Environmental Studies Part 1 परिसर अभ्यास भाग 1

Quick summary

This chapter tells us about the heavenly bodies we see in the sky. It explains stars, planets, satellites and the solar system. Our earth is one of the eight planets that move around the sun.

Key points

• The sun, moon, stars and planets are called heavenly bodies.
• Stars twinkle and have their own light. The sun is also a star.
• The sun is the star nearest to us, so it looks big and bright. In daytime its light hides the other stars.
• Planets do not twinkle. They have no light of their own; they get light from the sun.
• The eight planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
• The path along which a planet moves around the sun is called its orbit.
• The sun and all the bodies moving around it together make the solar system.
• Satellites move around planets. The moon is the earth's satellite.
• Pluto is a dwarf planet. Dwarf planets have their own orbit around the sun.
• Asteroids are many small bodies found between Mars and Jupiter.

Important terms

• Heavenly bodies – objects in the sky like the sun, moon, stars and planets.
• Star – a heavenly body that has its own light and twinkles.
• Planet (ग्रह) – a heavenly body that moves around a star and has no light of its own.
• Satellite – a body that moves around a planet.
• Orbit – the fixed path of a body around the sun or a planet.
• Solar system (सूर्यमाला) – the sun with all the bodies that revolve around it.

Key facts

5 important questions

Q1. What is the difference between a star and a planet?

A star has its own light and twinkles. A planet has no light of its own, gets light from the sun and does not twinkle.

Q2. Why does the sun look bigger than other stars?

The sun is the star closest to the earth. Other stars are very far away, so they look tiny.

Q3. Name the eight planets of the solar system.

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Q4. What is a satellite? Give an example.

A heavenly body that revolves around a planet is a satellite. The moon is the satellite of the earth.

Q5. Where are asteroids found?

Asteroids are small heavenly bodies found in a band between Mars and Jupiter. They also revolve around the sun.

Exam tip

Remember the order of planets from the sun. Learn the difference: stars twinkle, planets do not.

Quick summary

The earth has two motions: it spins around itself (rotation) and it moves around the sun (revolution). Rotation gives us day and night. Revolution gives us a year and, with the tilted axis, the seasons.

Key points

• Turning of an object around itself is called rotation. The imaginary line around which it turns is its axis.
• The earth's axis passes through its centre and is tilted (inclined).
• The ends of the axis are the North Pole and the South Pole.
• The equator is an imaginary circle midway between the poles. It divides the earth into the northern and southern hemispheres.
• The earth rotates from west to east. So the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.
• One rotation takes one day (24 hours). The lit half has day, the other half has night.
• Moving around the sun is called revolution. One revolution takes about 365 days and 6 hours = one year.
• The extra 6 hours add up to one day every four years. That year has 366 days and is called a leap year; February then has 29 days.
• Because of the tilted axis and revolution, we get seasons. In India there are six seasons (ritus); this cycle is called 'rituchakra'.

Important terms

• Rotation (परिवलन) – the earth turning around its own axis.
• Revolution (परिभ्रमण) – the earth moving around the sun.
• Axis – the imaginary line around which the earth rotates.
• Equator – imaginary circle that divides the earth into two equal halves.
• Hemisphere – half of the earth.
• Leap year – a year of 366 days, coming every four years.

Key facts

• 1 day = 1 rotation = 24 hours.
• 1 year = 1 revolution ≈ 365 days 6 hours.
• Leap year: 366 days, February has 29 days.

5 important questions

Q1. What is rotation? What is its result?

The earth spinning around its own axis is rotation. Because of it we get day and night.

Q2. What is revolution? How long does it take?

The earth moving around the sun is revolution. It takes about 365 days and 6 hours (one year).

Q3. Why do we have a leap year?

A year is about 365 days and 6 hours. The extra 6 hours make one full day in four years, so every fourth year has 366 days.

Q4. What is the equator?

An imaginary circle around the earth, midway between the North and South Poles. It divides the earth into the northern and southern hemispheres.

Q5. In which direction does the earth rotate?

From west to east. That is why the sun appears to rise in the east.

Exam tip

Do not mix up rotation (day–night) and revolution (year–seasons). Draw a small labelled globe with poles and equator.

Quick summary

The earth has four spheres: lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air) and biosphere (living world). Living things are found where these three meet. This chapter explains each sphere and why the earth supports life.

Key points

• The hard outer layer of the earth (land and rock) is the lithosphere. It continues under the oceans also.
• About one-third of the earth's surface is land and two-thirds is water.
• There are seven continents: Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica and Australia. Asia is the largest, Australia the smallest.
• There are five oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Southern Ocean. Ocean water is salty.
• Plains, plateaus, hills, mountains, valleys and islands are landforms.
• Rivers, lakes, ice, groundwater and water vapour together form the hydrosphere. River water is fresh water.
• Smaller rivers that join a big river are its tributaries.
• The layer of air around the earth is the atmosphere. It gives oxygen and protects us.
• The biosphere is the part of land, water and air where living things are found.
• The earth has air, water and the right temperature, so life exists on it.

Important terms

• Lithosphere (शिलावरण) – the land and rocky crust of the earth.
• Hydrosphere (जलावरण) – all the water on and around the earth.
• Atmosphere (वातावरण) – the blanket of air around the earth.
• Biosphere (जीवावरण) – the zone where life exists.
• Continent – a very large continuous piece of land.
• Tributary – a river that joins a bigger river.

Key facts

• Land : water on earth ≈ 1 : 2.
• Largest continent: Asia. Smallest: Australia.
• Groundwater is reached through wells and bore wells.

5 important questions

Q1. Name the four spheres of the earth.

Lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

Q2. Name the seven continents.

Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe and Australia.

Q3. What is a tributary?

A smaller river that joins a bigger river is called its tributary.

Q4. What does the hydrosphere include?

Oceans, rivers, lakes, ice, groundwater and the water vapour in the air.

Q5. Why is there life on the earth?

The earth has air, water, suitable temperature and sunlight. These make life possible.

Exam tip

Learn the names of the continents and oceans with a world map. Questions on "name the spheres" are common.

Quick summary

All living and non-living things in a place depend on each other. This chapter explains biodiversity, the environment, food chains and how nature keeps a balance. When humans disturb this balance, all living things suffer.

Key points

• The variety of living things found in a place is its biodiversity.
• The surroundings and conditions that affect the life of organisms are their environment. Sunlight, air, water, soil, plants and animals are parts of it.
• Living and non-living things depend on each other.
• Plants make their own food using sunlight. Animals depend on plants or other animals for food.
• A food chain shows who eats whom, e.g. grass → grasshopper → frog → snake.
• Many food chains joined together make a food web.
• Nature keeps the number of each kind of living thing in balance. This is environmental balance.
• Cutting forests, killing animals and pollution disturb this balance.
• If one link of a food chain is lost, the other living things in it are affected.

Important terms

• Biodiversity (जैवविविधता) – variety of living things in a place.
• Environment (पर्यावरण) – surroundings and conditions that affect living things.
• Food chain (अन्नसाखळी) – the order in which living things eat one another.
• Environmental balance – the natural balance among all parts of the environment.

Key facts

• Every food chain begins with a plant.
• Scientists study biodiversity by observing day and night, in all seasons, over a long time.

5 important questions

Q1. What is biodiversity?

The variety of all living things that belong to a particular place is called its biodiversity.

Q2. What is a food chain? Give one example.

The order in which living things depend on each other for food. Example: grass → deer → tiger.

Q3. What does the environment include?

Sunlight, air, water, soil, plants, animals and all conditions around a living thing.

Q4. What happens if frogs disappear from a field?

Insects will increase and harm crops, and snakes that eat frogs will not get food. The balance is disturbed.

Q5. How can we help keep environmental balance?

Plant trees, do not waste water, avoid plastic, do not harm animals and keep surroundings clean.

Exam tip

Practise making food chains from given living things. Always start with a plant.

Quick summary

A family is the first place where we learn values. This chapter talks about sharing decisions, honesty, cooperation and caring for each other. These family values also help us become good citizens.

Key points

• Each person in a family has different likes and opinions, but all care for each other.
• Family members talk to each other before taking decisions. Everyone gets a chance to give an opinion.
• When everyone is part of decision-making, the matter is discussed well and everybody feels valued.
• Citizens also take part in public decisions, like suggesting how a village or city should spend money.
• If we feel a government decision is wrong, we can give our opinion.
• Honesty gives us self-confidence. An honest person is respected by all.
• Sharing work at home, helping elders and respecting everyone's work are good values.
• Boys and girls should share household work equally.

Important terms

• Values (मूल्ये) – good qualities and ways of behaving.
• Decision-making – deciding something together after discussion.
• Honesty – being truthful in words and actions.
• Cooperation – working together and helping each other.

Key facts

• Values learnt at home: love, care, honesty, cooperation, respect, sharing.
• We should form our own opinion, not just repeat what others say.

5 important questions

Q1. Why should everyone in the family take part in decisions?

Everyone can share their views, the matter is discussed fully, and each person feels important.

Q2. How can citizens take part in public decision-making?

They can give suggestions for village or city plans and register their opinion on government decisions.

Q3. Why is honesty important?

Honesty gives us self-confidence and makes others trust and respect us.

Q4. How can you help at home?

By helping in cleaning, cooking, shopping, caring for elders and keeping my things in order.

Q5. Name any four family values.

Love, honesty, cooperation and respect for others.

Exam tip

Write answers with examples from your own home life. Short, clear points get full marks.

Quick summary

Rules help society run smoothly and make life disciplined. Rules apply equally to everyone and nobody is above them. Human-made rules can change with time, but the laws of nature do not change.

Key points

• Traffic rules help vehicles move smoothly and safely. Social rules tell people what their duties are.
• Rules are made for the common good. Following them makes life disciplined and work efficient.
• Rules apply equally to all. Breaking rules leads to punishment, with no discrimination. Equality is the basis of rules.
• We make the rules of society ourselves, so they can be changed when needed.
• Laws of nature, such as sunrise and sunset, gravity, tides and phases of the moon, never change.
• After Independence, India's laws changed. For example, the voting age was 21 years; in 1988 it was lowered to 18 years.
• Boys and girls, men and women are equal and must get equal opportunities.
• Rules are made to make sure no injustice is done to anyone.

Important terms

• Rule (नियम) – a guide that tells us what to do and what not to do.
• Discipline – orderly behaviour by following rules.
• Equality (समता) – treating everyone the same.
• Laws of nature – fixed natural events that humans cannot change.

Important dates and people

• Voting age in India was lowered from 21 to 18 years in 1988.

5 important questions

Q1. Why do we need rules?

Rules tell each person their duties. They make our life disciplined and help everyone live safely and work well.

Q2. "Rules are for everyone." Explain.

Rules apply equally to all people. No one is above the rules, and anyone who breaks them is punished.

Q3. How are the laws of nature different from the rules of society?

Laws of nature never change, like the rising of the sun. Rules of society are made by people and can be changed.

Q4. Give one example of a rule that changed after Independence.

The voting age was 21 years; it was reduced to 18 years after 1988.

Q5. Write any two traffic rules.

Stop at a red signal. Cross the road only at the zebra crossing.

Exam tip

Learn the example of voting age change. Always connect rules with equality and the common good.

Quick summary

Villages and cities face many problems in civic life, like water shortage, garbage and disputes. One person alone cannot solve them. This chapter shows how people can solve problems together through discussion and cooperation.

Key points

• Problems faced by people in villages and cities are called issues in civic life, e.g. water shortage, garbage, no cycle track, land disputes.
• Ignoring problems makes them worse, so they should be solved in time.
• Such problems are solved through everyone's effort and cooperation.
• Constant disputes break unity and stop the progress of a village.
• Small disputes can be solved locally by talking to both sides. Serious ones go to the proper bodies or the courts.
• Since 2007, Maharashtra runs the 'Mahatma Gandhi Dispute-Free Village Mission' (तंटामुक्त गाव मोहीम). Villages that solve disputes peacefully get a peace award.
• In cities, Mohalla committees help to solve disputes.
• Hiware Bazaar village in Ahmadnagar district solved its water shortage and animal-feed problem with the participation of villagers. It is now green.

Important terms

• Civic life – life of people living together in a village or city.
• Dispute (तंटा) – a quarrel or disagreement between people.
• Cooperation – working together for a common goal.
• Mohalla committee – a local group in cities that helps settle disputes.

Important dates and people

• 2007 – Mahatma Gandhi Dispute-Free Village Mission began in Maharashtra.
• Hiware Bazaar (Ahmadnagar) – example of villagers solving water shortage together.

5 important questions

Q1. What are issues in civic life? Give two examples.

Problems faced by people in villages and cities are issues in civic life. Examples: water shortage and piling up of garbage.

Q2. Why should disputes be solved quickly?

Disputes break the unity of a village and stop its progress.

Q3. What is the aim of the Mahatma Gandhi Dispute-Free Village Mission?

That villages solve their own disputes through peaceful discussion, which increases harmony.

Q4. How did Hiware Bazaar solve its water problem?

With the help and participation of all villagers, the water shortage and animal-feed problem were solved.

Q5. Who helps solve disputes in cities?

Mohalla committees.

Exam tip

Remember the year 2007 and the example of Hiware Bazaar.

Quick summary

Water, electricity, health care, education and transport are public facilities meant for everyone. Our school is also part of this system. This chapter explains public facilities, the right to education and the role of the community in a school.

Key points

• Important public services: water supply, electricity, health services, education and transport.
• Other public facilities: post office, telephone, fire brigade, police, banks, parks, gardens and swimming pools.
• Bus and railway are public facilities of transport.
• We must use public facilities responsibly and not damage them.
• A school has facilities like a library, laboratory, playground, drinking water, toilets for girls and boys, ramp, computer class and midday meal.
• Every child has the right to go to school. This is the right to education.
• Under the Right to Education Act, every child aged 6 to 14 must go to school and complete primary education. For children with special needs the upper age limit is 18.
• People and institutions of the community help a school by giving libraries, labs and sports equipment.

Important terms

• Public facilities (सार्वजनिक सुविधा) – services provided for everyone's use.
• Right to education – every child's right to go to school and learn.
• Community – people living in an area who help each other.

Important dates and people

• Right to Education Act: compulsory schooling for ages 6–14 (up to 18 for children with special needs).

5 important questions

Q1. Name any four public facilities.

Water supply, electricity, hospitals and buses.

Q2. What does the Right to Education Act say?

Every child between 6 and 14 years must go to school and complete primary education.

Q3. What is the upper age limit for children with special needs?

18 years instead of 14.

Q4. How should we use public facilities?

Carefully and responsibly, without wasting or damaging them, because they are for everyone.

Q5. How does the community help in a school's development?

By donating libraries, laboratories, sports equipment and helping in school activities.

Exam tip

Learn the age group 6–14 of the Right to Education Act. Make a list of facilities in your own school.

Quick summary

Land is not of the same height everywhere. Maps can show mountains, valleys and plains using special methods. This chapter explains how height is shown on maps and how signs and symbols make maps easy to read.

Key points

• Humans have made maps since ancient times; earlier they were mainly used in wars.
• Height of land is shown on a map by three methods: contour line method, layer tinting method and digital elevation model.
• Contour lines join places of the same height. Lines close together show a steep slope; lines far apart show a gentle slope.
• In the layer tinting method, spaces between contour lines are filled with colours. Low land is dark green, higher land light green, then yellow, brown and so on.
• The digital elevation model is the most modern method. It uses information from man-made satellites.
• Earlier, height was shown by 'hill shading'.
• Maps showing height and landforms are physical maps. They are used in military work, tourism, mountaineering and planning.
• Standard signs and symbols are used so that everyone can read a map. Their meanings are given in the key (index) of the map.
• The Survey of India was established in 1767. Its headquarters are in Dehradun (Uttarakhand).

Important terms

• Contour line – a line on a map joining places of equal height.
• Layer tinting – showing heights with different colours.
• Conventional signs – letters or shapes like lines, dots, triangles used on maps.
• Conventional symbols – small drawings of objects like temples or forts.
• Key – the list explaining signs and symbols on a map.

Key facts

• Close contour lines = steep slope. Far apart = gentle slope.
• Survey of India: set up 1767, HQ Dehradun.

5 important questions

Q1. Name the methods of showing height on a map.

Contour line method, layer tinting method and digital elevation model.

Q2. How do contour lines show a steep slope?

When contour lines are close to each other, the slope is steep.

Q3. What is the layer tinting method?

Spaces between contour lines are filled with different colours, each showing a range of height.

Q4. Why are standard signs and symbols used?

So that everyone reads a map the same way and gets exact information easily.

Q5. Where is the headquarters of the Survey of India?

Dehradun, in Uttarakhand.

Exam tip

Practise drawing signs for road, railway, well, temple and post office.

Quick summary

India is a large country with mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coasts and islands. Because of this, its weather, crops, plants and animals differ from region to region. Its people also have many languages, festivals and ways of life.

Key points

• The Himalaya ranges form India's northern border.
• India is surrounded by water on three sides: the Arabian Sea (west), the Bay of Bengal (east) and the Indian Ocean (south). This southern part is the Indian peninsula.
• The height of land in India goes from sea level to more than 8000 metres, so the climate changes from place to place.
• Wheat is the main crop in the north. Rice is the main crop in the south and along the coast. Jowar is grown in central India.
• India has mountain, plain, plateau, desert, forest and marshy regions.
• Island groups: Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea; Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal.
• Forts built on islands to protect the coast are called sea forts.
• India is a democratic republic. Its capital is New Delhi.
• By area, Rajasthan is the largest State, then Madhya Pradesh, then Maharashtra. Goa is the smallest.
• People of many religions, tribes and languages live in India. This is our unity in diversity.

Important terms

• Peninsula (द्वीपकल्प) – land surrounded by water on three sides.
• Island – land surrounded by water on all sides.
• Sea fort – a fort built on an island near the coast.
• Union Territory – a region governed directly by the Central Government.

Key facts

• Largest State by area: Rajasthan. Maharashtra is third.
• Smallest State by area: Goa.
• The Great Indian Desert (Thar) is mainly in Rajasthan.

5 important questions

Q1. Which water bodies surround India?

The Arabian Sea in the west, the Bay of Bengal in the east and the Indian Ocean in the south.

Q2. Why does weather differ from region to region in India?

India is very large and the height of land varies from sea level to over 8000 m.

Q3. Name the island groups of India and where they are.

Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea; Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

Q4. Which are the three largest States of India by area?

Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Q5. Which crops are mainly grown in north, south and central India?

Wheat in the north, rice in the south and coast, jowar in central India.

Exam tip

Practise on the outline map of India: mark the seas, Himalayas, Maharashtra and the island groups.

Quick summary

A house gives us shelter and protection. The type of house people build depends on the climate, rainfall and materials found in their region. This chapter compares houses in different parts of India.

Key points

• A house gives shelter and rest, and protects us from sun, wind, cold, rain, wild animals and anti-social people.
• Houses are made from materials found nearby, like mud, stone, bricks, wood, bamboo, grass and cement.
• In heavy rainfall regions, houses have sloping roofs so that rainwater flows down easily.
• In low rainfall and desert regions, houses have thick mud walls and flat roofs. Thick walls keep the house cool.
• In marshy and flood areas, houses are built on stilts (raised on poles).
• In cold mountain regions, houses are made of wood and stone to keep warm.
• In cities, houses are mostly cement-concrete buildings and flats; in villages many houses are of mud, bricks or stone.
• A good house should have light, fresh air, clean water and a toilet.

Important terms

• Shelter (निवारा) – a place that protects us.
• Climate – usual weather of a place over many years.
• Sloping roof – a slanting roof that lets rainwater run off.
• Stilt house – a house raised on wooden or bamboo poles.

Key facts

5 important questions

Q1. From what does a house protect us?

From sun, wind, cold, rain, wild animals and anti-social elements.

Q2. Why do houses in heavy rainfall areas have sloping roofs?

So that rainwater flows down quickly and does not collect on the roof.

Q3. Why are houses in the desert made with thick walls?

Thick mud walls keep out the heat, so the house stays cool.

Q4. Why are some houses built on stilts?

In marshy or flood areas, stilts keep the house above water and dampness.

Q5. Name four materials used for building houses.

Mud, bricks, stone and wood.

Exam tip

Link each type of house with the climate of that region.

Quick summary

We get our food from agriculture. This chapter explains the farming seasons, traditional and modern methods of farming, improved seeds, irrigation and fertilizers, which help to grow enough food for everyone.

Key points

• About 60% of the land in India is used for agriculture.
• Kharif season: June to October. Crops get water mainly from rain (e.g. rice, jowar, bajra).
• Rabi season: October to March. Crops use moisture in soil, retreating monsoon and dew (e.g. wheat, gram).
• Some crops are grown from March to June; they are summer crops.
• Earlier, oxen were used for ploughing and a 'mot' (big leather bag) was used to lift water from wells. Now machines are used.
• Fertile land, good seeds, fertilizers and water are needed for a good harvest.
• Improved seeds give higher yield, resist pests, and some ripen faster or need less water.
• Dams and bunds store water and raise groundwater levels.
• Drip irrigation drips water only near the plant roots. Sprinkle irrigation sprays water on plants. Both save water.
• Natural fertilizers (manures, compost) come from plant waste and animal dung. Chemical fertilizers give quick growth but harm the soil if overused.

Important terms

• Agriculture (शेती) – growing crops and rearing animals.
• Kharif / Rabi – the two main crop seasons.
• Irrigation (सिंचन) – supplying water to crops.
• Manure – natural fertilizer from plant and animal waste.

Key facts

• Kharif: June–October. Rabi: October–March. Summer crops: March–June.
• Drip and sprinkle irrigation save water.

5 important questions

Q1. What are the two main agricultural seasons?

Kharif (June–October) and Rabi (October–March).

Q2. What are the advantages of improved seeds?

Higher yield, resistance to pests, and some ripen early or need less water.

Q3. What is drip irrigation?

Water is given through pipes with holes so it drips only near the plants. It saves water.

Q4. What is the difference between manure and chemical fertilizer?

Manure is natural, made from plant and animal waste. Chemical fertilizers are man-made mixtures of chemicals.

Q5. Why is soil fertility reduced?

When the same crop is grown again and again, nutrients in the soil get used up.

Exam tip

Remember the months of kharif and rabi. Draw and label drip irrigation if asked.

Quick summary

Crops are ready only at certain times, but we need food all year. Food also has to reach people far away in good condition. This chapter explains why food spoils and the methods used at home and in industry to preserve it.

Key points

• Grains from one season must be stored safely till the next season.
• Fruits and vegetables come in plenty in their season; preserving them lets us enjoy them all year.
• Food spoils when micro-organisms like fungus (mould) and bacteria grow on it. Spoilt food smells bad, changes colour and taste, and is harmful.
• Food spoils faster in warm and moist conditions.
• Drying in the sun: grains, papads, kurdai, fish, chillies are dried so they keep long.
• Using salt: pickles, salted fish. Using sugar: jams, murabba, jellies.
• Using oil and spices also helps keep pickles.
• Cooling: refrigerators keep milk, vegetables and cooked food fresh for a short time.
• Heating: boiling milk kills germs. Canning and airtight packing are used in industry.
• Grains are stored with neem leaves in airtight containers to keep away insects.

Important terms

• Food preservation (अन्न टिकवणे) – keeping food from spoiling for a long time.
• Micro-organisms – tiny living things seen only through a microscope.
• Fungus – white, black or green cotton-like growth on spoilt food.
• Airtight – closed so that air cannot enter.

Key facts

5 important questions

Q1. Why do we need to preserve food?

Crops are ready only in certain seasons, food must last the whole year, and it must reach far places without spoiling.

Q2. How can we know that food has spoiled?

Its smell, colour and taste change, and fungus may grow on it.

Q3. Name any four methods of preserving food.

Drying, adding salt, adding sugar and cooling in a refrigerator.

Q4. Why does food spoil faster in the rainy season?

There is more moisture and warmth, so micro-organisms grow quickly.

Q5. How are grains stored at home?

They are dried well and kept in airtight containers, often with neem leaves.

Exam tip

Give one example for each method of preservation in your answers.

Quick summary

Transport means carrying people and goods from one place to another. Modern transport saves time and effort and joins the whole world. But fuel-based vehicles cause pollution and accidents, so we must use transport wisely and follow road safety rules.

Key points

• Walking takes the most time and effort. Vehicles save time and effort.
• Land transport: bullock cart, bicycle, bus, car, truck, train. Water transport: boats and ships. Air transport: aeroplanes and helicopters.
• Advantages of modern transport: work gets done sooner, trade becomes easy, the world is connected, tourism, health and education services are faster.
• Automobiles use fuels like petrol and diesel. This causes air and noise pollution.
• Plants near busy roads get covered with dust and smoke.
• Fuels are limited. We should use public transport, share vehicles, and walk or cycle for short distances.
• Accidents happen when traffic rules are not followed.
• Road safety: walk on the footpath, cross at the zebra crossing, obey signals, wear a helmet and seat belt.

Important terms

• Transport (वाहतूक) – moving people and goods from place to place.
• Public transport – buses and trains that everyone can use.
• Pollution – making air, water or land dirty and harmful.
• Zebra crossing – striped place on a road for people to cross.

Key facts

• Traffic signals: red = stop, yellow = get ready, green = go.
• Bicycle: no fuel, no pollution.

5 important questions

Q1. What are the advantages of modern transport?

It saves time and effort, makes trade easy, connects the world and makes health and education services faster.

Q2. What are the disadvantages of automobiles?

They use fuel, cause air and noise pollution, and can lead to accidents.

Q3. How can we reduce pollution caused by vehicles?

Use public transport, share vehicles, and walk or cycle for short distances.

Q4. Name the three types of transport with one example each.

Land – bus; water – ship; air – aeroplane.

Q5. Write any three road safety rules.

Cross at the zebra crossing, follow traffic signals, wear a helmet on a two-wheeler.

Exam tip

Write advantages and disadvantages as separate points. Learn signal colours.

Quick summary

Communication is the exchange of information and messages. Mass media like newspapers, radio, television and the internet reach many people at once. Artificial satellites make modern communication fast, but too much screen use can harm us.

Key points

• The exchange of information is called communication.
• We communicate with words and also with facial expressions and gestures.
• Means of communication: letters, telephone, mobile phone, e-mail, internet.
• Mass media reach a large number of people at the same time: newspapers, magazines, radio, television, internet.
• Artificial satellites are launched into space by rockets. They carry signals quickly from one place to another.
• Satellites help us watch live matches from any part of the world and talk to people in other countries.
• India's communication satellites are called INSAT (Indian National Satellites).
• Too much use of TV, computers and mobiles can harm the eyes, ears and back, and cause isolation.
• Not all information on TV or the internet is true. We should check it before believing or sharing.

Important terms

• Communication (संदेशवहन) – exchange of messages or information.
• Mass media (प्रसारमाध्यमे) – means that carry information to many people at once.
• Artificial satellite – a man-made object sent into space to orbit the earth.
• Telecast – showing a programme on TV.

Key facts

• INSAT = Indian National Satellites, used for communication.
• The President or Prime Minister can address the whole nation at once through radio or TV.

5 important questions

Q1. What is communication?

The exchange of information or messages between people is communication.

Q2. What is mass media? Give examples.

Means that give information to many people at once, like newspapers, radio, TV and the internet.

Q3. How are artificial satellites useful?

They carry signals quickly, so we can see live telecasts and talk on phones across countries.

Q4. What are the harmful effects of excessive use of TV and mobiles?

Eye, ear and back problems, mental stress and loneliness.

Q5. What are INSAT satellites?

Indian National Satellites used by India for communication.

Exam tip

Be ready to list advantages and disadvantages of mass media.

Quick summary

Water becomes polluted when harmful substances mix with it. This chapter explains how water gets polluted, how waste water should be treated, how to make water safe to drink, and why we must save water.

Key points

• When other substances mix with water, it becomes impure. Some float and make water muddy; some dissolve and cannot be seen.
• If the mixed substances are harmful to living things, the water is polluted.
• Sewage from homes can carry germs that spread diseases. Factory waste water may contain poisons.
• It is compulsory for factories to treat waste water before releasing it. Towns also purify sewage before letting it into rivers.
• Washing clothes, cattle and vehicles in rivers and throwing garbage or idols into water also pollute it.
• Polluted water causes diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and jaundice.
• To make water safe to drink: filter it, boil it, or add chlorine or use purifiers.
• Fresh water is limited. We must not waste it. Rainwater harvesting stores rainwater for later use.

Important terms

• Water pollution (जलप्रदूषण) – harmful substances mixing with water.
• Sewage – dirty waste water from homes and towns.
• Water treatment – cleaning waste water before releasing it.
• Rainwater harvesting – collecting and storing rainwater.

Key facts

• Three states of water: solid (ice), liquid (water), gas (vapour).
• Boiling water kills germs.

5 important questions

Q1. When do we say water is polluted?

When substances harmful to living things get mixed with water.

Q2. Why must factories treat waste water before releasing it?

Factory waste water may contain poisonous substances that make rivers dangerous for all living things.

Q3. Name two diseases caused by polluted water.

Cholera and typhoid (also diarrhoea and jaundice).

Q4. How can we make water safe for drinking?

By filtering and boiling it, or by using chlorine or a water purifier.

Q5. Suggest three ways to save water.

Close taps when not in use, repair leaking taps, and collect rainwater.

Exam tip

Learn causes, effects and remedies of water pollution as three separate lists.

Quick summary

Clothes are a basic need, but wanting many clothes is different from needing them. This chapter explains why we wear clothes, the difference between need and greed, the types of fabric, and how to care for clothes.

Key points

• We wear clothes to protect our body from heat, cold, rain, dust and insects.
• Clothes also show our culture, region and the occasion.
• Wanting things we do not need is desire, not necessity. Advertisements can turn attraction into greed.
• Many people do not have enough clothes. We can give our extra clothes to them.
• Clothes are made from natural fibres (cotton, wool, silk, jute) and man-made fibres (nylon, polyester).
• Cotton clothes are good in summer; woollen clothes keep us warm in winter; raincoats protect us in rain.
• Clothes differ by region: cooler places need warm clothes, hot places need light, loose clothes.
• We should wash, dry, iron and store clothes properly, and repair them to use longer.

Important terms

• Need – something we really require.
• Greed (हव्यास) – wanting more than we need.
• Fibre (धागा) – thin thread from which cloth is made.
• Natural fibre – fibre from plants or animals, e.g. cotton, wool.

Key facts

5 important questions

Q1. Why do we need clothes?

To protect our body from heat, cold, rain, dust and insects.

Q2. What is the difference between need and greed?

Need is what we really require. Greed is wanting more than we need, often because of advertisements.

Q3. Which clothes do we wear in summer and in winter?

Cotton clothes in summer; woollen clothes in winter.

Q4. Name two natural and two man-made fibres.

Natural: cotton, wool. Man-made: nylon, polyester.

Q5. How can we help people who do not have enough clothes?

We can give our extra clothes in good condition to them.

Exam tip

Write "need vs greed" answers with an example from daily life.

Quick summary

Humans use more and more land and water for farms, houses, roads and industries. This causes deforestation, loss of biodiversity and pollution. This chapter explains how human activities harm the environment and what we can do to protect it.

Key points

• The world's population is very large and growing, so more land and resources are used.
• Forests are cut for farming, housing, industries, roads and railways. This is deforestation.
• Forests give shelter, food and water to animals like bears, deer, monkeys, elephants and tigers. When forests reduce, biodiversity also reduces.
• Marshy lands are filled to get land, which harms living things there.
• Many plants and animals are in danger of extinction.
• Air, water and soil pollution, and noise pollution, harm all living things.
• Plastic waste does not rot easily and harms soil, water and animals.
• We can help by planting trees, saving water and electricity, reducing waste and using the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Important terms

• Deforestation (जंगलतोड) – large-scale cutting of forests.
• Extinction – a kind of plant or animal disappearing forever.
• Pollution – harmful substances added to air, water or soil.
• 3 R's – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Key facts

• Fewer forests → less food, water and shelter for animals → fewer living things.

5 important questions

Q1. Why are forests being cut down?

To make space for agriculture, houses, industries, roads and railways.

Q2. What are the effects of deforestation?

Animals lose shelter and food, biodiversity decreases and the environment's balance is disturbed.

Q3. What does extinction mean?

When all members of a kind of plant or animal die and it disappears forever.

Q4. Why is plastic harmful?

It does not rot easily. It pollutes soil and water and can kill animals that eat it.

Q5. What can you do to protect the environment?

Plant trees, avoid plastic, save water and electricity, and follow Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Exam tip

For "what will happen if…" questions, write the chain of effects step by step.

Quick summary

Food has many constituents (nutrients) that help our body in different ways. This chapter explains carbohydrates (starch and sugars), fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water, and simple tests to find starch in food.

Key points

• Cereals like jowar, bajra, wheat and rice, and potato, sago and sweet potato contain a lot of starch.
• Starch turns blackish blue when a drop of dilute iodine is put on it. This is the test for starch.
• Starch and sugars are carbohydrates. They give us energy and keep the body warm.
• When starch is digested, sugars are formed. These burn slowly in the body and act as its fuel.
• Sugar, jaggery, honey and sweet fruits contain sugars.
• Fats (oil, ghee, butter, groundnuts) give a lot of energy.
• Proteins (pulses, milk, eggs, meat, fish) help growth and repair of the body.
• Vitamins and minerals (fruits, green vegetables) protect us from diseases.
• Fibre (bran, vegetables) helps food move properly through the alimentary canal.
• A balanced diet has all constituents in the right amounts.

Important terms

• Nutrients (पोषक घटक) – useful constituents of food.
• Carbohydrates – starch and sugars that give energy.
• Proteins – nutrients for growth and repair.
• Fibre – rough part of food that helps digestion.
• Balanced diet (समतोल आहार) – food with all nutrients in proper amounts.

Key facts

5 important questions

Q1. How will you test for starch in a potato?

Put a few drops of dilute iodine on a piece of potato. It turns blackish blue, showing starch is present.

Q2. Why do we need carbohydrates?

They give energy for work and keep the body warm.

Q3. Name two foods rich in proteins.

Pulses and milk (also eggs, fish).

Q4. What is the use of fibre in food?

It helps food move forward in the alimentary canal at the right speed.

Q5. Why do we feel more hungry in winter?

The body uses more energy to keep itself warm, so it needs more food.

Exam tip

Learn the iodine test for starch and one source of each nutrient.

Quick summary

Like thinking, feeling emotions is a part of human nature. Anger, joy, sorrow, fear and jealousy are all emotions. This chapter teaches us to understand our emotions and control them, so that our personality becomes balanced.

Key points

• Anger, joy, sorrow, jealousy, disappointment, fear, love are emotions.
• A person can be angry at one time and forgiving at another; selfish at one time and helpful at another.
• We must keep a balance between our thoughts and our emotions.
• Feeling sad when hurt is natural, but we should not feel too bad. We may get angry but must not lose our temper.
• Desiring things is natural, but we must not be greedy.
• Emotional adjustment means coping with emotions, controlling them and expressing them reasonably.
• When we control emotions, we understand others better, face difficulties well and stop blaming or teasing others.
• Talking to parents, teachers or friends helps when we feel upset.
• We should be happy at others' success and not be stubborn.

Important terms

• Emotion (भावना) – a strong feeling like joy, anger or fear.
• Emotional adjustment – controlling emotions and expressing them properly.
• Balanced personality – behaving calmly and wisely in all situations.
• Jealousy – feeling bad about another person's success.

Key facts

• Good habits for emotional health: sharing feelings, being patient, forgiving others, helping others.

5 important questions

Q1. Name any five emotions.

Anger, joy, sorrow, fear and jealousy.

Q2. What is emotional adjustment?

Coping with our emotions, controlling them and expressing them in a reasonable way.

Q3. What are the benefits of controlling our emotions?

Our personality becomes balanced, we understand others better and we can face difficult situations.

Q4. What should you do when you feel very angry?

Stay calm, take deep breaths, think before speaking and talk about it with someone I trust.

Q5. How should we react to a friend's success?

We should feel happy and congratulate them, not feel jealous.

Exam tip

Use small real-life examples in answers about emotions.

Quick summary

Many organs inside our body work all the time, even when we sleep. This chapter explains the organs of respiration, digestion and blood circulation, and how they work together to keep us alive.

Key points

• The body needs a continuous supply of oxygen, which we get from air by breathing.
• Organs of respiration: nose, windpipe (trachea), lungs and diaphragm.
• In the lungs, tiny air sacs called alveoli exchange gases: oxygen goes into the blood and carbon dioxide comes out and is breathed out.
• Hair and mucus in the nose stop dust from entering the lungs.
• Digestion breaks food into simple substances. Organs: mouth, food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, small intestine, large intestine.
• Saliva in the mouth starts digestion. Digested food is absorbed into the blood in the small intestine.
• The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body through blood vessels. Blood carries oxygen and food to every part.
• The brain is protected by the skull; the heart and lungs by the ribs.
• Kidneys remove waste from the blood as urine.

Important terms

• Respiration (श्वसन) – taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide.
• Alveoli – tiny air sacs in the lungs.
• Digestion (पचन) – breaking down food into simple forms.
• Alimentary canal – the long tube from the mouth to the anus.
• Circulation – movement of blood through the body.

Key facts

5 important questions

Q1. Name the organs of respiration.

Nose, windpipe (trachea), lungs and diaphragm.

Q2. What happens in the alveoli?

Oxygen from air enters the blood and carbon dioxide from blood enters the air, which we breathe out.

Q3. Which bones protect the heart and lungs?

The ribs (rib cage).

Q4. What is the function of the heart?

It pumps blood continuously to all parts of the body.

Q5. Where is digested food absorbed?

In the small intestine, into the blood.

Exam tip

Practise a labelled diagram of the respiratory system: nose, windpipe, lungs, diaphragm.

Quick summary

From birth to adulthood we grow in height and weight. Along with body growth, we also learn new skills, control our movements and develop good habits. All of this together shapes our personality.

Key points

• All living things eat and grow. We grow in height and weight from birth to adulthood.
• The first 18 years are the growing years for all boys and girls.
• Every child grows at a different rate. Some are taller or heavier than others; this is normal.
• A baby cannot do anything for itself. Slowly it learns to control its movements and coordinate them.
• With age we learn many skills: walking, writing, cycling, swimming, cooking, using a computer.
• Practice improves skill and efficiency.
• Nutritious food, exercise, enough sleep and cleanliness help proper growth.
• Personality includes our looks, behaviour, habits, thinking and the way we talk to others.
• Good qualities like honesty, confidence, helpfulness and discipline make our personality better.

Important terms

• Growth (वाढ) – increase in height and weight.
• Skill – the ability to do a task well.
• Coordination – different body parts working together smoothly.
• Personality (व्यक्तिमत्त्व) – a person's total qualities, behaviour and habits.

Key facts

• Growing years: birth to about 18 years.
• Height and weight are recorded in the school report card every year.

5 important questions

Q1. Up to what age do boys and girls keep growing?

The first 18 years are the growing years.

Q2. Why are some children taller than others of the same age?

Every child grows at a different rate; it also depends on food, health and family.

Q3. What helps our body grow properly?

Nutritious food, regular exercise, enough sleep and cleanliness.

Q4. Name four skills you have learnt.

Writing, cycling, swimming and using a computer.

Q5. What is meant by personality?

Our looks, behaviour, habits, thinking and the way we deal with others, taken together.

Exam tip

Give examples from your own life when asked about skills and habits.

Quick summary

Some diseases spread from one person to another. They are called infectious diseases and are caused by germs (micro-organisms). This chapter explains how they spread through air, water, food, insects and contact, and how to prevent them.

Key points

• Every infectious disease is caused by a specific germ. When germs enter the body and grow, the person falls ill.
• Through air: germs of cold, influenza and tuberculosis spread in droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
• Through water and food: cholera, typhoid, jaundice and diarrhoea spread by dirty water and uncovered food.
• Through insects: mosquitoes spread malaria and dengue; houseflies sit on food and spread germs.
• Through contact: using a sick person's towel, clothes or utensils can spread skin and eye infections.
• Prevention: cover mouth while coughing, drink clean boiled water, eat covered fresh food, wash hands with soap.
• Do not let water collect; use mosquito nets.
• Vaccination protects us from diseases like polio, measles and tuberculosis.

Important terms

• Infectious disease (संसर्गजन्य रोग) – a disease that spreads from person to person.
• Germs – micro-organisms that cause disease.
• Vaccination (लसीकरण) – giving a vaccine to protect from a disease.
• Hygiene – habits that keep us clean and healthy.

Key facts

5 important questions

Q1. What are infectious diseases?

Diseases caused by germs that spread from one person to another.

Q2. How does a cold spread?

When a sick person coughs or sneezes, germs go into the air and others breathe them in.

Q3. Name two diseases spread by dirty water.

Cholera and typhoid.

Q4. How can we prevent malaria?

Do not let water collect, use mosquito nets and keep surroundings clean.

Q5. Why should we not use a sick person's towel?

The germs on it can enter our body and we may get the disease.

Exam tip

Learn diseases in groups by how they spread; tables help.

Quick summary

Everything around us is made of very tiny particles. Objects are made from substances. To do any work we need energy. This chapter explains particles of matter, the three states of substances and different forms of energy.

Key points

• When chalk, coal or sugar is broken or pounded, it turns into small particles.
• All substances like wood, paper, chalk, iron and wheat are made of fine particles.
• These particles are made of even tinier particles that we cannot see.
• Substances are found in three states: solid, liquid and gas.
• Solids have a fixed shape. Liquids take the shape of their container. Gases spread to fill any space.
• Objects are made from one or more substances, e.g. a chair from wood, a bottle from glass or plastic.
• Energy is needed to do work.
• Forms of energy: heat, light, sound, electrical, mechanical (motion) energy.
• The sun is the main source of energy on the earth. Food gives energy to our body; fuels give energy to vehicles.
• One form of energy can change into another, e.g. electricity into light in a bulb.

Important terms

• Substance (पदार्थ) – the material from which things are made.
• Object (वस्तू) – a thing made from substances.
• Particle – a very small piece of a substance.
• Energy (ऊर्जा) – the ability to do work.

Key facts

5 important questions

Q1. What happens when we write with chalk on a board?

Tiny particles of chalk stick to the board, so the chalk becomes smaller.

Q2. What are the three states of substances?

Solid, liquid and gas.

Q3. What is the difference between a substance and an object?

A substance is the material, like wood. An object is made from it, like a table.

Q4. Name four forms of energy.

Heat, light, sound and electrical energy.

Q5. What is the main source of energy on the earth?

The sun.

Exam tip

Give one everyday example for each state and each form of energy.

Quick summary

The health of the whole community is as important as our own health. A clean environment, nutritious food, safe water and good medical facilities protect everyone. This chapter explains community health and our role in keeping it.

Key points

• Community health means protecting all people of an area from diseases and helping them live healthy lives.
• Unclean surroundings, unsafe food and water, and spread of diseases are threats to community health.
• Food poisoning can affect many people at once when hygiene is not followed.
• Healthy people are the most important factor in a country's progress.
• Needs for community health: clean environment, nutritious food, safe drinking water and good medical facilities.
• Mass media are used to teach people about safe water and food.
• Government runs programmes like vaccination drives, primary health centres and cleanliness campaigns.
• Our role: keep surroundings clean, use toilets, put garbage in dustbins, do not spit in public, help in health drives.
• Personal hygiene (bathing, washing hands, clean clothes) also protects others.

Important terms

• Community health (सामुदायिक आरोग्य) – health of all people living in an area.
• Hygiene (स्वच्छता) – practices that keep us and our surroundings clean.
• Food poisoning – illness caused by eating spoilt or dirty food.
• Primary health centre – a government hospital for villages.

Key facts

• Four pillars of community health: clean surroundings, nutritious food, safe water, medical facilities.

5 important questions

Q1. What is community health?

Protecting all the people of an area from diseases and helping them live a healthy, happy life.

Q2. Why is community health important?

Healthy people help the country progress; one person's illness can spread to many.

Q3. What are the threats to community health?

Dirty surroundings, unsafe food and water, and infectious diseases.

Q4. How can mass media help community health?

By teaching people about clean water, safe food, hygiene and vaccination.

Q5. What can you do to keep your area clean?

Use dustbins, avoid littering and spitting, and join cleanliness drives.

Exam tip

Connect personal hygiene with community health in your answers.