, what they believed in and what was important to them. Students can visit them to see and learn about history, architecture and culture in a fun-filled and interesting way. Monuments are also symbols of our national identity. They create a sense of unity and pride.

Famous Monuments of India

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. It is located in the city of Agra, on the banks of the river Yamuna. It was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal was completed in 1653. It is made of white marble and is known for its beautiful design and gardens. It attracts visitors from all over the world. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Do and Learn

Find out the names of the other six wonders of the world and their pictures. Draw or stick the pictures in your scrapbook and write the name of the place under each picture.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are famous rock-cut caves located in Maharashtra, India. These caves are known for their beautiful sculptures, paintings and ancient temples. The Ajanta Caves have stunning Buddhist paintings that are over 2,000 years old.

People visiting a monument in Delhi

The Taj Mahal

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Sanchi Stupa

The Sanchi Stupa is a large, dome-shaped ancient monument located in Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built by Ashoka over 2,000 years ago to honour Buddha and his teachings. The stupa is surrounded by beautifully carved gateways that tell stories from Buddha’s life. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India.

Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar is in Delhi, India. It was begun over 800 years ago by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and later completed by other rulers. The tower is made of red sandstone and has beautiful carvings with verses from the Quran. It is 73 metres tall and is part of the Qutub Complex area.

Red Fort

The Red Fort, or Lal Qila, is a historic fort in Delhi. It was built by Shah Jahan and completed in the year 1648.

The Red Fort is so named because it is made of red sandstone. It has high walls that surround it, making it look very strong and grand. The Prime Minister of India gives the Independence Day speech from here every year.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. It is a beautiful and unique monument and is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is also called the Palace of Winds as it has many small windows that keep it cool during the hot summer months. These small windows were also used by royal women to watch the street festivals without being seen. It is built with red and pink sandstone.

unique: one of a kind

Sanchi Stupa

Qutub Minar

Red Fort

Hawa Mahal

Charminar

The Charminar is a famous monument in Hyderabad. It was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. It has four tall towers or minarets, and hence has the name “Charminar”. The Charminar was built to celebrate the end of a deadly plague that had affected Hyderabad.

Most ancient monuments, like temples and stupas, in India are either cut into mountains or cut from single but huge slabs of rocks. Did You Know?

Pause and Answer

Name of the monuments.

1. It is in the city of Agra and is made of white marble.

2. It is in the city of Hyderabad and has four minarets.

3. It is in Delhi and is made of red sandstone.

Gol Gumbaz

The Gol Gumbaz is in Bijapur, Karnataka, and was built by Muhammad Adil Shah in 1656. It is known for its huge dome, which is the second-largest in the world. The dome has a special feature which is that it makes sound echo when spoken inside it.

Meenakshi Temple

The Meenakshi Temple is a beautiful, ancient temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi and her husband, Sundareswarar. The temple is known for its colourful, intricate carvings and tall towers.

plague: a highly infectious bacterial disease caused by small animals and fleas intricate: very detailed

Charminar

Gol Gumbaz

Meenakshi Temple

Sun Temple

The Sun Temple is a famous temple in Konark, Odisha. It is shaped like a giant chariot with wheels. The temple is known for its beautiful stone carvings and detailed sculptures that show scenes from daily life. It is an amazing example of ancient Indian art and architecture.

Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, West Bengal, was built in the memory of the British queen, Victoria. Completed in 1921, it has a large white marble dome and beautiful gardens. The memorial has a museum about the history of India during British rule. It is a popular landmark and a symbol of Kolkata’s rich history.

Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is a famous monument in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was built in 1924 to honour the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It is made of yellow basalt stone and has beautiful arches and carvings. The monument overlooks the Arabian Sea and is a popular spot for tourists.

Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity near Kevadia in Gujarat is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It is 182 metres tall, making it the tallest statue in the world. The statue is made of bronze and has a beautiful view from the top. It was built to honour Patel’s contributions to India’s independence and unity.

chariot: an open vehicle with two to four wheels that was pulled by one or more horses, in ancient times

Sun Temple

Victoria Memorial Gateway of India

Statue of Unity

Protecting Our Monuments

The historical monuments in India are a part of our rich past and cultural heritage. It is our duty to protect and preserve our monuments.

Some of the ways in which we can protect our monuments are:

1. Do not scribble or scratch on the walls of the monument.

2. Do not litter and pollute the areas around the monument.

3. Do not touch the carvings as they are very old, and touching them might break them.

4. Do not make loud noises inside the monuments.

5. Do not take pictures where it is not allowed.

6. Follow the rules and directions of that place.

Wonders of Bharat

India Gate, located in New Delhi, was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was built to honour the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. It is surrounded by gardens and is a popular spot for tourists.

Word Splash

monuments: special structures built to remember an important event or person sculpture: the art of forming solid objects that represent a thing or a person carvings: objects or designs created on the surface of monuments

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the Taj Mahal.

Points to Remember

• Monuments show the art, architecture and traditions of different times and places.

• It is our duty as citizens of India to protect and preserve our monuments.

• The Red Fort is a symbol of India’s rich history and the Prime Minister of India gives the Independence Day speech for there every year.

India Gate

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of these has the second largest dome in the world?

Sun Temple Gol Gumbaz Sanchi Stupa

B. Which of these monuments was built to honour the visit of King George V and Queen Mary?

Gateway of India Statue of Unity Victoria Memorial

C. Which of these is also called the Palace of Winds?

Meenakshi Temple Sun Temple Hawa Mahal

2. Fill in the blanks.

Taj Mahal Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Meenakshi Temple

A. The Statue of Unity is dedicated to .

B. The is one of the seven wonders of the world.

C. The is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi and her husband, Sundareswarar.

3. Write True or False.

A. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

B. The Charminar was built in Mumbai to celebrate the end of a plague.

C. The Victoria Memorial is located in Kolkata and was built in the memory of the British queen, Victoria.

4. Match the following.

A. Taj Mahal

B. Qutub Minar

C. Gateway of India

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Why was the Taj Mahal built?

a. Delhi

b. Agra

c. Mumbai

B. Name any two famous monuments built by the British.

C. What is the Hawa Mahal also known as?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Describe the Sun Temple.

B. What are some ways in which we can protect the monuments?

C. How do the historical monuments help us understand the history and culture of our country?

7. Picture-based questions.

Look at the picture given here and answer the questions.

A. Identify the monument in the picture.

B. In whose honour was it built?

C. In which state is it located?

Challenge (HOTS)

The government is responsible for the maintenance of the monuments. Why is it also important for us as citizens to protect the historical monuments of our country?

Life Skills

Create a monument postcard of one your favourite monuments. On a piece of paper, draw the monument and colour it. Write a short message on the back of it that explains why you chose the monument. Give the postcard to the friend with whom you would like to share the facts. You may even post it to your friendʼs house.

9 Great Rulers of India

Chapter Overview

Where does the Prime Minister of India hoist the Indian flag on Independence Day? Do you know who built that place? Get Set

Akbar was a famous Mughal Emperor. He became emperor at a young age, after his father, Humayun, passed away.

Akbar welcomed scholars and leaders from different religions to his court. Akbar respected all religions. He supported art, music and literature, making his court a centre of cultural activities.

scholar: a person who has a lot of knowledge in a field

Great Rulers of India

Akbar Shivaji Samudragupta

Lakshmibai

Rajaraja Chola Ashoka

Akbar

Shivaji

Chhatrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire and a brave and wise ruler. He used fast-moving attacks to defend his land against much larger Mughal armies. Shivaji set up a strong administration and built a navy to protect the areas near the sea. He respected all religions.

Ashoka

Ashoka was a famous ruler of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India. He ruled nearly all of India. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. Ashoka was a great warrior who won many battles, but later he became a follower of Buddhism. He promoted Buddha’s message of non-violence, love and kindness. Ashoka sent messengers and built tall pillars with messages about peace and good behaviour to share his ideas across his empire.

Remember!

The national flag of India has the Ashoka Chakra at the centre. It has 24 spokes.

Samudragupta

Samudragupta was a powerful ruler of the Gupta Empire in ancient India. He was a skilled warrior who won many battles. He expanded his empire by bringing many small kingdoms under his control. He ruled for about 45 years.

Rajaraja Chola

Rajaraja Chola was one of the most powerful rulers of south India. He was of the Chola dynasty, who ruled about 1,000 years ago. His kingdom stretched from Sri Lanka in

administration: managing law and order

Ashoka

Samudragupta

Shivaji

the south to Kalinga in the north. He built the famous Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur. Rajaraja Chola also created a strong army and navy for his military campaigns.

Lakshmibai

Lakshmibai was the queen of Jhansi, in present-day Uttar Pradesh. Her original name was Manikarnika. She was a brave leader and learnt to use weapons from a young age. She was skilled in archery and horse riding. She put up a brave resistance against the British rule. She died fighting them in the Battle of Gwalior.

Do and Learn

Prepare a chart about the great rulers of India. Paste their pictures and write their names above the pictures. Share the chart in your class.

Wonders of Bharat

Fatehpur Sikri is a historic city that was built by Akbar about 400 years ago. It is located near Agra and was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Although it was abandoned after only 14 years, it remains an important and beautiful part of India’s history.

Word Splash

Buddhism: name of the religion that follows the teachings of Buddha military campaigns: large-scale and planned battles usually fought one after the other archery: the skill of using a bow to shoot arrows at a target

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about Rani Lakshmibai.

Rani Lakshmibai

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

Rajaraja Chola

Points to Remember

• Many great rulers helped to shape the history of India.

• Akbar was a great ruler. He respected all religions and loved art, music and literature.

• Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire.

• Ashoka’s reign is remembered for his efforts to spread peace and Buddhism.

• Samudragupta was a powerful ruler of the Gupta Empire.

• Rajaraja Chola was one of the most powerful rulers of south India.

• Lakshmibai was the rani of Jhansi and she died fighting the British in the Battle of Gwalior.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. The Maratha Empire was founded by . Samudragupta Shivaji Lakshmibai

B. Ashoka later became a follower of . Hinduism Jainism Buddhism

C. Rani Lakshmibai was the ruler of . Mewar Mysore Jhansi

2. Fill in the blanks.

Manikarnika Ashoka Brihadeshwara

A. was a Mauryan ruler.

B. Rajaraja Chola built the Temple in Thanjavur.

C. Lakshmibai was originally named .

3. Write True or False.

A. Shivaji was a Mughal emperor.

B. Rajaraja Chola’s kingdom was in south India.

C. Akbar built a navy to protect the coastline of Agra.

4. Short-answer questions.

A. Which places outside India did Rajaraja Chola have control over?

B. Write briefly about Samudragupta.

5. Long-answer questions.

A. Write a short descriptive note on Lakshmibai.

B. What did Ashoka do to spread Buddhism.

6. Picture-based questions.

Look at this picture and answer the questions.

A. Name this ruler.

B. What was his father’s name?

C. What were his views on religion?

Challenge (HOTS)

List two changes that you would bring in India if you were made its ruler for a month. Explain your reasons as well.

Life Skills

Strong rulers show qualities of leadership, bravery and justice. Think of a situation where these qualities have helped you or can help you? Describe it in two paragraphs.

The Story of the Wheel

Chapter Overview

The Story of the Wheel

The Wheel

Means of Transportation

Search for these words in the puzzle given below. Get Set

Helicopter

Highways

Trucks

Wheel

The Wheel

Wheels are present in almost all vehicles. It is also used in many machines. Let us learn more about the story of its invention and uses in modern times.

Invention of the Wheel

Imagine a long, long time ago when people did not have cars, bikes or even carts. They had to carry everything themselves or drag them along the ground. Carrying things was tough. One day, someone clever must have noticed that moving something over a rolling log was making it move faster and it was much easier than dragging them.

Eventually, instead of using the entire log, early men figured out that using a slice of the log was a better way. This slice of a log would be the first ʻwheelʼ to have been used.

Over time, people improved the wheel by making it lighter and adding things like rims and spokes, which made it even easier to use.

Think and Tell

With the invention of the wheel, we could build carts and wagons to carry heavy things over long distances. We also started using wheels for many things, such as a pulley to draw water from wells, and the pottery wheel to shape clay into pots and utensils. This invention forever changed the way people lived and worked.

Imagine a world without wheels. How would it affect your everyday life?

Use of Wheel in Modern World

Wheels make our lives easier by helping us move things easily and travel smoothly. Let us learn more about its uses.

• It is used in all transport, such as trains, cars, and aeroplanes.

• Wheels are also used on skateboards, roller skates, and toy cars.

invention: creating something new spokes: rods that connect the centre of the wheel to its rim

Early man carving wheel from stone

Wheels improved over time

• Machines like windmills use wheels to work.

• Dams have wheels that used to generate electricity.

• The potter’s wheel is used for making pots.

Observe the wheels of different vehicles and draw them on a sheet of paper. Compare how they are different in size and design. Do and Learn

Means of Transportation

We have learnt about the important role of wheels in transportation. Now, let us learn about the means of transportation. There are three means of transportation: land, water and air transportation.

Land Transport

There are two forms of land transport:

• Road transport

• Rail transport

Road Transport

Movement of goods and people from one place to another is called transport.

Road transport is an important mode of transportation. Cars, motorbikes, buses and trucks are some of the vehicles we use to travel on roads.

Importance of Roads

Road transport allows us to travel directly from one place to another. It is an easy way to travel, both for short and long distances. Roads make it possible for emergency services

generate: to make or produce something

Wheels on a skateboard

Land transport

Water transport

Air transport

like ambulances and fire trucks to reach quickly. Roads also places that are otherwise difficult to reach through railways or planes, like remote villages and hilly areas. Most parts of India are now connected by an extensive network of roads. The two main types of road networks in India are National Highways and State Highways.

National Highways

National highways are roads that connect all the important cities of different states of India. They are built and maintained by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

State Highways

State highways connect all the important towns within the state. They also connect the cities of the state with National Highways.

Rail Transport or Railways

Rail transport is the cheapest means of transport for travelling long distances. It is faster than road transport. India has the fourth largest network of railways in the world. Vande Bharat is one of the fastest trains in India.

Metro trains are in-city trains that connect importance places in the city. They are generally made for large metro cities like Delhi, but smaller cities like Jaipur also has them. These trains travel quickly across the city, avoiding traffic jams. Kolkata was the first city to operate the metro train. Currently, there are 13 cities in India that have the metro train service.

Discuss!

Most metro trains are powered by electricity, while most road vehicles run on diesel or petrol. Which means of transport do you think helps to reduce pollution? How? Discuss in your class.

extensive: covering a large area

Did You Know?

National Highway 44 (NH 44) is the longest highway in India. It stretches from Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.

A highway in India

Metro train in a city

The Vande Bharat train

Air Transport

Air transport is the most expensive and the fastest means of transport. Helicopters and aeroplanes are two means of air transport.

Air transport helps to connect different cities and countries of the world. Domestic airlines are airlines that operate flights within the same country.

International airlines are airlines that operate flights between different countries.

emergencies

Air transport is very useful during natural calamities and medical emergencies. It can quickly deliver supplies like food, water and medicine to people in need. It is also used to evacuate people from dangerous areas to safer places during floods and earthquakes.

Water Transport

Water transport is the slowest means of transport. They are also quite affordable. Water transport involves using rafts, canoes, boats, ships and ferries to travel across rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. Boats and ships are popular means of water transport.

Boats are used to carry people and things across rivers and lakes, covering short distances.

Ships are large, sturdy boats that are used to carry many passengers across oceans and seas. Cargo ships are used to carry large quantities of items like oil and goods between countries. Ships are parked or anchored at ports or harbours when they are not sailing.

Wonders of Bharat

The Bandra–Worli Sea Link is a bridge that connects Bandra and Worli, in Mumbai. It is an amazing engineering achievement and helps reduce road travel time significantly in the busy city of Mumbai.

evacuate: to clear a place in case of emergency affordable: something that costs less enough to buy it

Helicopter helps in

A ship carrying goods

Bandra–Worli Sea Link

Word Splash

National highways: roads that connect the important cities of different states

State highways: roads that connect important towns within a state

Metro trains: fast trains that run in big, busy cities like Delhi and Bengaluru

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the different means of transport.

Points to Remember

• The wheel is one of the most important inventions of humans.

• Modern means of transport has been made possible due to the invention of the wheel.

• Land transport, air transport and water transport are the three means of transport.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of these helped early men to move things in an easier way?

a block of stone a rolling log a rubber tyre

B. Which vehicle is commonly used in cities for public transport?

Helicopter Bus Ship

C. Which means of transport is the best for travelling long distances faster? Truck Bus Aeroplane

2. Fill in the blanks.

national highways wood and stones road and rail

A. The earliest wheel was made of .

B. are maintained by the NHAI.

C. are two types of land transport.

3. Write True or False.

A. Windmills have wheels in them.

B. State Highways connect the important cities within states.

C. Helicopters should not be used to rescue people during floods.

4. Match the following.

A. Aeroplane

B. Train

C. Boat

5. Short-answer questions.

A. What are metro trains?

a. Moves on water

b. Moves on rail tracks

c. Flies in the sky

B. Give two uses of wheels in the modern world.

C. Why is road transport important? Give a reason.

D. What is the difference between domestic airlines and international airlines?

E. Name any four modes of water transport.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Why do you think early humans created the wheel?

B. What are the two advantages of using trains for long-distance travel compared to other modes like buses or cars?

C. What are the two types of highways in India? How are they different from each other?

7. Picture-based questions.

Look at the image and answer the questions that follow.

A. Name each type of transport shown in the picture.

B. Which transport is used to rescue people during an earthquake?

C. Which transport is suitable for a short ride around your neighbourhood?

Challenge (HOTS)

Which means of transport will you use to rescue people at sea?

Life Skills

Make a poster to spread awareness about using public transport, bicycles and electric vehicles as an active way of countering air pollution in India. Give your poster a title and write a catchy slogan.

11 Means of Communication

Communication

When we share our thoughts, ideas and feelings using words, pictures or gestures, it is called communication. People who cannot hear or speak use the sign language to communicate.

Thus, means of communication means the use of methods or tools to exchange information or messages between individuals or groups. For example, phones, letters and emails.

Talking to a friend is communication

Communication

in Ancient Times

In ancient times, pigeons were used for sending letters. Horsemen were also used for sending important messages.

Communication

in Modern Times

In modern times, we use many devices, such as telephones, mobile phones and radios, to send and receive messages. We can connect with anyone in any part of the world in no time using modern means of communication.

Remember!

Communication is the sending and receiving of messages and information.

Did You Know?

Walkie-talkies are like special phones that you can carry around with you. They let you talk to someone who has another walkie-talkie, even if you are in an area that does not have mobile phone network.

Types of Communication

Communication can be classified into two types:

• Personal communication • Mass communication

Personal Communication

Personal communication includes talking, listening or writing directly to a person. This can be done through letter, telephone, fax and e-mail. Let us learn more about them.

gestures: movements or actions made with parts of the body, especially the hands or arms, to express an idea or feeling devices: tools or instruments made to perform a specific function

Letter

Letters are the most common means of written communication. People send written messages as letters in envelopes, postcards and inland letters through the mail.

Do and Learn

Write a letter to a friend or a relative who lives in another city. Visit a nearby post office with your parents to post the letter. Observe different activities happening there. Ask the postal workers about the different postcards and stamps they have.

Telephone

Landline

Telephones allow people to connect in a matter of seconds, no matter in which part of the world they are. It is one of the most popular means of communication. We use different models of telephone, such as landline and mobile phones.

Landlines are telephones that are connected to a network of wires, usually installed in homes or offices. The landline phones usually have fixed wires. These kinds of telephones are used only for calling.

Mobile Phone

Mobile phones are very common nowadays. We can make and receive calls, send text and voice messages, photos, videos and even e-mails through mobile phones. Mobile phones are called smartphones since they have many other features apart from communication. For example, we can play games, listen to music, use the internet and the GPS (global positioning system).

inland letters: a communication method that is used to send letters within India installed: set up for use and service

GPS: a technology that helps people find locations, as well as share their current location

Mobile phones

Writing a letter

A postcard

Telephones

Fax

A fax machine sends printed documents to another fax machine. It is generally used for communication in office. It allows people to share documents quickly over long distances. The fax machine must be connected to a telephone line.

E-mail

E-mail or electronic mail is a way of sending and receiving messages and information using the internet. These days, we can also send emails from our smartphones.

Pause and Answer

Fill in the blanks.

1. phones are connected by wires.

2. are the most common means of written communication.

3. can be sent using the internet.

4. A is a mobile phones with lots of features.

Mass Communication

Mass communication is when information is sent to many people within a short period of time. Newspapers, magazines, radio, and television are some means of mass communication. Let us learn more about them.

Newspaper

A newspaper is a commonly-printed form of communication. Whatever happens around the world is published in newspapers. These days, electronic or e-newspapers are also available. They can be read on smartphones and computers.

Magazine

A magazine is a book with lots of pictures and articles on films, sports, technology and many other topics. Magazines can be published on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Printed newspaper

published: to make information available to the public, typically in printed or digital form fortnightly: every two weeks

Fax machine

Radio

Radio is an audio technology that broadcasts programs like music, news, speeches, sports events and shows. Popularly known as FM radio stations, it is an entertainment to many people. They can listen to programs without needing to see or read about them. Earlier, FM stations were only available through a device called radio. Nowadays, they are also available on our phones, computers and even in cars.

Television

Television or TV is an audio-visual means of communication as it allows us to hear and view programs. It includes recorded shows like cartoons and films, and live shows like sports events and news, etc., from all over the world that we can watch from the comfort of our homes.

Smart TV is a television that connects to the internet, allowing us to watch videos, play games and search for information online. OTTs (over-the-top) services such as Amazon Prime and Netflix that need internet access can also be used on a smart TV.

Social Media

Social media refers to websites and applications that help people to create and share content. Social media platforms allow people to connect with friends, family, and communities, as well as share information, photos, videos, and messages with others.

audio: sounds, such as music, speech, or other sounds that can be heard broadcasts: sends out messages to many people at the same time using radios, TVs, or the internet

audio-visual: including both images and sound application: a computer program designed for a specific purpose that users can download on smartphones, smart TVs and other devices with internet communities: groups of people who live in the same area or share common interests, values, or goals

A radio

Watching television

Different social media apps

Popular social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, among others. We access them on our smartphones and other devices with an internet connection. Social media is also used by schools, hospitals, police and government agencies to send messages and spread important information on various issues.

We use many other internet applications like Zoom, Skype and Google Meet. These help us to communicate easily with family, friends and people at work. We can have meetings and presentations using these applications.

Think and Tell

A woman attends an online meeting

Imagine a world without the internet and social media. What do you think it would be like?

Wonders of Bharat

India has one of the largest postal networks in the world, with over 1,50,000 post offices across the country. It plays an important role in connecting remote and rural areas of India.

Word Splash

mass communication: to share information, news or entertainment with many people within a short period of time social media: websites and applications that help people to create and share content or to connect with people and make new friends

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about different means of communication.

Points to Remember

• Communication is a very important part of our lives. It includes sharing our thoughts, feelings, news or information.

• There are two types of communication: personal communication and mass communication.

• Letter, telephone, fax and email are examples of personal communication.

• Newspapers, magazines, radio and television are examples of mass communication.

• Social media is an important platform of communication in the modern world.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which means of communication is used to send written messages over long distances?

B. Which of these is an audio-visual means of communication?

C. Which of these helps us share our current location?

2. Fill in the blanks. smartphone newspaper letter

A. We send a to someone far away by writing a message on paper.

B. The can connect to the internet to play games or watch videos online.

C. The is a form of mass communication.

3. Write True or False.

A. Landline phones can send written messages quickly over long distances.

B. A fax machine sends documents over telephone lines quickly.

C. GPS stands for General Position System.

4. Match the following.

A. Newspaper

B. E-mail

C. Radio

5. Short-answer questions.

A. What is a magazine?

a. Sends messages and pictures over the internet

b. Contains news articles and information about current events

c. Allows you to listen to music and news broadcasts

B. Where should we connect the fax machine to send information?

C. Name any three applications of social media.

D. Write three ways a mobile phone helps us in communication.

E. Write two ways social media applications help us communicate with people in other parts of the world.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. How is personal communication different from mass communication? Give two means of each type of communication.

B. Draw a means of mass communication in your notebook and colour it in.

C. Write two ways in which social media and messaging apps affect our relationships with friends and family members.

D. You live in India, and you want to know about a cricket match that is happening in Australia. How is the information you get about it on a radio different from that on a TV?

7. Picture-based questions.

Look at this picture and answer these questions.

A. What is the name of this machine?

B. Which type of communication is this machine used for?

C. Name two other types of personal communication devices.

Challenge (HOTS)

Do you think social media can be a reliable source of information and news? Why or why not?

Life Skills

Create a Social Media Post

• Choose a topic related to social issues like safety, pollution, clean surroundings, etc.

• Search for information related to the chosen topic on the internet.

• Write a short note on the chosen topic.

• Ask your parents or any other adult to check it and then upload this note on any social media platform to share with others. You may also attach an image with your note.

Plants Around Us 12

Chapter Overview

Plants Around Us

A Brief About Plants

Parts of a Plant

Get Set

Let us read the poem together!

Roots go deep and stems grow high,

Leaves spread out to touch the sky.

Flowers bloom in colours bright, Plants make gardens a pure delight.

Nature’s magic, pure and true, In every leaf and petal too!

A Brief About Plants

Plants are an important part of our environment. They give us oxygen, and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We get tea, coffee, fruit, vegetables, rubber, medicines, wood and cotton. They also provide shelter to many birds and animals.

Parts of a Plant

A plant’s body is divided into two main parts. The part that grows above ground level is called the shoot system. The part that grows below ground level is called the root system.

Root System

Roots are an important part of the plant. These grow below the ground and are not visible from outside.

Functions of Roots

• Roots absorb the minerals, water and nutrients from the soil and transport them to the shoot system.

• Many roots, such as carrot, radish and beetroot, store food that we eat.

• Roots hold the plants strongly in the ground. They do so by spreading out to support the tree/plant. This prevents them from being uprooted when there are strong winds and storms.

• Roots help to bind the soil together, thereby preventing soil erosion.

Types of Roots

The two main types of roots are the taproot and fibrous root.

Taproot

This root system has one main, thick root, which goes deep into the ground. Many small, thin roots grow from this main root. Examples of taproot are beans, mango, mustard and coriander.

Fibrous Roots

This root system does not have a main root. It has many thin, hair-like roots that grow from the end of the stem. They do not go deep into the soil. Examples of fibrous roots are rice, wheat, corn and grass.

Special Roots

These roots perform special functions for the plant. Let us learn about them. uproot: to pull a plant by its roots

Taproot

Fibrous Root

Modified Roots

These roots store food within them. Generally, we eat these roots as vegetables. Some examples of such roots are carrot, beetroot and radish.

Aerial Roots

These roots grow above the ground. They help absorb air, nutrients, and water from the environment. They also provide support to the plants. Trees such as banyan and mangrove have aerial roots.

Shoot System

The shoot system consists of stem, leaves, buds, flowers and fruit.

Stem

It is the main part of the shoot. Different plants have different types of stems. Let us learn about them.

Types of Stem

Trees Shrubs Herbs

Trees have strong, thick and woody stems, called trunks. Shrubs have thin and woody stems. Herbs have thin, weak, soft and green stems.

Climbers Creepers

Climbers have very weak stems. They climb onto other trees or poles instead of growing erect. Creepers have very thin and weak stems which are spread along the surface of the ground.

Examples: Mango and neem

Examples: Rose and jasmine

Examples: Tulsi and mint

Examples: Money plant and green peas

Examples: pumpkin and watermelon

erect: tall and straight

Aerial roots of a banyan tree

Functions of Stem

• It acts as the support system of the plant above the ground. The branches, buds, flowers and fruit grow on the stem of a plant.

• It helps in transporting water and other minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. It also carries the food prepared by the leaves of the plant.

• Stems like sugarcane, ginger and potato store food in them. Potatoes and ginger are underground stems. These stems are eaten by us.

Leaf

Leaves are important parts of the plant. Many leaves are green in colour because of the presence of the green pigment called chlorophyll. We eat certain leaves of mint, coriander and cabbage as they store food in them. Let us learn about the structure and functions of a leaf.

Structure of a Leaf

A leaf has the following parts:

Main vein (or Midrib): It is a thick vein present in the centre of the leaf.

Side veins: These arise from the main vein in the form of a network of veins.

Leaf blade (or Lamina): It is the flat portion of the leaf.

Stalk (or Petiole): It connects the stem with the leaf.

Stomata: They are found on the underside of the leaf in the form of tiny pores. They help in the exchange of gases.

Functions of Leaves

• Leaves prepare food for the plant. In this process, leaves use water, minerals, and carbon dioxide to create food with the help of sunlight. Chlorophyll, a green pigment in the leaves, captures the Sunʼs energy, allowing photosynthesis to occur. As a result, leaves release oxygen. This process is called photosynthesis.

• Leaves also regulate the moisture in and temperature of the plant.

Did You Know?

Banana leaves are used as plates to serve food. They are also used to wrap food and cook or steam it.

Main vein

Side vein

Lamina Stomata Stalk

Structure of a leaf

Pause and Answer

Match the following.

1. Main vein

2. Side vein

3. Leaf blade

4. Stalk

5. Stomata

Flower

a. tiny pores under the leaf

b. flat portion of the leaf

c. thick vein in the centre

d. network of veins emerging from the centre

e. connects the stem with leaf

The colourful and beautiful part of the plant is called a flower. Flowers grow on the thin, green stalk of the plant, which is attached to the stem. All flowers are obtained from buds.

Parts of a Flower

A flower has four main parts: sepals, petals, stamens and pistils.

Stamen: It is the male part of the flower. It produces pollen. Pollen is a powdery substance that helps in reproduction.

Pistil: It is the female part of the flower. It contains the egg cells that develop into seeds. It also helps in reproduction.

Petals: These can be in different sizes, shapes, colours and fragrances.

Sepals: These are the outermost parts of a flower and look like leaves. They protect the bud when it is maturing into a flower.

Functions of a Flower

Reproduction in plants takes place in the flowers. The pollen from the male part of a flower (the stamen) is transferred to the female part (the pistil) of the same or another flower. This is called pollination. After pollination, the flower turns into fruit, which contains the seeds. The new plant grows from the seeds.

Pollination can happen through different agents like wind, water, insects (like bees and butterflies), birds and even animals. These agents help move the pollen from one flower to another, allowing plants to pollinate.

maturing: process of growing into the adult stage

Parts of a flower

Stamen

Pistil

Sepal Petals

Uses of Flowers

• Flowers are used to make perfumes, oils, medicines, incense sticks and so on.

• The seeds of coconut, sunflower, mustard and sesame are used to make cooking oil.

• Some of the flowers, like cauliflower, broccoli and banana, are edible.

Seeds

Seeds are present inside the fruit. Some fruit, like papaya and watermelon, have many seeds in them. Some fruits, like mango and cherry, have only one seed in them. The process of a seed growing into a new plant is called germination. Certain seeds, such as wheat, maize and rice, are edible.

Error Alert!

Not all fruit have seeds inside them. Strawberry is the only fruit that grows seeds on its outer body.

Do and Learn

Soak some seeds of green gram overnight. Wrap these seeds in a damp cloth and tie it up. Place the cloth in a warm area and keep it moist by adding water from time to time. In a day or two, the seeds will start to germinate. These are very nutritious. With the help of your elders, prepare a healthy salad using these germinated seeds.

Wonders of Bharat

Neelakurinji is a flower that blossoms once in twelve years. This is one of the rarest flowers that is found only in India. It is found along the Western Ghats.

Word Splash

shoot: the part of the plant that grows above the soil

roots: the part of the plant that grows below the soil

soil erosion: removal of fertile top layer of soil

bud: a small structure that develops into a flower

pollination: the process by which pollen grains are transferred from stamen to pistil to form seeds

germination: the process where seeds grow into a new plant

Neelakurinji flowers

Papaya has many seeds.

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the parts of a plant.

Points to Remember

• A plant has two parts: root system and shoot system.

• Roots are of two major types: taproot and fibrous roots. Some plants have specialised roots such as modified and aerial roots.

• The shoot consists of the stem, leaves, buds, flowers and fruit.

• Pollination is the act of transfer of pollen grains from the stamen to the pistil to produce seeds.

• Germination is the process where the seed grows into a new plant.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. It is the flat portion of the leaf.

Main vein Side vein Leaf blade Stalk

B. It is the outermost part of a flower. Petal Pistil Sepal Stamen

C. It is the part of the flower that is generally colourful. Petals Pistil Stamen Sepal

D. It is the green pigment present in the leaves. Chlorophyll Photosynthesis Stomata Stalk

2. Fill in the blanks.

A. Roots prevent as they bind the soil together.

B. Examples of roots are rice and grass.

C. The thick, woody stem of the tree is called the .

D. have thin, weak, soft and green stems.

3. Write True or False.

A. The stem carries the food prepared by the leaves of the plant.

B. The stalk is also called petiole.

C. The stomata present in the leaves help in the exchange of gases.

D. The stem protects the seeds.

4. Circle the odd one out.

A. Rose Jasmine Shrubs Neem

B. Tulsi Rose Mint Herbs

C. Money plant Green peas Climbers Pumpkin

D. Watermelon Pumpkin Creepers Green peas

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Name two plants having a taproot.

B. Why do some plants have aerial roots?

C. Which parts of the flower help in reproduction?

D. Mention two uses of flowers.

E. Which part of the plant prepares food? And how?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Describe the different types of roots. Give examples of each.

B. Draw the structure of a flower and label its various parts.

C. Explain the functions of a leaf.

D. Why are plants important to us?

7. Picture-based questions.

A. Name the type of roots shown in the picture.

B. Mention the uses of these roots.

C. Give two examples of plants having these roots.

Challenge (HOTS)

1. If a plant’s roots were cut off, how would it affect the plant’s growth?

2. A gardener notices that one of their flowering plants is not producing any fruits, even though it has many flowers. What could be the reason for this?

Life Skills

Although we are surrounded by beautiful plants and trees, yet we often don't know their names. Use books or the internet to identify the plants and trees that grow in your neighbourhood. You may even ask your parents or teachers. Then, with the help of your friends, you can then label them by creating cardboard labels. You may name the plant in English and in your local language.

13 Animal Life

Chapter Overview

Places Where Animals Live

Are these animals herbivores, carnivores or omnivores? Write the correct answer below each. Get Set Animal Life

Food Habits of Animals

Reproduction in Animals

Places Where Animals Live

Animals are found in almost all places on the Earth—in rivers, seas and oceans, deserts, forests, mountains and even on the frozen poles of the Earth. Based on where they live, animals can be classified into five main groups. Let us learn more about that.

Terrestrial Animals

The animals that live on land are called terrestrial animals. Dogs, cats, camels, horses, tigers and elephants are some examples of terrestrial animals.

Aquatic Animals

These animals live in water and are called aquatic animals. Fish, whales, crabs and octopuses are some examples.

Amphibious Animals

These animals can live both on land and in water. Frogs, toads and salamanders are amphibians. They have features that help them live both on land and in water.

Arboreal Animals

These animals live mostly on trees. Monkeys, squirrels and birds like crows and parrots are some examples of arboreal animals.

Aerial Animals

These animals spend most of their time in the air. Birds, bats and mosquitoes are aerial animals.

Did You Know?

Whales and dolphins do not have gills. They have lungs and they swim to the surface of water to breathe.

classified: to divide into groups based on common features

Do and Learn

Make an animal habitat scrapbook. Paste pictures or cutouts of five animals from each type of habitat. Write their names and the place they live below their pictures.

Pause and Answer

Circle the odd one out based on the habitat.

1. shark tiger elephant

2. beetle bat ants

3. frog grasshopper bee

4. horse monkey squirrel

5. dolphin octopus monkey

Food Habits of Animals

Different animals eat different food. Based on food habits, animals can be classified into three main groups: herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. Let us learn about them.

Herbivores

These are animals that eat only plants and grass. They have flat and sharp incisors to cut the food, and broad and flat premolars and molars to grind and chew it. Cows, goats, elephants, horses and sheep are a few examples of herbivores.

Carnivores

These are animals that eat the flesh of other animals. They have sharp claws to catch and hold their prey; and long, pointed canines to tear its flesh. Lions, eagles and sharks are a few examples of carnivores.

Omnivores

These are animals that eat both plants and other animals. They have sharp incisors and canines to cut and tear meat, and flat premolars and molars to crush plant material. Bears, pigs and humans are a few examples of omnivores.

Herbivores eat only plants.

Carnivores eat other animals.

Omnivores eat both plants and meat.

Some animals like vultures and hyenas eat dead animals and are called scavengers.

Think and Tell

Do you think scavengers are carnivores? Why?

Error Alert!

We often think that carnivores only eat large animals. Carnivores can eat small animals, such as insects, as well. For example, most adult frogs are carnivores and they eat flies and other insects.

Reproduction in Animals

Reproduction is the process by which living beings produce young ones of their own kind. Animals reproduce in two ways:

• by laying eggs

• by giving birth to young ones

Animals That Lay Eggs

Animals such as frogs, snakes, birds, crocodiles and insects lay eggs. When the babies inside the eggs mature, they hatch out of them. Let us learn about the reproduction process of some of these animals.

Life Cycle of a Bird

Structure of an egg

All birds reproduce by laying eggs. The mother bird carefully lays her eggs in nests that she builds. The tiny living thing growing inside the egg is called an embryo. The middle of the egg is a yellow part called the yolk. The yolk provides nourishment to the embryo. Surrounding the yolk is a white, watery substance called the albumen. The albumen protects the yolk. There is also a small air space inside the egg that helps the embryo breathe.

Once the eggs are laid, the parent bird sits on them to keep them warm. This process is called incubation. When the embryo inside the egg is fully grown, it breaks open the

nourishment: things like food that are needed to grow and stay healthy incubation: the process of birds sitting on eggs to provide warmth

Eggshell

Yolk

Albumen

Embryo

shell and comes out. The birds take care of and feed their young ones until they are old enough to feed and look after themselves.

1. All birds reproduce by laying eggs. They build nests to lay their eggs.

5. Baby birds grow to become adult birds which lay eggs again.

4. The chicks come out when the eggs hatch.

Life Cycle of a Frog

The life cycle of a frog can be studied in the following stages:

1. Frogs lay their eggs in water. The eggs are surrounded by a jelly-like substance to protect them.

2. Tiny tadpoles emerge when the eggs hatch. They have tails and live in the water. They breathe through gills.

3. Tadpoles grow into froglets as they develop legs. Their tails get shorter.

2. Birds sit on their eggs for many days to keep them warm. This is called incubation.

3. Eggs have a special structure to help the baby grow inside.

4. Adult Frog: Finally, the froglet’s tail disappears completely, and it becomes an adult frog. Adult frogs can live both in water and on land. They breathe through lungs.

Reproduction in Insects

All insects lay eggs. Let us study the life cycle of a butterfly.

1. The butterfly lays eggs on the leaf of a tree.

2. The eggs hatch into larvae called caterpillars.

Life cycle of a frog

Eggs

Tadpole

Froglet

Adult frog

3. The caterpillar builds a cocoon around itself to form a pupa.

4. The pupa completely changes into a butterfly, it comes out of the cocoon.

Animals That Give Birth to Young Ones

Some animals give birth to young ones rather than laying eggs. Such animals are called mammals. Dogs, cats, monkeys and even humans give birth to young ones. Before birth, the embryos grow inside their motherʼs womb, where they are fully protected. Once born, they rely on their mother’s milk until they can eat on their own.

Since whales and dolphins are also mammals, they give birth instead of laying eggs. Bats, too, are mammals and not birds. Therefore, they give birth to their young rather than laying eggs.

Wonders of Bharat

India’s Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Efforts are being made to protect these amazing animals and their habitat.

Word Splash

scavengers: animals that eat other dead animals

reproduction: a process by which living beings produce their young ones embryo: the name of the living organism that grows inside the egg mammals: animals which give birth to young ones

Mammals give birth to young ones.

Life cycle of a butterfly pupa

larva (caterpillar) egg

adult butterfly cocoon

One-horned rhinoceros

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about animal life.

Points to Remember

• Based on the places where animals live, they can be classified as terrestrial, aquatic, aerial, arboreal and amphibious.

• Based on their feeding habits, animals are classified as herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.

• Animals reproduce by laying eggs or by directly giving birth to young ones.

• Birds, frogs and butterflies go through different stages to grow into their adult form.

• Whales and dolphins are mammals, not fish. Bats are also mammals, not birds. That is why they give birth to their young ones instead of laying eggs.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of the following is an example of an aquatic animal?

Dog

Monkey

Whale

Eagle

B. What is the process by which birds keep their eggs warm until they hatch called?

Feeding

Nesting

Incubation

C. Which stage of a frog has both a pair of legs and a tail?

Egg

Tadpole

Froglet

D. What do we call the animals that give birth to young ones?

Reptiles

Amphibians

Mammals

Hatching

Adult frog

Insects

2. Fill in the blanks.

tadpoles aerial terrestrial caterpillar

A. When the eggs of a frog hatch, tiny emerge.

B. The larva of a butterfly is also called a .

C. Elephants and tigers live on land. They are animals.

D. Seagulls spend most of their time in the air. They are animals.

3. Write True or False.

A. Arboreal animals live in water.

B. Amphibians can live both on land and in water.

C. Carnivores eat both plants and meat.

D. Mammals give birth to young ones.

E. Insects give birth to young ones.

4. Match the following.

A. Herbivore

B. Omnivore

a. Lion

b. Bear

C. Carnivore c. Elephant

D. Scavenger d. Hyena

5. Short-answer questions.

A. What is an amphibian? Name any two amphibians.

B. Based on their food habits, how is a tiger different from a cow?

C. Name any four animals that lay eggs.

D. ‘Humans are omnivores’. Write one reason to support this statement.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Write two differences between terrestrial and aquatic animals. Give two examples of each type.

B. Describe the stages in the life cycle of a frog.

C. Draw the life cycle of a butterfly and explain each stage.

7. Picture-based questions.

Read the text and look at the picture. Then, answer the questions.

Who Eats What: A grasshopper eats leaves. A sparrow eats the grasshoppers. A snake eats the sparrow.

plant Grasshopper Sparrow Snake

A. Which of these animals is a herbivore?

B. Which of these are arboreal animals?

C. Which of these animals is an omnivore? Why?

Challenge (HOTS)

1. Scavengers are often called the cleaners of the environment. Why?

2. How do we humans take care of our young ones? How is it similar to and different from the way other animals care for their young ones? Explain in a short note.

Life Skills

Today, habitats across the world are in danger due to deforestation and pollution. Think about the following:

• What happens to animals when humans destroy or pollute their habitat? Where do they go?

• How does the endangering of a habitat affect the food source of an animal?

• What do you think we can do to protect animal habitats?

Discuss your answers with your parents or another adult at home. Then, create a poster about protecting any one animal habitat. Present it in your school or class to spread awareness.

14 Natural Resources

Chapter Overview

Natural Resources

What are Natural Resources?

Types of Natural Resources

Protecting Our Resources

Look at the words given in the box. Search for them in the word search puzzle given below. Get Set

What are Natural Resources?

Look around yourself. You will see many things such as plants, animals, mountains, rivers and land (soil). You also feel the air around you. These are called natural things. Things such as buildings, roads and schools have been made by humans and therefore called human-made things.

All the land, forests, energy sources and minerals that exist naturally in a place and can be used by people are natural resources.

Types of Natural

Resources

Certain natural resources, like sunlight, wind and sea waves, will be available to us to use throughout our lives. Other natural resources such as coal, natural gas and oil are limited in amount. Thus, based on their availability, resources can be classified to two types: renewable and non-renewable resources.

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources are sources of energy that can either be generated again quickly, or will not deplete no matter how much they are used. These resources also cause minimum or no pollution, thereby giving us clean energy. There are mainly five types of renewable resources: biomass, water, heat from the earth, wind, and sunlight. Let us learn more about them.

Biomass

Biomass means material from plants and animals that can be used to generate fuel. Things like wood, and plant and animal waste (biofuel), can be burnt to generate heat. This heat energy can be further used to power vehicles or generate electricity.

Biomass as a resource can run out if we use it without being careful. For example, cutting down too many trees can quickly exhaust the area of a precious resource like wood. However, efficient replanting of trees can quickly replenish their numbers and provide us with wood again.

deplete: become less and less with usage exhaust: completely finish the availability of something replenish: to make full or complete again

Wood chips used as biomass

Water

Water has been used as a renewable resource for thousands of years. It not only supports life, but has also been used to generate mechanical and electrical energy. Moving water, in rivers and streams, have been used to turn wheels. These wheels, or mills, have been used for generations to crush grains into powder.

In more recent times, mills and dams have been used to generate electricity.

Sea waves are also a renewable resource as they too can be used to generate electricity in the same way as rivers.

Heat from the Earth

This heat that comes from deep within the Earth is also called geothermal energy. Geothermal energy heats up underground water which boils and bursts out of the Earth’s crust as natural geysers and springs. This energy is used as a resource to generate both heat and electricity.

Wind

Air, like water, also supports life on Earth. It is used as a renewable resource in the form of wind. In windy areas, like the seashore, large windmills are set up. The fastmoving wind turns the blades of these windmills, which in turn spin the turbines attached to them and generate electricity.

Sunlight

The Sun is an inexhaustible source of light and heat. We use this light and heat as solar energy. In large areas called solar farms, solar panels are placed in a way where they absorb maximum amount of light and heat from the Sun. These solar panels store huge amounts of solar energy, which in turn is converted to electricity.

geysers and springs: pools and fountains of hot water that form in nature due to the internal heat of the Earth

Dams generating electricity

Windmills near the seashore

A solar farm

Natural geysers and springs

Non-renewable Resources

We know that the natural resources that are available in limited quantities and will be exhausted one day are called non-renewable resources. Some examples of nonrenewable resources are coal, petroleum, minerals and natural gas.

Coal

Coal is black or brown rock. It is formed when the dead plants are buried under the earth. The formation of coal takes millions of years. Burning coal gives us heat energy which is used to generate electricity. Coal is formed when the dead plants are buried under the earth. The formation of coal takes millions of years.

Petroleum

Petroleum is also called crude oil. Like coal, petroleum is also formed from dead plants and animals that were buried under the sea or a large water body millions of years ago. Petrol, LPG (Liquefied petroleum gas) and diesel are obtained by refining petroleum. LPG is the cooking gas that we use at home for cooking.

Minerals

Minerals are obtained from rocks. These minerals are found in raw form in mines. A mine is a place that is dug out to get metals, oil or minerals. They are refined to get metals such as copper and iron.

Do and Learn

Prepare flashcards with the names of natural resources. Make groups of 5–6. Now, select a flashcard depicting a natural resource and briefly explain its, then tag the next player in your group.

Think and Tell

Name any two things at your home that are made of iron.

A mine

LPG cylinders

Pause and Answer

Name the following.

1. The resources available in limited amounts.

2. The non-renewable resource burnt to obtain electricity.

3. The non-renewable resource that obtained in springs.

4. The non-renewable resource that gives petrol and LPG.

Protecting Our Resources

We should use non-renewal resources carefully as they cannot be replenished easily. The protection of natural resources is known as conservation. We need to follow the given steps to conserve resources:

• Use non-renewable resources judiciously.

• Do not cut down the forests.

• Plant more and more trees to keep the soil healthy and fertile. Remember, plants also keep the air clean and provide us oxygen.

• Switching off lights and fans in an empty room so as to not waste electricity.

• Switching to the use of energy from renewable resources instead of non-renewable resources.

Wonders of Bharat

The Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is the largest solar park in India and the third largest in the world. It produces more than two thousand megawatts of electricity.

Word Splash

natural resources: naturally occurring useful substances such as wind, sunlight, water, soil biomass: the plant and animal material that can be used as a source of energy geothermal energy: the heat energy that is generated by the interiors of Earth turbines: engines that have wheels, which can be spun to produce electricity

judiciously: wisely

Do not cut down the forests.

renewable resources: natural resources which either cannot be exhausted or are replenished quickly once used non-renewable resources: natural resources that are available in limited quantities and will be exhausted one day conservation: protection and careful use of something

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about natural resources.

Points to Remember

• Natural resources are naturally occurring useful things. So, these are called gifts of nature.

• Soil, plant and animals waste, wind and sunlight are some examples of natural resources.

• Natural resources are of two types—renewable and non-renewable resources.

• We should conserve non-renewable resources by using them wisely.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of the following is not a natural resource? soil water roads

B. Sea waves are sources of energy. renewable non-renewable thermal

C. Which of the following is not a renewable resource? air crude oil water

2. Fill in the blanks.

A. is the judicious use of non-renewable resources.

B. Coal and petroleum are examples of resources.

C. Copper and iron are examples of .

D. is formed from plant and animal waste.

3. Write True or False.

A. Sunlight is a natural resource.

B. Coal is an example of a renewable resource.

C. All the natural resources are replenished quickly in nature.

D. Deforestation helps in conservation of resources.

4. Circle the odd one out.

A. Water Wind Plants Buildings

B. Coal Petroleum Minerals Sun

C. Wind Animal waste Water Coal

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Why are natural resources important?

B. Name and draw five things in your house that are made from metals.

C. Why should we conserve electricity?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Explain the use of biomass as a resource.

B. Describe how water is used as a resource.

C. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources. Give examples for each.

7. Picture-based questions.

A. What is shown in the given image?

B. Mention one use of the item shown in the image.

C. What type of a resource is it?

Challenge (HOTS)

1. What would happen if the Earth stopped getting sunlight?

2. Why are asked to conserve water if it is a renewable resource?

15 Air

Chapter Overview

Air Around Us Properties of Air Moving Air Importance of Air

Get Set

Unscramble the jumbled letters to make meaningful words related to air.

Around Us

All living things need air to stay alive. Air is everywhere, even in water and soil. We cannot see air but we can feel it when the wind blows or when we blow a balloon. Do you know what air is made up of? Let us find out.

Composition of Air

Air is a mixture of gases. It is made up of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon and many other gases. Let us learn more about the different gases that are present in the air.

Nitrogen: This gas is present in the air in the greatest amount. Although plants cannot use it directly, it helps them grow strong and healthy when it is changed into a form that they can absorb from the soil.

Oxygen: Humans need oxygen to stay alive. We breathe in oxygen and breath out carbon dioxide. Oxygen also supports burning which we need for cooking and producing electricity.

Other Gases: The remaining small portion of air contains other gases like carbon dioxide, argon, helium, hydrogen, etc. We release carbon dioxide when we exhale. Plants use this gas to make their food.

Additionally, air also contains germs, dust, smoke and water vapour. Do you know that air can get polluted when harmful things like smoke and dust mix with it? For example, when cars and factories release smoke, it makes the air dirty and unhealthy. Burning trash or crop waste can pollute the air and make it unsafe to breathe. To prevent air pollution, we should use less smoke-producing things, grow more plants and keep our environment clean.

Remember!

The amount of water vapour in the air is called humidity. It changes with the weather. For example, the air is more humid on a rainy day than on a sunny day.

Properties of Air

Meha is blowing a balloon. It gets bigger and bigger. Then she lets it go and all the air comes out, ʻVoooooshh!ʼ “What’s happening? Why doesn’t the air stay in?” Meha wonders. Can you help her understand?

Composition of air

Air is everywhere and has some specific properties. Clean air is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It takes up space, helps things move, and does not have a definite shape. Let us learn about the properties of air in more details.

Air Occupies Space

Air takes up space. When we blow air into the balloon, it gets bigger because the air fills up the space inside the balloon. Similarly, it occupies space in a flat tyre tube and inflates it.

Air Has Weight

Air takes up space in a tyre tube.

We may not feel the air, but it has weight, just like other things around us. Let us understand this with an experiment.

Do and Learn

Materials Required: Two balloons, a piece of string, a ruler or long stick (wooden or steel) and a needle or a pin

Process:

• Tie a string to the centre of a ruler to create a balance. Hang this from a support so it can balance freely.

• Inflate both balloons to the same size and tie them off with strings of equal length.

• Tie the balloons to two ends of the ruler.

• Allow the balance to be steady. Check that both balloons are at the same level.

• Prick one balloon with a pin to deflate it. Observe how the inflated balloon tips downwards.

Conclusion: This experiment shows that air has weight as heavy things move downwards on a balance.

inflate: to become filled with air deflate: to let the air out of something; the opposite of inflate

Evenly inflated balloons Flat balloon

Filled balloon

Air Exerts Pressure

Air pressure is the force that air exerts on things around it. You’ve learned that the Earth is surrounded by a layer of air called the atmosphere. The Earth's gravity pulls this atmosphere downwards, causing air to press down on everything. The weight of this air on a surface creates air pressure. Take an empty balloon and hold it in your hands. Blow air into the balloon. As you do this, you are filling the balloon with air and it starts to increase in size. Notice how the balloon gets bigger and feels tighter. This is because the air inside it is exerting pressure against the walls of the balloon.

Think and Tell

Pause and Answer

Fill in the blanks.

Air exerts pressure.

What do you think will happen if we keep blowing air into a balloon and why?

1. Air is a mixture of .

2. Air takes up and has weight.

3. We breathe in from the air.

4. Plants use to produce their food.

5. Air is the force that air exerts on things.

Moving Air

Air is always around us, but we feel it only when it starts to move or we move around fast. We can feel moving air when we stand outdoors on a windy day. Moving air is called wind. A pleasant and gentle wind is called a breeze. Wind is formed when air moves from one place to another, usually because of temperature changes. Warm air rises because it is lighter, and cooler air moves in to take its place. This process forms wind or breeze.

The beach feels cool in hot weather because of the sea breeze. Let us learn about sea breeze as well as land breeze.

Sea Breeze

During the day, the sun heats the land and the sea. The land gets warmer faster than the water of the sea. When the air over the land gets warm, it rises because warm air is lighter. Then, cooler air from the sea, which is heavier, moves in to take its place. This cool air moving from the sea to the land is called a sea breeze. This is why it often feels cooler near the beach during the day.

Land Breeze

At night, the land cools down faster than the sea. Now, the air over the sea is warmer, and the air over the land is cooler. The warmer air over the sea rises, and the cooler air from the land moves in to replace it. This cool air moving from the land to the sea is called a land breeze.

We often confuse wind with air. They do not have the same meaning. Air is the mixture of gases that makes up the atmosphere around the Earth whereas moving air is called wind. Error Alert!

Importance of Air

Air is important for all living beings on earth. Let us learn more about the importance of air.

Air is Needed for Breathing

Air contains oxygen that living things to survive. Every time we breathe in, we take in oxygen-rich air. It goes into our lungs and then into our blood, which carries it all over our body. The oxygen present in the air is used to produce energy from food. This process keeps us alive. Plants use carbon dioxide to make their food through a process called photosynthesis. Air is needed for breathing.

Sea breeze

Land breeze

Did

You Know?

We breathe in about 11,000 litres of air every day!

Air is Needed for Burning

The oxygen in the air is necessary for things to burn. If you place a glass over a burning candle, youʼll see the flame go out after a few seconds. This happens because covering the flame cuts off its oxygen supply. It does not burn in the absence of oxygen.

Discuss!

Why is it important to know the role of air in burning? How can this learning help us stay safe around fires? Discuss in your class.

Air Carries Warmth

Air moves heat from one place to another. For example, when the sun warms the ground, the ground heats the air above it. This warm air then moves around, making the area warmer. This is how you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, even though the sun is far away. Without air, the warmth would not spread, and we would not feel the heat from things like a heater or a bonfire.

Air carries warmth.

Air Carries Information

When we talk, clap our hands or play music, the sound travels through the air to reach our ears. Sound is made by vibrations which are tiny, fast movements. These vibrations move through the air like waves in water. When they reach your ears,

Burn a candle.

Cover with a jar.

The candle stops burning. Oxygen is needed for burning.

the signals are then sent to the brain to understand them as sound. If there were no air, you wouldn’t be able to hear anything because there would be nothing to carry the sound waves.

Wonders of Bharat

Air carries information.

The Muppandal Wind Farm is the third largest onshore wind farm in the world. It is located in Muppandal in Tamil Nadu.

Word Splash

air: the mixture of gases that surrounds our planet wind: fast moving air breeze: a gentler wind

sea breeze: cool air moving from the sea to the land

land breeze: cool air moving from the land to the sea atmosphere: the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth photosynthesis: the process by which plants make their food vibration: a rapid back-and-forth motion that creates waves

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the composition of air.

Points to Remember

• Air is a mixture of different gases.

• Air takes up space and has weight.

• Air pressure is the force that air exerts on everything around it.

• The cool air moving from the sea to the land is called a sea breeze.

• The cool air moving from the land to the sea is called a land breeze.

• Air contains oxygen that is used for breathing by humans and animals.

• Air carries warmth and sound from one place to another.

Muppandal Wind Farm

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which gas do we need to breathe?

Nitrogen Carbon dioxide Oxygen

B. Which of these is a gas present in the air in a very small amount?

Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen

C. Which of these gases is the second most available gas in the air?

Oxygen Carbon dioxide Hydrogen

D. What is air pressure?

The force exerted by air on everything around it.

The speed of the wind.

The space air occupies around us.

2. Fill in the blanks.

carbon dioxide oxygen argon nitrogen

A. Air contains gas in the highest amount.

B. Plants take in from the air to make their food.

C. A flame uses from the air to keep burning.

D. Gases like helium and are present in the air in very small amounts.

3. Write True or False.

A. Sound travels through the air by vibrations.

B. The flame of a candle can burn even without oxygen.

C. Without air, we would still be able to feel the heat from the sun.

D. Air moving from the sea to the land is called a sea breeze.

4. Fill in the chart with the names of the gases. Oxygen Carbon dioxide Nitrogen

Gas present in most amount

Gas present in the least amount

5. Short-answer questions.

A. What is a sea breeze, and when does it occur?

B. Why does a balloon expand when you blow air into it?

C. Why do we feel cooler at the beach during the day?

D. Air is often called a mixture. Give a reason for this statement.

E. An inflated balloon is heavier than a deflated balloon. Which property of air does it show?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Write two differences between a sea breeze and a land breeze.

B. Describe an experiment that shows air has weight.

C. Write any two ways in which air is important for us.

D. Draw a diagram to show the composition of air.

7. Picture-based questions.

A. What happens to the burning candle when a jar is inverted over it? Why?

B. Which property of air is shown in the experiment?

Challenge (HOTS)

Imagine a world where the composition of air is different, with much less oxygen and more carbon dioxide. How would this change affect living things? Explain in 4 to 5 sentences.

Inverted glass jar

Burning candle

16 Weather and Water

The Weather Report Sun and Weather Chapter Overview

and

Get Set

Cherry is going on a trip to the mountains. The weather will be cold there. Circle the things that Cherry should pack for such weather conditions.

The Weather Report

Weather is the condition of the air, humidity and temperature of a place at a particular time. Can you guess what tomorrow’s weather will be? What will the maximum temperature be during the day?

Weather can change from day to day and hour to hour. The weather report in a newspaper and weather forecasts on TV or

humidity: the amount of water vapour present in the air

Weather forecast

the internet tell us about the recent weather conditions. It informs us about wind speed, temperature, rain, humidity and clouds. It helps us plan our day and activities accordingly.

Remember!

Hot, cold, wet, dry, sunny, cloudy, windy, rainy, snowy or foggy are some words we use for weather conditions. In weather reports, common symbols are used instead of these words.

Seasons usually have a similar kind of weather on most days. It is mostly hot and sunny during the summer, cold and foggy in winter, and humid during monsoon. The weather often affects our daily activities and choices such as clothing and food. For example, the hot summer weather makes us want to wear light, cotton clothes. During winter, we wear woollen clothes, stay indoors, and we like to sit in the sun.

The weather is not the same as the season. A season is a regular condition of temperature, humidity and rainfall lasting for months. The weather may change in minutes.

Sun and Weather

Weather conditions

The heat of the Sun plays an important role in changing weather conditions. It causes the wind to blow. It also causes the formation of clouds. When the Sun is high in the sky during the day, it feels hot. But in the morning and evening, the Sun’s rays are slanted, so it is cooler than in the afternoon.

The Sun shines overhead during the afternoon, and we feel hot.

The Sun’s rays are slanting in the morning and evening so we feel cooler than we feel at noon.

Effect of the Sun on the weather during the day.

Seasons change because the Earth moves around the Sun. We experience hot weather in summer, rainy weather in monsoon and cold weather in winter. So, the Sun causes changes in the weather.

Do and Learn

Check the newspaper or the news on the TV to find out how weather reports are shared. You can also check it on your parents’ mobile phones. Note the weather signs and the way temperature, humidity and wind speed are presented in those reports.

Pause and Answer

Write any two weather conditions we usually experience in the given seasons.

1. Summers

2. Winters

3. Rainy/Monsoon

Water and Weather

Around three-fourths of the Earth is covered with water. Water plays an important role in shaping the weather. The sun heats up water bodies, causing evaporation, which forms clouds. These clouds bring rain, affecting the temperature and weather patterns in different regions. Let us learn how water affects the weather.

Evaporation

The change of water into water vapour upon heating is called evaporation. The Sun’s heat evaporates water from water bodies such as seas, rivers and lakes. The rate of evaporation depends on the following factors:

• Temperature: Evaporation is higher on a hot sunny day.

• Wind speed: Evaporation is higher on a windy day.

• Humidity: Evaporation is also higher in dry weather than in wet weather (the rainy season).

• Surface area: Water evaporates faster from water bodies that are spread over a large surface area such as lakes, rivers, seas and oceans. water vapour

Evaporation

Think and Tell

Wet clothes get dry faster on a dry windy day than on a rainy day. Why?

Did You Know?

The evaporation of sweat from the skin makes us feel cool. We feel uncomfortable on a humid day because the evaporation of sweat is less.

Do and Learn

Pour the same amount of water in a tall glass and a wide bowl. Place them in a sunny area. Check the water level in both the containers after a few hours and note your observations. Which one has less water? From which one do you think more water has evaporated? Why?

Condensation

Take a water bottle of the refrigerator. After some time, we will see some water droplets on its outer side. Where do you think these droplets come from? These droplets are from the water vapour in the air, which touch the surface of the cold water bottle and change to water droplets.

This phenomenon is called condensation. Thus, condensation is the change of gas (water vapour) into liquid (water) on cooling.

Pause and

Answer

Write True or False.

1. The change of water into water vapour upon heating is called evaporation.

2. The water vapour in the air changes into liquid water on cooling.

3. Humidity does not affect the rate of evaporation.

4. Water evaporates faster on a windy day.

Water Circulation

Water droplets on cold bottle.

Continuous evaporation and condensation of water from larger water bodies results in the water cycle. Let us learn more about it.

Water Cycle

In nature, evaporation and condensation occurs continuously. The Sun’s heat causes water from lakes, rivers, oceans to evaporate, turning it into water vapour. This vapour then condenses and falls back to Earth as rain or snow. This repeating process is called the water cycle.

phenomenon: something that is observed to happen

Evaporation, condensation and precipitation are the three main steps in the water cycle.

The water vapour then condenses into water. It results in precipitation such as rain and snow.

The heat from the Sun causes the water in the water bodies to evaporate. This water turns into water vapour and rises to form clouds.

Forms of Precipitation

There are three main forms of precipitation—rain, snow and hail.

Rain

Types of precipitation

Rain refers to the falling of water from the clouds in the form of water droplets. Rain refills water bodies such as ponds and lakes. Rain is important for farmers to water their crops. However, heavy rains may cause flooding and disrupt day-to-day life.

Snow

The cold air around the clouds causes the freezing of water droplets, turning them into snowflakes. Snowfall can be seen in winters at places which are higher up in the mountains or closer to the polar region.

Hail

When the falling raindrops come in contact with cold air, the water droplets freeze into ice. These frozen droplets pour down as hail stones and may damage the crops.

Did You Know?

On cold nights, water vapour condenses and forms droplets of water on the ground, on plants and other things. This type of precipitation is called dew.

disrupt: to stop something from happening normally

Dew drops on leaves.

Snowfall in hills

Other forms in which water exists in our surroundings are fog and frost. Fog is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets that forms close to the ground, making it hard for us to see anything around us. Frost is a thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when the air is very cold and water vapour freezes.

Wonders of Bharat

Mawsynram in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya has the highest rainfall in India. The second rainiest place in India is Cherrapunji. It is also located in Meghalaya.

Word Splash

weather: the conditions of air, temperature and humidity of a place at a particular time evaporation: the change of water into water vapour upon heating condensation: the change of gas into liquid on cooling water cycle: circulation of water due to evaporation, precipitation and condensation precipitation: falling of water on the ground from the clouds as rain, snow or hail

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about weather and water.

Points to Remember

• The weather may change from day to day and hour to hour.

• The Sun and water play an important role in changing weather conditions.

• Temperature, wind, humidity and surface area affect the rate of evaporation.

• Evaporation, condensation and precipitation of water are stages in the water cycle.

• Rain, snow and hail are different forms of precipitation.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. The process of water vapour changing into water upon cooling is called

Mawsynram

B. Precipitation in the form of balls of ice is called . snow hail rain dew

C. Freezing water vapour in clouds into tiny ice crystals requires weather. hot cold humid windy

D. Condensation of water vapour in clouds results in . evaporation precipitation humidity water cycle

2. Fill in the blanks.

water cycle evaporation humidity weather conditions

A. is higher on a windy day.

B. The of a place changes from day to day and hour to hour.

C. The amount of water vapour in the air is called the .

D. Circulation of water on land, water bodies and air is called .

3. Write True or False.

A. Water condenses faster on a sunny day.

B. The rate of evaporation is slower on a windy day.

C. Water evaporates faster from oceans than from water tanks.

D. The amount of water in the air is more on a rainy day.

4. Match the following.

A. Rain a. Precipitation in the form of water droplets

B. Snow b. Freezing of pouring raindrops

C. Hail c. Freezing of water droplets in clouds

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Write one way in which checking weather reports helps us.

B. Name the factors that affect the rate of evaporation of water.

C. Why do evenings feel cooler than afternoons?

D. Name three processes involved in the water cycle.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. What are the different forms of precipitation? Explain any two of them.

B. Explain how the surface area of a place affects the rate of evaporation.

C. Explain the water cycle with a labelled diagram.

7. Picture-based questions.

A. Label the processes marked A, B and C.

B. Name the process that A, B, C processes form together.

C. Which of the given processes helps in drying clothes?

Challenge (HOTS)

What kind of precipitation will deserts have in the winter?

Life Skills

Weather Report of the Week.

Day Weather in the Morning

Sunday

Monday

• Prepare a weather chart for the week as shown in the table.

• Every day, check weather conditions in the morning and evening. You may record your observation of the weather in the form of weather symbols.

• After the week, prepare a short report/ speech on the ‘weather this week’ and present it in front of your family or friends.

Weather in the Evening

Clean Surroundings

Check your school bag and pencil box. Do they contain some items like pencil shavings, broken or tiny pencils, old covers, rough papers, wrappers, etc. that are no longer needed? Now, think about all the stuff like this in your classroom, at your home, and everywhere in the world. What happens to these items? Where does it all go?

What is a Waste?

Shravani’s parents were going out, but she chose to stay home and complete her drawing. Before leaving, her mother said, “Shravani, it is good to keep our surroundings clean. Make sure you keep your room clean too.” Shravani wondered why it is important to keep our surroundings clean.

As her parents left, Shravani continued drawing. She needed an eraser but didn’t have one in her pencil box, so she unwrapped a new one and set the wrapper aside. Then, she sharpened her pencil and left the shavings on the table. After a while, she felt hungry, so she ate a banana, and left the peel on the table too.

The doorbell rang. Shravani’s parents were back. They saw a few items that were no longer useful scattered in Shravani’s room. Her father explained that anything that is no longer of use is called waste. Every day, we produce waste as we do our daily activities. Fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, old newspapers, plastic containers, old batteries, etc. are all examples of waste.

Disposal of Waste

After learning about waste, Shravani now makes sure not to leave it lying around and always throws it in the dustbin. Every morning, a garbage truck comes into Shravani’s neighbourhood to collect the waste. But it has been two days since the truck came. Shravani’s father decides to take the garbage to the dumpyard himself, and Shravani goes with him.

On the way, near a park, Shravani asks her father, “Can we throw the garbage here? There’s plenty of space, and there are no houses around.” Shravani’s father explains, “It’s important to dispose of waste in covered dustbins and dumpyards only. Garbage rots over time, attracting insects and animals and spreading germs and diseases. Harmful chemicals in the garbage can seep into the soil and groundwater, making them unsafe. We can get sick if we eat food grown in contaminated soil and drink polluted water.”

Shravani and her father reach the community dumpyard, where there is a bigger garbage truck to collect the dropped trash.

Types of Waste

Biodegradable Wastes

The waste that rots, breaks down, and finally mixes with the soil, is called biodegradable waste. Some examples of biodegradable waste are:

All food waste like vegetable and fruit peels, seeds, fish/ chicken/mutton bones and egg shells, paper, human and animal excreta and garden waste like dry leaves, broken branches and flowers. Biodegradable waste

dumpyard: big outdoor area where garbage trucks bring all the waste to be piled up

When biodegradable waste rots and mixes with the soil, it makes the soil fertile. Biodegradable waste can be used as manure for plants by burying the waste in the soil and allowing it to rot for a few months. This process is called composting.

Non-biodegradable Wastes

Think and Tell

You see plastic bottles, vegetable peels, eggshells, empty jam jars, wrappers, fish bones and leftover food on the kitchen shelf. Which items would you use for making compost and which would you throw away, and why is it important to sort them?

Non-biodegradable waste does not rot and mix with the soil. Some examples of nonbiodegradable waste are:

Scrap metal, plastic items, broken glass, discarded electronic items like an old computer/laptop, mobile phone and television also called electronic or e-wastes.

Unlike biodegradable waste, non-biodegradable waste does not mix with the soil easily and releases harmful chemicals and gases over time that cause environmental pollution.

Some food waste, like pistachio shells, seeds, and eggshells, don't rot as quickly as other biodegradable waste. However, it is still biodegradable. It takes a bit longer to decompose, but eventually it breaks down and mixes into the soil, making it more fertile.

Sort the given items into biodegradable and non-biodegradable and complete the table given below.

Fruit peels, plastic bottles, eggshells, fish bones, candy wrappers, leftover food, metal cans, glass jars, vegetable peels, e-waste, paper, dry leaves

Biodegradable things

Non-biodegradable things

Management of Waste

If we do not dispose of waste properly, it can harm the environment and our health. Proper waste management helps keep our surroundings clean and safe.

3 Rs of Waste Management

Shravani is upset because her plastic scale is broken, and she has to throw it in the dustbin now. Knowing how harmful nonbiodegradable waste is to our environment, she feels worried every time she has to discard something non-biodegradable.

Shravani’s father explains to her that if we use the formula of 3 Rs, we can effectively manage the waste and prevent pollution to a great extent. These 3 Rs include reduce, reuse and recycle. Let us learn about them.

3 Rs of waste management

1. Reduce: This means using less of something so we create less waste. For example, if you bring a reusable water bottle instead of buying a new one each time, you are reducing waste.

2. Reuse: This means using things again instead of throwing them away. For example, you can use an old jar to store different things or give your old books and clothes to people who can reuse them.

3. Recycle: This means turning old things into new things. For example, paper and things made of plastic and glass can be recycled to make new items. Put aside things that can be recycled, like old newspapers, broken plastic toys, glass jars and bottles and sell these to scrap collectors.

Did You Know?

Glass can be recycled endlessly without losing its quality or purity! Every time you recycle a glass bottle, it can come back as another bottle, helping reduce waste.

Benefits of Recycling

• Saves Natural Resources: Recycling helps us to use old things to make new things. For example, if we recycle paper; it results in less cutting down of trees.

• Reduces Pollution: When we recycle, we create less waste that goes into landfills or gets burned. This helps keep our air, water, and soil cleaner and healthier.

• Saves Energy: Making new products from recycled materials often uses less energy than making them from new materials. This helps save energy and reduces pollution from power plants.

• Helps Wildlife: Recycling helps keep our environment clean, which protects animals and plants. Less waste means safer homes for wildlife.

Discuss!

A cloth bag wears out in one and a half years if used to buy vegetables every day. However, a plastic bag can be used only twice to buy the same amount of vegetables. Calculate the number of waste cloth bags and plastic bags if they are used every day for 4 years. Discuss among your friends which type of bag you would prefer to use and why.

Do and Learn

Choose a day to clean up your home. Collect different types of waste items, such as paper, plastic, glass and metal. Look for items that can be reused to create something new. Use your collected waste to make a new object. You could make toys, decorations, organisers or anything else you can think of. Decide on a day for you and your friends to bring your creations to school. Display your creations and explain what materials you used and how you made them. Be inspired by each other’s ideas and learn more about reusing. You can ask for the help of an adult. Old tyres reused to create plant holders.

landfill: place where garbage is buried under the ground

After learning about the types of waste and the recycling process, can you guess why we see dustbins of two different colours around us? Yes, you are right! It is to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. When we segregate waste while disposing of it, it becomes easier to recycle. Let us learn more about these dustbins.

Blue Dustbin

It is used to dispose materials that can be recycled.

What to throw in it:

• Paper (like old newspapers and magazines)

• Plastic items (like bottles and containers)

• Glass (like jars and bottles) • Metal (like soda cans and tin cans)

Why: These things can be recycled. This saves resources and helps keep our planet clean.

Green Dustbin

It is used to dispose of biodegradable waste.

What to throw in it:

• Vegetable peels • Fruit peels

• Food scraps • Other organic waste (like leaves and small plant parts)

Why: This waste can be turned into compost. Compost is like food for plants. It helps them grow big and strong and keeps the soil healthy.

Drawbacks of Recycling

Although recycling is a method of waste management, it can harm the environment in several ways. Some major disadvantages of recycling are mentioned below.

• When paper is recycled, it requires a lot of chemicals, energy and water.

• Recycling paper releases harmful pollutants into the air and water, thereby damaging the environment.

• The process of recycling is time-consuming as it requires a lot of time to sort out different materials.

Wonders of Bharat

The Deonar dumping ground, located in Mumbai, is India’s oldest and largest dumping ground. This dumping ground was set up in 1927 and is now spread over 120 hectares of open land.

segregate: to separate things into different groups based on their type

Word Splash

biodegradable waste: waste that breaks down and mixes with soil non-biodegradable waste: waste that does not rot and mix with soil reduce: using less of something

reuse: using things again instead of throwing them away recycle: turning old things into new things

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the 3 Rs.

Points to Remember

• Anything that we no longer need is called waste.

• We should dispose of waste properly to avoid any harm to our environment.

• Waste is of two types: biodegradable and non-biodegradable.

• We should use the formula of 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle) to manage waste in our surroundings.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of these is a biodegradable waste?

Fruit peels

Plastic bags

B. Which of these is a non-biodegradable waste?

Plastic bottle

Glass bottles

Paper Eggshells

C. Why should we recycle things?

It saves energy

It destroys plants and animals

It harms natural resources

2. Fill in the blanks.

fruit reuse non-biodegradable biodegradable

A. and vegetable peels, eggshells, meat and fish bones are examples of biodegradable waste.

B. The waste that rots, breaks down, and finally mixes with the soil is called waste.

C. waste does not rot and mix with the soil.

D. The 3 Rs in waste management stand for Reduce, , and Recycle.

3. Write True or False.

A. It is important to dispose of waste in covered dustbins and dumpyards.

B. Non-biodegradable waste can be used as manure for plants.

C. Reduce means using more of something to create more waste.

D. Recycling helps save resources by using old things to make new things.

4. Circle the odd one out.

A. Paper Fish bones Leaves Old phone

B. Scrap metal Plastic bag Human excreta Broken glass

C. Reduce Reuse Recycle Create waste

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Where should we dispose of waste at home to avoid spreading germs and diseases?

B. What type of waste breaks down and mixes with the soil?

C. What process turns biodegradable waste into manure?

D. Suggest two ways to reuse old jars to avoid generation of waste.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Give examples of each.

B. Explain the 3 Rs with an example of each.

C. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of recycling.

7. Picture-based questions.

A. Which type of waste is depicted in each of the images?

B. Out of A and B, which can be converted into compost? Why?

Challenge (HOTS)

Imagine you have a garden and want to grow it more. You have some food scraps, like banana peels and apple cores, and some plastic wrappers. Which of these items can you put in your compost bin to help your garden and why? How can the plastic wrappers affect your garden if they are left in the soil?

Life Skills

Create a poster showing different types of waste and ways to recycle or compost them.

Materials Required:

• Large poster board or large sheets of paper

• Markers, crayons or colour pencils

• Glue or tape

• Scissors

• Magazines or printed images of waste items (optional)

Steps:

1. Get a big sheet and make sections labelled “Biodegradable,” “Non-Biodegradable,” “Recycle,” and “Compost.”

2. Paste or draw pictures of waste in the right sections and add short notes about recycling and composting.

3. Decorate with colours and keep it neat. Hang the poster in your classroom and talk about why separating waste is important.

Image A

Image B

18 Environmental Pollution

Read the story: “Dhoolnagri Gets a Makeover”

Amar lived in a city called Dhoolnagri. The sky was often covered by smoke from factories and cars. Trash filled the streets and the rivers around the city were dirty. The kids rarely went outside to play because of the polluted air, as it was hard to breathe. One day, Amar decided to make a change. He got his friends together and started to clean up the city. They picked up trash, planted trees and encouraged people to use less plastic and recycle more. Over time, the people in Dhoolnagri saw the difference it made. The air became cleaner, the water fresher and the streets were no longer littered. Amar and his friends showed that even small actions can make a big difference. By taking care of the environment, Dhoolnagri became a better place to live.

Environmental Pollution

Pollution happens when harmful things are added to our surroundings, making them dirty and unsafe. When these harmful things are released into the environment,

it leads to environmental pollution. This can make the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil where plants grow dirty and unhealthy. Some of these harmful things or pollutants come from factories, vehicles and even from what people do every day. Pollution doesn’t just harm plants, animals and people; it also disturbs the balance of nature, which we all depend on to live healthily.

There are three main types of environmental pollution: Water, air and land pollution

Water Pollution

Water pollution happens when harmful substances like chemicals, trash and sewage get into rivers, lakes, oceans and other water bodies. These substances can make the water dirty and unsafe for plants, animals and humans.

Causes of Water Pollution

• Factories often release chemicals and waste water into nearby water bodies, making them dirty.

• Untreated sewage and waste water can carry harmful bacteria and chemicals into rivers and lakes.

• The accidental release of oil into water bodies harms fish and other marine life.

• Pesticides and fertilisers get washed into water bodies, polluting them.

• Bathing, washing clothes and utensils in and around water bodies pollute the water.

Effects of Water Pollution

• Polluted water can kill fish and other animals that live in it.

• Drinking polluted water can lead to diseases.

pollutants: substances that contaminate the environment, causing harm to living organisms

Factory releases dirty water into a river.

Water pollution

Air pollution

Land pollution

• Harmful substances from landfills, industrial sites and agricultural activities can seep into the soil and pollute groundwater, posing a threat to human health and the environment. Pollution can harm the natural balance of plants and animals in water bodies.

Ways to Reduce Water Pollution

To reduce water pollution, we can take simple steps such as:

• Do not throw trash into rivers, lakes, or oceans.

• Avoid using harmful chemicals near water sources because they can wash into the water and make it dirty. Choose environment-friendly products such as biodegradable cleaners, paints and pesticides. This action will help us take care of aquatic plants and animals.

• Factories should clean their waste before letting it go into rivers.

• At home, we can save water and not waste it.

By working together, we can help protect the water for everyone to use safely.

Remember!

Only 29% of the Earthʼs surface is land, while 71% is covered by water.

Air Pollution

Think and Tell

Why is clean water important for humans and animals?

Air pollution happens when harmful substances such as smoke and poisonous gases are released into the air, making it dirty and unsafe to breathe.

Causes of Air Pollution

Some of the causes of air pollution are:

• Release of harmful gases by different vehicles and factories into the air.

• Release of harmful gases by burning of wood and garbage.

• Burning coal, oil and gas for energy leads to air pollution.

landfills: places where garbage and waste are buried under the ground biodegradable: a material that can be broken down naturally by living organisms into simpler substances

Dead fish floating in polluted water.

Air pollution

A factory chimney releases smoke.

• Cutting down a lot of trees is called deforestation. It causes more air pollution because there are fewer plants to clean the air by absorbing harmful substances.

Effects of Air Pollution

• Polluted air can cause breathing problems and illnesses like asthma, headaches, skin diseases, etc.

• Air pollutants can reduce visibility, affecting air travel, driving conditions and overall quality of life.

• Animals can get sick or die from breathing polluted air.

Ways to Reduce Air Pollution

• Use public transportation, carpool, bike or walk to reduce emissions from vehicles.

• Plant trees and create green spaces to absorb pollutants.

• Support clean energy sources, such as solar energy and wind energy.

• Maintain vehicles and equipment to reduce emissions.

• Avoid burning wood or trash, as it releases harmful pollutants.

Did You Know?

The Air Quality Index, (AQI), tells us how clean or dirty the air is in a certain area. It measures different pollutants in the air, like dust, smoke and chemicals, and gives us a number to show how healthy or unhealthy the air is to breathe.

Not all factories cause air pollution, but those that do not follow proper regulations release harmful pollutants into the air.

Pause and Answer

Give one-word for the following.

1. The cutting down of trees on a large scale.

2. Addition of harmful substances to our environment, making it dirty and unsafe.

3. Release of harmful substances into the air, making it dirty and unsafe to breathe.

asthma: a condition that affects the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing emissions: (here) harmful gases released into the air

Land Pollution

When harmful substances like chemicals, garbage and waste make the land dirty and unhealthy, it is called land pollution. For example, land pollution happens when people throw trash on the ground or use too many chemicals on farms.

Causes of Land Pollution

• Throwing garbage on the ground instead of disposing of it properly.

• Release of harmful chemicals and heavy metals into the soil by industries.

• Chemicals used in farming can seep into the soil and make it unhealthy.

• Construction sites can generate a lot of waste and pollutants, such as cement and chemicals.

• Mining activities can leave harmful substances in the soil.

Do and Learn

Plant a Small Garden

Plant a small garden using compost instead of chemical fertilisers. Follow these steps to observe the growth and health of the plants:

1. Choose a spot, remove weeds, and loosen the soil.

2. Mix compost (from things like fruit peels and leaves) into the soil.

3. Plant seeds in small holes and cover with soil.

4. Water gently to keep the soil moist.

5. Watch the plants grow and note how compost helps them stay healthy.

Effects of Land Pollution

• The quality of soil. This reduces the ability of soil to support plant growth.

• Plants grown in polluted soil can carry harmful chemicals.

• It harms animals by destroying their homes, polluting their food sources and making them sick by eating plastic or other pollutants.

mining: process of taking out valuable minerals from the Earth

Land pollution

Ways to Reduce Land Pollution

• Recycling and reusing materials can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

• Reduce the use of single-use plastics such as bags, bottles and straws, which often end up as litter in the environment.

• Recycle or donate old electronics instead of throwing them away to prevent harmful chemicals from seeping into the soil.

Plastic bottles cut and reused as plant holders.

• Use natural substances to control pests instead of chemicals to keep soil healthy.

Discuss!

How do you feel when you see litter in your neighbourhood/colony? What can you do together to make sure everyone helps to keep the neighbourhood/colony clean?

Wonders of Bharat

The Ganga River, India, is very important but has become polluted over the years. The Indian government started the Ganga Cleaning Project to remove trash, stop factory waste, and teach people how to keep the river clean. The goal is to protect the river because it’s important for nature and people.

Word Splash

pollution: addition of harmful substances to the environment

sewage: waste water from homes and buildings

pesticides: chemicals used to kill insects that harm plants

fertiliser: a substance added to soil to help plants grow

aquatic: related to water

compost: substance made by breaking down plant and food waste into natural fertiliser to help plants grow

recycling: the act of converting waste materials into reusable materials

Ganga cleaning project

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about ways to reduce pollution.

Points to Remember

• Environmental pollution is the release of harmful substances into the environment.

• There are three main types of environmental pollution: water pollution, air pollution and land pollution.

• Water pollution happens when harmful substances like chemicals, trash and sewage get into rivers, lakes, oceans and other bodies of water.

• Air pollution happens when harmful substances are released into the air, making it dirty and unsafe to breathe.

• Land pollution happens when harmful substances like chemicals, garbage and waste make the land dirty and unhealthy.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of these is a source of water pollution?

Trees

Birds

Industrial waste

Smoke from factory chimneys

B. Which of these helps to reduce air pollution?

Burning leaves

Using plastic bags

Using public transport

Spraying chemicals

C. Which of the following is an effect of water pollution?

Increase in fish population

Cleaner rivers

Polluted drinking water

Breathing problems in people

D. Which practice helps to reduce land pollution?

Use of chemical fertilisers

Releasing factory wastes into water

Planting trees

Setting up new factories

2. Fill in the blanks. trees pollution recycling deforestation

A. is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment.

B. Planting helps reduce air pollution.

C. is the process of cutting down trees on a large scale.

D. helps reduce land pollution by reusing materials instead of throwing them away in landfills.

3. Write True or False.

A. Air pollution can cause breathing problems.

B. Water pollution does not affect aquatic animals and plants.

C. Polluted soil does not harm animals.

D. Use of public transport can help reduce air pollution.

4. Match the following.

A. Industrial waste

a. Air Pollution

B. Trees b. Source of water pollution

C. Burning coal

c. Land pollution

D. Mining d. Reduce air pollution

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Define pollution and pollutants.

B. What is land pollution?

C. Write three ways to reduce water pollution.

D. How does deforestation lead to air pollution?

E. Write two effects of air pollution.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Explain how waste from factories can lead to all three types of environmental pollution.

B. Write a note to explain the effects of water pollution on:

a. Animals

b. Humans

C. Explain why it is important to recycle paper and plastic instead of throwing them in the trash.

D. What are three things you can do at home to help reduce air pollution?

7. Picture-based questions.

A. What are some things in the picture that pollute the river water?

B. Write two ways in which the pollution affects the ducks in the river.

C. What could people do to help clean up this river?

D. Write two ways in which pollution of river water affects the people living nearby.

Challenge (HOTS)

1. What would happen if we did not reduce land pollution?

2. How would our lives change if we all stopped using plastic and found other ways to carry things and store food?

Life Skills

Make a poster on “Be the Change: Taking Action Against Pollution”. Write ways to reduce, reuse and recycle things (3 Rs).

Draw and colour pictures that show the importance of these 3 Rs in protecting the environment.

Display the poster in different places in your school to serve as daily reminders to practise eco-friendly habits.

PROJECT 2

Building a Plant Habitat

Objective: Students will create their own plant habitat.

Materials Needed: 3–4 transparent plastic cups, soil, bean seeds, water, pebbles and sticky notes.

Step 1: Prepare the Plant Habitat

In your plastic cups, make a hole at the bottom. Then place a layer of small pebbles at the bottom for drainage. Add soil on top of the pebbles, leaving some space in the cup. Talk about why drainage is important with your elders.

Step 2: Plant the Seeds

Plant a few seeds in the soil, pressing them gently into the surface. Cover the seeds lightly with more soil. Water the soil gently. Take a photo to start your plant growth journal.

Step 3: Set Up Different Conditions

Place the planted cups in different locations with different light (e.g., sunny window, shaded area). Label each cup with the conditions it will get (e.g., ’sunny,’ ’shaded’).

Step 4: Observe and Record Growth

Watch your plants daily. Measure the stem length with a ruler and record it on paper. Draw your plants as they grow.

Measure the stem length again after a few weeks and record it on paper. Take pictures using a camera.

Project Output: You have learnt to make your own plant habitat. Share the results with your class, including the drawings and photos.

Final Outcome: This hands-on project will help you learn more about plant parts and their functions and the conditions plants require to grow.

To be read aloud and explained in the mother tongue by the teacher, as needed.

Assessment 2

Read this magazine article. Answer the questions given below.

Troubled Waters!

The Yamuna River has serious pollution problems. Factories nearby dump harmful chemicals into the river, making the water dangerous. The river is also filled with plastic bags and trash, which pollute the water and harm the aquatic animals. This pollution makes the water dirty, smelly, and unsafe for drinking or swimming. Many people who use the river for washing or drinking can get sick because of the dirty water. Saving the Yamuna is very important for keeping our environment healthy.

1. What type of waste do factories dump into the Yamuna?

A. Paper waste

B. Food waste

C. Chemical waste

2. The water in the Yamuna River is unsafe because:

A. The river has a large variety of fish.

B. It is filled with plastic and trash.

C. Lots of people swim in the river.

3. The Yamuna River is an important source of water for Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. If pollution in the Yamuna River continues to get worse, how might it affect the future of the people living in these places? Mention any two points.

4. Suggest two steps that can be taken to reduce the pollution level in rivers.

To be read aloud and explained in the mother tongue by the teacher, as needed.

19 Locating Places

Chapter Overview

Locating Places

Locating a Place Map

Get Set

Look for the ambulance with a red cross on the side. Spot the large building with a red cross on top. That’s the hospital where the ambulance needs to go. Use a pencil to trace a path from the ambulance to the hospital.

Locating a Place

Understanding the location of a place helps us navigate our surroundings and explore the world around us.

For example, imagine you’re at a big amusement park. A park map can show you where to find the coolest rides, like the roller coaster or the bumper cars. It can also help you figure out how far the snack stands are, the nearest place where you can buy gifts or even how to find the way to the exit when it’s time to go home.

In this chapter, we will learn more about how we can locate different places.

Map

A map is a flattened representation of an area. It is a drawing of a place as if you were looking down at it from above. Maps can show us cities, roads, rivers, mountains, and even different countries. They are very useful when we want to travel, learn about new places, or just understand the world better.

Maps come in all shapes and sizes. Some maps are small and show a small area, like your neighbourhood, while others are big and show the whole world. Some maps are drawn by hand, while others are made using computers and satellites.

A book of maps is called an atlas. It has many kinds of maps. You can even find maps of roads, rivers, mountains and places where animals live or what the weather is like in an atlas.

Types of Maps

Did You Know?

As of now, the oldest surviving map is a map of a small area that was marked on a mammothʼs tusk. It is dated to be 25,000 years old. It was found in a place called Pavlov, in Czech Republic.

Different types of maps show us different things. Let us learn about some common types of maps.

navigate: find your way around surroundings: the places around you locate: find something satellites: machines sent into space to orbit the Earth and take pictures or send information back to Earth

Physical Maps

Physical maps show the natural features of the Earth. They show things like mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and oceans. On a physical map, you’ll see different colours that represent different landforms. For example, mountains might be shown in brown, plains in green and water bodies in blue. These maps help us understand the shape and nature of the land.

Physical map of India

Political Maps

Political map of India showing different states

Political maps show countries, states and cities. Political maps also show important places and landmarks in a country, state or city. These maps are often used to learn about different countries and the divisions within them.

Thematic Maps

Thematic maps show information about a particular theme or topic. For example, a thematic map might show the temperature of a region, where different animals live, or where certain crops are grown. These maps help us understand more about specific topics and can be very interesting to study.

Thematic map showing temperature in India

landforms: things that occur naturally in the environment, like mountains and rivers

Pause and Answer

Match the following.

1. Physical map

2. Political map

3. Thematic map

Digital Maps

a. Shows countries, states, and cities.

b. Shows specific information like climate, or population.

c. Shows natural features like mountains, rivers, and lakes.

In the past, all maps were printed on paper. Today, many maps are digital, which means we can see them on our phones, tablets or computers. Digital maps are really useful because they can be updated in real-time. For example, if a road is closed, a digital map can show you a different route. These maps also allow us to zoom in and out to see more details or a bigger area. With digital maps, you can even get directions to places, see what a location looks like from above with satellite images and find out about traffic conditions.

Elements of a Map

Maps have certain features that help us understand them better.

Title

Think and Tell

In what ways, can digital maps be more helpful to us than maps printed on paper?

The title of the map is usually found at the top. It tells you what the map is about. For example, if the title is “Map of India” then the map will show you India and its surroundings. The title is important because it helps you know exactly what you’re looking at.

digital: something that is available in devices that use the internet real-time: happening at the present moment route: the way or path one takes to go from one place to another satellite images: pictures of the Earth taken from space by satellites

Directions

A direction is an indication leading towards a particular place or a point. Directions are shown on a map to help you know which way is which. Most maps have a symbol called a compass rose that points to the four cardinal directions: north (N), south (S), east (E) and west (W). Sometimes, instead of a compass rose, maps might just have an arrow pointing north, which also helps you figure out the other directions. There are other directions too, called intermediate directions. These are halfway between the main directions. They are:

• Northeast (NE): Between north and east

• Southeast (SE): Between south and east

• Southwest (SW): Between south and west

• Northwest (NW): Between north and west

Knowing these directions helps you understand how to read the map and find your way from one place to another.

Do and Learn

A compass rose

Take a good look around your school. Notice where your classroom, the playground, the library, the principal’s office, and other important places are located. Draw a simple map of your school. Make sure to include all the places you observed. You can use simple shapes or pictures to represent different places on your map. Write the names of the places you’ve drawn on your map. Share the map in your class.

Symbols

Symbols are small pictures or icons on a map that represent different things. For example, a little tent might show where a campsite is, a star might show the location of a capital city and a line might represent a road. These symbols make it easier to read a map.

Each map will have its own set of symbols depending on what it is showing. The symbols are usually explained in the map’s legend.

icons: small pictures or symbols used to represent different things on a map

Legends

The legend, or key, is where the map explains what all the symbols mean. For example, if you see a little tree symbol on the map, the legend will tell you that this symbol represents a forest. If you see a blue line, the legend might tell you it represents a river. The legend helps you understand what every symbol on the map stands for.

Reading a Map

Reading a map is like solving a puzzle. You need to look at all the parts—the title, directions, symbols and legend—to understand what the map is telling you. When you read a map, you can figure out where you are, how to get to where you want to go and learn interesting things about the area.

puzzle: a game or problem to solve

Map legend

LOCATION

For example, if you are planning a trip to the mountains, you would use a map to find the best route to get there. You would look at the roads, check the distances and see what towns or natural features you might pass along the way.

Let us explore this interesting map. Do you see the compass rose? It shows the directions: north, south, east and west. Just like a real compass. Can you find the capital city, the village and the caves? There’s even a forest and a river they are represented by symbols.

Wonders of Bharat

Exploring a Map

Indore celebrated India’s 75th Independence Day in a unique way. Over 5,000 people, including students and social workers, came together to form a giant human chain in the shape of India’s map. This incredible feat earned them a place in the World Book of Records for the largest human chain forming a geographical shape.

Participants formed the outline of the map, including the tricolour flag and the Ashok Chakra emblem in the centre.

Word Splash

atlas: an atlas is a book filled with maps. It shows different places on Earth, like countries, cities, rivers and mountains, helping us learn about the world

physical map: a type of map that shows natural features like mountains, rivers, lakes and oceans

political map: a type of map that shows the boundaries of countries, states and cities, as well as important places like capital cities

thematic map: a map that displays information about a particular theme or topic

digital map: a map that is viewed on a digital device like a phone or computer direction: an indication leading towards a particular place or a point

compass rose: a symbol on a map that shows the four cardinal direction legend: the part of the map that explains what all the symbols in the map mean

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about maps here.

Points to Remember

• There are 3 types of maps: physical maps (show natural features), political maps (show boundaries and cities) and thematic maps (focus on specific topics).

• Digital maps are maps accessed on devices that have an internet connection, offering real-time updates, directions and satellite images.

• Map elements such as the title, directions (compass rose), symbols and legends are crucial for understanding a map.

• Reading a map involves using all elements to navigate, plan routes and learn about different areas.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of the following is a digital map?

Maps available online Atlas A political map

B. Which of the following is an intermediate direction?

North South Northeast

C. What does a legend on a map explain?

The directions The map symbols The title of the map

2. Fill in the blanks.

symbols title compass rose

A. The on a map helps us find North, South, East, and West.

B. The of a map tells you what the map is about.

C. Maps use to represent different things like cities, roads and rivers.

3. Write True or False.

A. Political maps show natural features like rivers and mountains.

B. A compass rose helps us understand directions on a map.

C. All maps are drawn on paper.

4. Match the following.

A. Route

B. Legend

C. Cardinal directions

5. Short-answer questions.

A. What does a physical map show?

a. The part of a map that explains the symbols

b. North, south, east and west

c. The way to get from one place to another

B. Why is a compass rose important on a map?

C. What can you use a digital map for?

D. What information does a political map provide?

E. Draw any five symbols that are seen on a map. Also, write what they stand for.

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Explain the difference between a physical map and a political map.

B. Explain the different elements we can see on maps.

C. Why is it important to have a legend on a map? Explain with an example.

7. Picture-based questions.

Look at this map and the map key. Use them to answer the following questions.

A. How many towns are there?

B. How many towns lie along the highway?

C. How many towns lie next to the lake on the northeast?

D. What could the title of the map be?

Challenge (HOTS)

1. Why do you think it’s important to know which direction is north, south, east or west? Discuss how knowing directions can help you in different situations.

2. Maps help us find our way around and know where we are. Now, think about what would happen if there were no maps at all. What do you think life would be like without maps to guide us?

Life Skills

Use Google Maps to find three different routes from your home to school, with the help of your parents. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each route, considering factors like distance, traffic, safety and interesting places along the way. Choose the best route based on your preferences and the time available.

20 Our Country India

Chapter Overview

Physical Features of India

Get Set

Let us recite this poem aloud together.

In the land of colours bright, Where the sun shines with all its might, India, my country proud, Sings her song clear and loud.

From the Himalayas standing tall, To the beaches where the waves call, Rivers like the Ganga flow, In the deserts, hot winds blow.

With stories of kings and queens, In every corner, history gleams, Future bright as stars above, India, my land of love.

Our Country India

Northern India

Central and Southern India

Physical Features of India

India is a vast and beautiful country with different landforms such as hills, mountains, rivers, plains, plateaus, deserts, etc. These landforms are the physical features of India.

India is the seventh largest country in terms of land area and ranks number one in the world in terms of population. The Tropic of Cancer passes through India. It divides India into two parts.

Physical map of India

Northern India

The northern part of India has three main geographical regions. They are The Great Himalayas, The Northern Plains and The Thar Desert.

The Himalayas

The Himalayan Mountains lie in the northern part of India. They are the highest mountain ranges in the world. Most of the highest mountain peaks, such as Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi, etc, are in the Himalayan Range. Mt Everest is the highest peak in the world. Most of these mountains are covered with snow throughout the year. The weather in this region is cold and it is difficult to grow crops here. The population here is generally less.

Did You Know?

Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first men to reach the peak of Mt Everest in 1953.

Error Alert!

Mount Everest is not located in India. It lies in China and Nepal. The tallest mountain peak in India is Kanchenjunga.

landforms: formations which occur naturally over the earth like mountains, rivers, etc.

The Himalayas have three parallel ranges, which are the Himadri, the Himachal and the Shivalik Ranges. Let us learn more about these ranges.

Himadri

The Himadri, also known as the Greater Himalayas, is the northernmost and the highest mountain range of the Himalayas. This range also has glaciers which form perennial rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna and Brahmaputra. The Greater Himalayas has some of the world’s highest mountain peaks such as Mount Everest, Nanga Parbat and Kanchenjunga.

Himachal

The Himachal, also known as the Lesser or Middle Himalayas, lies to the south of the Greater Himalayas. They are home to hill stations like Shimla, Darjeeling, Mussoorie, Kashmir, Kangra etc. These hill stations have beautiful valleys and many rivers flowing through them.

Shivalik

The Shivalik, or the Outer Himalayas, is the lowest range of the Himalayas. This region is prone to landslides and earthquakes. Yet, the region is covered with dense forests and has a rich biodiversity. The region is densely populated. Terrace farming and sheep rearing are the main occupations in this region.

Northern Plains

The Northern Plains are a vast and fertile region in India, located between the Himalayas in the north and the Deccan Plateau in the south. These plains are formed by the sediments brought by the Himalayan rivers. Because Ganga is the main river in these plains, they are also known as the Gangetic plains.

prone: to be regularly affected by something biodiversity: different types of plants and animals found in a region densely: in large numbers sediments: materials deposited by rivers, winds, rain, etc.

Nanga Parbat

Shimla

Terrace farming

These plains are known for their flat terrain, fertile soil and high availability of water. The main occupation is agriculture. Crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane and jute are commonly grown in the Northern Plains. The region is often referred to as the “food bowl of India” because it produces a large amount of the country’s food grains. These plains are one of the most densely populated regions in India. Several major cities are in the Northern Plains, including Delhi, Kolkata and Patna.

The Thar Desert

Why do you think the Northern Plains are densely populated? Discuss with your partner and share with your class.

The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a large, arid region located in the northwestern part of India. It spans the states of Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat. The Thar Desert receives low rainfall and has sandy soil due to which it has very little vegetation. Life in the desert is hard due to a shortage of drinking water and unfavourable conditions for agriculture. Therefore, the region is thinly populated. Yet, the region is famous for its culture, vibrant folk music, dance, and festivals. The main occupation of people living here is dairy and poultry farming. Camels are used for transportation and are called the “ships of the desert”.

Pause and Answer

Fill in the blanks.

1. The ranges of the Himalayas are covered in snow throughout the year.

2. Terrace farming is the main occupation of people in the ranges of the Himalayas.

3. The Northern Plains are also known as plains.

arid: a region with less rains and dry weather

A farm field in the Northern Plains

Desert region in India

Central and Southern India

The shape of the Southern part of India is in the form of an inverted triangle. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, the Bay of Bengal in the east and the Indian Ocean in the south. A piece of land surrounded by water on three sides is called a peninsula. Therefore, the southern part of India is also known as the Southern Peninsula and is the second-largest peninsula in the world.

The southern part of India is separated from the Northern Plains by the Vindhya and the Satpura mountain ranges.

Major Regions of Southern India

The area from below the Satpura range is mostly a plateau. A plateau is an area of land with steep sides and a flat surface. Let us learn about the major regions of the southern part of India.

• Central Highlands

• Deccan Plateau

• Coastal regions

• Islands

Central Highlands

The central highlands are surrounded by the Aravali range in the northwest and Vindhya range in the south. The central highlands include the Aravali hills, the Malwa plateau and the Chota Nagpur Plateau. These highlands are located mainly in the central part of India.

Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Plateau lies below the Central Highlands and is bordered by the Western Ghats in the west, the Eastern Ghats in the east, and the Vindhya–Satpura in the north. The region is known for its rich soil, minerals and diverse landscapes. It also has reserves of coal, iron, and mica. The region experiences low rainfall due to which the climate remains hot and dry. The main crops grown here are rice, cotton, coffee, tea, and oil seeds.

The Aravali Hills

The Deccan Plateau region

Coastal Plains

The narrow areas of plain between the southern plateau and the sea coasts are called the coastal plains.

The Western Coastal Plain lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The Eastern Coastal Plain lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. Both meet at Kanyakumari which is the southernmost tip of mainland India.

The Western Ghats are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its rich biodiversity. Did You Know?

Crops such as rice, pepper, ginger, cardamon and spices are grown. Coconut trees are also common in the coastal plains. The plains also have rich sea resources like fish and seafood. So, fish farming and sea trading are important activities in this region. Many ports are developed along the coastal plains. They play an important role in national and international trade.

Islands

Fishing is an important activity

Islands are smaller areas of land that are surrounded by water on all sides. Southern India has mainly two island groups: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep Islands. These islands have beautiful landscapes and they attract many tourists from all around the world.

The Lakshadweep Islands are a group of 36 beautiful islands. Kavaratti is the capital city of this island. The traditional occupation in these islands includes fishing and coconut cultivation. The islands are known for their pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated on the eastern coast of India. There are over 572 islands in total, out of which 550 islands are in the Andaman group and 22 islands are in the Nicobar group. The capital city is Port Blair.

pristine: clean and fresh, as if new

Lakshadweep Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

These physical features make India a beautiful country. Whenever we visit these physical features, we should not litter and keep our country clean and beautiful.

Wonders of Bharat

The Chota Nagpur Plateau, a part of the Central Highlands, is known for important minerals like iron ore, copper, etc. India’s first planned industrial city, Jamshedpur, is in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. The city is home to the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) which was the first steel plant of India.

Word Splash

himadri: is the northernmost and the highest mountain range of the Himalayas glacier: a large piece of ice which floats or moves down a valley or mountain perennial: something available throughout the year

Himachal: lies to the south of the greater Himalayas

Shivalik: is the lowest range of the Himalayas

Terrace farming: the process of growing crops on the sides of hills or mountains by planting on the hill slope which looks like steps

Thar Desert: a large, arid region located in the northwestern part of India peninsula: a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides plateau: mountains with a flat region in the middle coastal plains: narrow areas of plains near a sea or ocean

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the physical features of India.

Points to Remember

• India has varied physical features.

• Northern India is divided into the Great Himalayas, The Northern Plains and the Thar Desert.

• There are three mountain ranges in the Himalayas: Himadri, Himachal and Shivalik.

• The Northern Plains are formed by sediment brought by rivers flowing from the Himalayas.

Tata Steel Plant, Jamshedpur

• Southern India is divided into Central Highlands, Deccan Plateau, Coastal plains and Islands. There are two main island groups in India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. Which of these is the major occupation of people in Northern India?

Fishing Farming Coconut cultivation

B. Which of the following states covers a major part of the Thar Desert?

Tamil Nadu Kerala Rajasthan

C. Which is the line that divides India into two halves?

Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn Coastline

D. is the southernmost tip of mainland India.

Kanyakumari India Point Port Blair

2. Fill in the blanks.

Mt Everest Northern Plains Bay of Bengal eastern coast

A. The world’s highest mountain peak is .

B. Eastern coastal plain lies between Eastern Ghats and the of India.

C. The is often referred to as the “food bowl of India”.

D. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated on the .

3. Write True or False.

A. The Himadri range is densely populated.

B. The main occupation of people in the Thar Desert is poultry and dairy farming.

C. The central highlands are surrounded by the Aravali range in the south.

D. Port Blair is the capital of the Lakshadweep Islands.

4. Match the following.

A. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

B. Lakshadweep Islands

C. Aravali hills

D. Deccan Plateau

E. Thar Desert

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Name a few hill stations in the Himachal Range.

a. Central Highlands

b. Camels

c. Kavaratti

d. Port Blair

e. Minerals

B. Why is Northern Plains known as the “food bowl of India”?

C. Why are camels called the “ships of the desert”?

D. What are the main crops grown in the Deccan Plateau region?

E. What is the type of climate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Why do you think the Himalaya region is thinly populated?

B. Describe the landforms in the southern part of India.

7. Picture-based questions.

The picture given above is Shimla, a famous hill station. Answer the following questions related to the given picture.

A. In which Himalayan region is Shimla located?

B. Name any two more hill stations that are in this Himalayan range.

C. Name any three types of trees that grow in this region.

Challenge (HOTS)

What would happen if the Aravalli range was the highest range in the world instead of the Himalayas? Would affect the climate of the Northern Plains, the Thar and the Himalayas? Explain your answer.

Life Skills

Research on the lives of people of the Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands group. Make a poster and illustrate it with pictures. Express your research in five points in your poster.

Our Earth 21

Get Set

Let’s read the poem together!

Earth is a planet we all share, With plants and animals everywhere. Rivers flow and mountains rise, Clouds float gently in the skies. The sun shines bright to give us light, The moon glows softly in the night. We have oceans deep and wide, And meadows where the flowers hide.

Let’s be kind and do our part, To protect Earth with all our heart. Pick up trash, and save water too, And cherish the planet we call home, it’s true!

Let us learn more about our planet Earth in this chapter.

Our Earth

Shape of the Earth Movement of the Earth Location of the Earth

Chapter Overview

Introduction

We all live on the planet Earth. The word ‘Earth’ means ‘the ground’ or ‘soil’. Earth is the only planet in the solar system which supports life. This is because Earth has water in liquid form. Around 3/4 of the Earth’s surface has water and the rest is land with various landscapes such as plains, deserts, and mountains. Water is present in the air as water vapour. Ice or snow on the Earth is the solid form of water while liquid water is present in different water bodies.

Landscapes of Earth

Location of the Earth

Remember!

There are eight planets in our Solar system. Earth is one of them.

The Earth is the third planet from the Sun in the solar system. The distance between the Sun and Earth is about 150 million km. This position of Earth allows the right amount of heat and light from the Sun to support life on Earth. There is a layer of air that surrounds the Earth. This layer is called the atmosphere

Think and Tell

Plain

Desert Mountains

Pause and Answer

Answer the following.

1. The only planet that supports life.

2. The layer of air surrounding the Earth.

3. The position of Earth from the Sun in the solar system.

4. The distance between the Sun and the Earth.

Shape of the Earth

We all walk on flat land so the Earth appears flat to us. Earlier, people also believed the Earth to be flat. However, some explorers sailed around the Earth and reached the same place from where they had begun their journey. It showed that the Earth is not flat but somewhat round.

Over time, photographs of Earth taken from outer space proved that Earth is not perfectly round. Rather, it is slightly flat at the top and bottom just like an orange. This shape of Earth is called oblate spheroid.

Movements of the Earth

Did You Know?

The word “Geoid” means “earth shaped”.

Ordinarily, it feels like the Earth is stationary. But actually, the Earth is constantly moving and it shows two types of movement. These are rotation and revolution. Let’s learn about them, one by one.

Rotation of the Earth

Try to spin a bangle on a flat table. Can you see a vertical line forming in the centre of the spinning bangle? This imaginary line is called the axis. The Earth spins around its axis. This movement of Earth is called rotation. The Earth rotates from west to east. The axis of the Earth is not a straight line, but it is slightly tilted. The Earth takes 24 hours to complete one rotation. The rotation of the Earth causes day and night.

stationary: not moving

Duration: 24 hours or 1 day

Shape of the Earth

Day and Night

The rotation of the Earth causes day and night. The half of the Earth’s side faces the Sun and has day. The other half of the Earth faces away from the Sun and has night.

Revolution of the Earth

Have you ever wondered why we experience different seasons? Let us find out. The Earth moves around the Sun in a fixed path called an orbit. The movement of the Earth around the Sun in an orbit is called revolution. The Earth completes one revolution in one year. The revolution of the Earth around the Sun is responsible for the occurrence of seasons on Earth.

FPO Do and Learn

Occurrence of day and night

Take a wooden stick and fix it on the ground in sunlight. Observe its shadow. Mark the top of the shadow. Observe the shadow after one hour. Again, mark the top of the shadow. Repeat it for 6–7 hours. The size and the direction of the shadow change every hour. The change in the position of the shadow is due to the changed position of the Sun. But we know that the Sun does not move. Rather it is the movement of Earth around its axis that makes us feel the changed position of the Sun. Observe your shadow through the day. Find out when it the longest and when it is the shortest.

The revolution of Earth and its tilted axis causes seasons

Do you like watching the sunset? While it seems that the Sun is moving, itʼs actually the Earth that is moving. Youʼve learned that the Earth rotates on its axis, but do you feel it? No, just like in a moving car, it feels like everything outside is moving. We don’t feel Earthʼs movement because we move with it.

Wonders of Bharat

Aryabhata was one of the greatest astronomers of ancient India. Long before anyone else, he believed that the Earth was spherical, not flat. He also gave the idea of the rotation of the Earth on its axis.

Word Splash

atmosphere: the layer of air surrounding the Earth axis: an imaginary line that goes through the centre of the Earth rotation: movement of the Earth on its axis

orbit: a fixed path in which the Earth moves around the Sun revolution: movement of the Earth around the Sun seasons: weather conditions that stay the same for three or more months

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the movements of the Earth.

Points to Remember

• The Earth is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system.

• The shape of the Earth is called an oblate spheroid.

• The Earth shows two types of movement—rotation and revolution.

• The rotation of the Earth causes day and night while the revolution causes seasons.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answer.

A. The part of the Earth’s surface that consists of land is

B. The Earth has a layer of surrounding it.

C. The distance between the Earth and the Sun is 150 million km 200 million km 100 million km

2. Fill in the blanks.

orbit axis rotation oblate spheroid

A. The of the Earth is an imaginary line.

B. The shape of the Earth is called an .

C. The movement of the Earth around the Sun in an is called revolution.

D. The movement of the Earth around its own axis is called .

3. Write True or False.

A. The water on the Earth is present only in liquid form.

B. Days and nights occur due to the revolution of the Earth.

C. The axis of the Earth is a straight line.

D. The Earth is the third planet from the Sun.

4. Match the following.

A. The movement of the Earth on its axis a. 1 year

B. The duration of one rotation

C. The movement of the Earth around the Sun

b. 1 day

c. Revolution

D. The duration of one revolution d. Rotation

5. Short-answer questions.

A. Define the following:

a. the axis of the Earth b. orbit

B. Why do we not feel the rotation of the Earth?

C. How are seasons caused?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. How is rotation different from revolution in terms of each of the following?

a. Movement

b. Duration

B. How do we know that the Earth is neither perfectly flat nor perfectly round? Describe the actual shape of the Earth.

C. With the help of a diagram, explain the occurrence of day and night based on rotation.

7. Picture-based questions.

Look at the picture and answer the following questions.

A. Identify the part of the Earth that has day.

B. Identify the part of the Earth that has night.

C. Name the imaginary line around which the Earth spins.

Challenge (HOTS)

1. What would happen if the Earth stopped revolving around the Sun?

2. What would happen if the Earth took twice as long to complete one rotation?

PROJECT 3

Creating a 3D Map of India

Objective: Students will create a 3D map of India, highlighting the major physical features: the Northern Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Great Indian Desert, the Southern Plateau, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.

Materials Needed: A large sheet of cardboard, clay, paints and brushes, colours, markers, toothpicks and paper, glue, scissors, map of India (for reference).

Step 1: Prepare the Base Map Draw an outline of India on the cardboard. Divide the map into the major physical regions: the Northern Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Great Indian Desert, the Southern Plateau, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands. Use a pencil to lightly sketch the boundaries.

Step 2: Create the Northern Mountains: Use clay to form the Northern Mountains. Make them elevated to show the height of the Himalayas. Once shaped, paint the mountains brown, and paint their peaks white.

Step 3: Shape the Northern Plains: Use clay or playdough to create the Northern Plains. Make it flat. Paint this area green to depict the fertile land.

Step 4: Build the Great Indian Desert: Mould the desert area using clay. Create small dunes to represent the sandy landscape. Paint the desert yellow.

Step 5: Form the Southern Plateau: Use a medium thickness of clay to build the Southern Plateau. Create slopes to show the plateau’s height. Paint it in shades of red.

Step 6: Design the Coastal Plains: Shape the Coastal Plains as narrow, flat strips along the eastern and western edges of India. Paint these regions green.

Step 7: Create the Islands: Make small clay pieces to represent the island groups. Paint these islands green with blue edges to signify their location in the ocean.

Step 8: Label the Features: Write labels for each physical feature on small pieces of paper. Attach the labels to toothpicks and insert them into the appropriate regions on the map.

Project Output: You have your own 3D map of India’s physical features. Present it to your class.

Final Outcome: This hands-on project will help you understand the location and nature of the different physical features of India.

To be read aloud and explained in the mother tongue by the teacher, as needed.

Assessment 3

Read about Tara’s travel. Answer the questions given below.

Tara’s Trip Around India

Tara’s family loves to travel. They planned a trip around India. They first visited the Himalayas, where Tara was amazed by the tall, snowcapped mountains. Next, they travelled to the Gangetic Plains, where vast, flat lands stretched as far as her eyes could see. Afterward, they journeyed to the Thar Desert, where Tara felt the hot sand under her feet. The adventure continued to the Deccan Plateau, where the land was high and rocky. Finally, they reached the Coastal Plains along the Bay of Bengal and saw how the land met the sea. Tara’s favourite part was visiting the Andaman Islands, where she learnt about how islands rise above the water. Through this trip, Tara realised how diverse and beautiful Earth’s landforms are, each with its own unique features and importance.

1. Which type of landform did Tara visit where she saw towering snowcapped peaks?

A. Plains

B. Plateau

C. Mountain

2. What distinct feature did Tara observe in the Thar Desert?

A. Tall, snow-covered peaks

B. Hot sand and sand dunes

C. Vast, flat, and fertile land

3. Many important rivers of India, like the Ganga and the Yamuna, originate from the Himalayas. Where do their water come from?

4. Tara wants to grow more trees in the desert. What challenges do you think she would face? What advice can you give her to solve those problems? Answer in 2–3 sentences. To

22 Indian Elections

Chapter Overview

India—The Largest

Get Set Indian

Union of India

The government is a group of people who run the country and make laws for the country. The government also works for the welfare of the people. The people who help in the governance of the country, or ministers, are chosen by the people through voting.

welfare: to do good in terms of health and well-being

India—The Largest Democracy

India is the largest democracy in the world. Democracy is a system of government where the people of the country choose their leaders. In a democracy, the people have a say in how the government is run. The leaders chosen by the people are their representatives. The representatives come together to form the government and take decisions for the people. The representatives are chosen through a process called an election. In elections, people vote for representatives of their choice and elect them as leaders. In India, people vote using a secret ballot system. In this system, the name of the person voted for by a voter is not disclosed.

Did You Know?

India’s first elections after gaining independence were held in 1951–1952.

Jawaharlal Nehru was chosen as the first Prime Minister of India.

Union of India

India consists of 28 states and 8 union territories. The states and the union territories of India together form the union of India. The elected government, which takes care of all the people of India, is called the central government. Every state in India has an elected government. They are known as state governments. The union territories are governed by the central government.

The Parliament

The Parliament of India is where laws are made for the entire country. It has two houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha consists of members who are elected by the people through voting. It is also called the Lower House of Parliament.

The Rajya Sabha is made up of members who are elected by the representatives of the states. It is also called the Upper House of Parliament.

Elections in India

The Parliament of India

The members of the Lok Sabha belong to different political parties. The party that wins a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha wins the election. The leader of the winning party becomes the Prime Minister of India. The Prime Minister is the head of the government in India.

With the help of the internet, find out the total number of members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Do and Learn

Pause and Answer

Name the following.

1. Head of the government in India

2. A group of people who run the country

3. The Upper House of Parliament

Elections in India

In India, elections play a key role in choosing the government and how the country is run. Every citizen of the country who is 18 years of age or older has the right to vote and take part in the election process. Elections are held in multiple stages. The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

In the past, votes were cast using ballot papers, but now Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used. EVMs are the fastest, easiest and safest way to vote. They also speed up the counting of votes.

The Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India is a special body that is responsible for conducting the elections. It is their duty to ensure that the elections are free and fair. The Election Commission of India conducts elections for both the central and state governments. State Election Commissions are present in each state. They conduct elections for local government bodies, like the Gram Panchayats and Municipal Corporations. The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election Commission of India.

An EVM used in elections in India

Voter ID Cards

As we have learnt, all citizens in India above the age of 18 are allowed to vote. Voter ID cards are given to all eligible voters in India. They serve as the proof of identity and age, allowing people to vote in elections. Every citizen who is 18 years or older should have a voter ID card to participate in elections. The voter ID cards are issued by the Election Commission of India. As citizens of India, we must vote during elections and participate in decision making for our country. Voting is our right.

Wonders of Bharat

The new building of the Parliament of India was inaugurated on 28 May 2023. The building features rich art and crafts from the different states of India. The red sandstone that was used in the construction came from Rajasthan, carpets from Uttar Pradesh, and bamboo wood panels were brought from Assam.

Word Splash

democracy: a system of government where people choose their leaders by voting secret ballot system: a system of voting where the identity of the voter or the person who has been voted for is not disclosed

Parliament: the supreme legislative body of India

Election Commission of India: an independent body that conducts elections in India voter ID card: an identity card given to the eligible voters

Explore More!

Scan the QR code to learn more about why free and fair elections are important.

Indian voter ID cards

Points to Remember

• India is the largest democracy in the world.

• The Union of India consists of 28 states and 8 union territories.

• The Parliament of India has two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

• The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections in India.

• Voter ID cards are essential for participating in elections.

Chapter Checkup

1. Tick ( ) the correct answers.

A. Who governs the union territories in India?

State government Central government Local government

B. What does the Election Commission of India do?

Makes laws Delivers justice Issues Voter ID cards

C. Which house of Parliament is known as the Lower House?

Rajya Sabha Lok Sabha State Assembly

D. What is required to vote in an election?

Passport Voter ID Card Driving License

2. Fill in the blanks. 28 New Delhi democracy Lok Sabha

A. India is known as the largest in the world.

B. The Union of India consists of states and 8 union territories.

C. The is the Lower House of Parliament.

D. is the capital of India and a union territory.

3. Write True or False.

A. The Lok Sabha is also known as the Upper House.

B. The Election Commission ensures that elections are conducted fairly.

C. Voter ID cards are only for people under 18 years of age.

D. The Prime Minister of India is the head of the Election Commission of India.

4. Match the following.

A. Lok Sabha

B. Voter ID Card

C. State Election Commission

D. Parliament

5. Short-answer questions.

a. Where laws are made

b. Conducts elections for Gram Panchayats

c. Needed to vote

d. Lower House

A. Name the two houses of the Parliament of India.

B. Where is the Supreme Court of India located?

C. Who can vote in the elections in India?

D. Who is the head of the Election Commission of India?

6. Long-answer questions.

A. Why is the Election Commission important for elections?

B. How are Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) helpful in conducting an election?

7. Picture-based questions.

Look at the image and answer the questions that follow.

A. What card is shown in the above picture?

B. When is it used?

C. Who is eligible to receive this card?

Challenge (HOTS)

Why do you think the Election Commission of India issues Voter ID cards only to eligible voters?

Life Skills

For the upcoming elections in your area, the secretary or an elderly person of your colony/society/area has asked you to prepare a poster on the importance of voting. Prepare a poster showing the importance of voting as our right. Also, write a slogan on your poster.

About the Book

Introducing Discover, a thoughtfully crafted EVS book that builds an understanding of, and nurtures a love for, the environment in young minds. In keeping with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s focus on competency-based education, Discover provides opportunities for learners to master key concepts, hone their critical thinking, develop the ability to make informed choices, and apply 21st century skills in their day-to-day lives.

Discover is designed to pique the students’ interest in EVS, both as a subject and as a practical experience, while also making them well-rounded individuals who interact with the world around them in a rational and meaningful way.

Key Features

Coursebook • Uolo App • Teacher’s Guide

• STEAM Projects: Engaging, hands-on projects blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) to inspire young minds

• Competency-based Assessments: Test papers designed to evaluate the understanding of core concepts and application of skills

• Story-based Approach: Enchanting comic stories that bring learning themes to life, making education a captivating adventure

• Picture-based Questions: Questions featuring visual stimuli to elevate comprehension, interpretation and critical thinking

• Wonders of Bharat: Fascinating insights into India’s rich culture and heritage, designed to ignite a profound sense of pride and love for the nation

About Uolo

Uolo partners with K-12 schools to provide technology-based learning programs. We believe pedagogy and technology must come together to deliver scalable learning experiences that generate measurable outcomes. Uolo is trusted by over 15,000+ schools across India, South East Asia and the Middle East.

ISBN 978-81-979364-2-5