Class 5 EVS NCERT Solutions Chapter 1- Water The Essence of Life
Our Wonderous World – The World Around Us
NCERT Solutions – Class 5 EVS – Chapter 1: Water: The Essence of Life
Discuss
1. Do you think we can drink the water present in the oceans?
Answer:
No, we cannot drink ocean water because it is salty and contains many minerals and impurities that make it unfit for drinking. Drinking salt water can make us sick.
2. What can ocean water be used for?
Answer:
Ocean water can be used for:
- Making salt
- Fishing and seafood farming
- Transport and trade through ships
- Tourism and recreation
- Desalination, where salt is removed to make drinking water
Let Us Reflect
1. Match the following:
| Column A | Column B | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Ocean water | (c) Not fit for drinking | ✅ |
| (ii) Snow | (a) Solid form of water | ✅ |
| (iii) Steam | (b) Vapour form of water | ✅ |
| (iv) Rainwater | (d) Freshwater | ✅ |
2. Why do you think most of the water on Earth cannot be used for drinking or farming?
Answer:
Most of the water on Earth is salty ocean water, and some are frozen in glaciers or polar ice caps. Only a small amount of freshwater is available in rivers, lakes, and underground, which can be used for drinking or farming.
3. Large number of living beings live near water bodies. Why?
Answer:
Living beings live near water bodies because water is essential for life. It provides drinking water, food (like fish and plants), and supports farming, transport, and shelter. Many animals also depend on water for cooling and bathing.
4. What would happen if it did not rain in your region for two years?
Answer:
If it did not rain for two years:
- Rivers, ponds, and wells would dry up
- Crops would fail and food shortage would occur
- Animals and humans would face water scarcity
- The land would become dry and lifeless
5. What do you think happens to rainwater in a forest compared to a city?
Answer:
- In a forest, rainwater seeps into the soil, recharges groundwater, and helps trees grow.
- In a city, most rainwater runs off on roads and goes into drains because of cemented surfaces, leading to less groundwater recharge and sometimes flooding.
6. Can you design a house or school that conserves water wisely? What would it include?
Answer:
Yes, a water-conserving house or school would include:
- Rainwater harvesting system
- Water recycling pipes
- Taps with sensors or timers
- Soak pits to recharge groundwater
- Gardens watered with reused water
(You can draw your design below!)
Draw a simple sketch of a school or house showing rainwater harvesting tanks and gardens.
7. Let us make a fish by folding a piece of paper.
Activity:
- Take a square sheet of paper.
- Fold it diagonally to make a triangle.
- Fold the ends to form fins and a tail.
- Draw eyes and scales using crayons or sketch pens.
(Attach or paste your paper fish here!)
Class 5 EVS – Chapter 1: Water: The Essence of Life
Activities from the NCERT Textbook
Activity 1: Identify the Water Source
Objective: To know where water is used around you.
Instructions:
- Look around your home or school.
- List all the places where water is used.
Examples:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Bathing
- Washing clothes
- Watering plants
- Cleaning
Observation:
- Water is used in almost all daily activities, showing its importance in life.
Activity 2: Water in Different Forms
Objective: To observe water in solid, liquid, and gaseous forms.
Instructions:
- Take some ice cubes in a bowl. Observe and note that it is solid.
- Let ice melt. Observe water — it is liquid.
- Heat some water in a pan and observe steam rising — it is gas (vapor).
Observation:
- Water changes from solid → liquid → gas and back.
Activity 3: Make a Simple Water Cycle Model
Objective: To understand the water cycle.
Instructions:
- Take a transparent plastic bag and put a little water in it.
- Hang it in sunlight.
- Observe after some hours or days — you will see water drops forming inside the bag.
Explanation:
- The water evaporates (evaporation), forms drops (condensation), and shows a simple water cycle in action.
Activity 4: Observe How Water Seep into the Ground
Objective:
To understand how water goes underground and forms groundwater.
Materials Needed:
- Transparent glass
- Soil
- Spoon
- Water
Steps:
- Take a transparent glass.
- Fill half of it with soil.
- Slowly pour water into the soil using a spoon.
- Observe carefully what happens to the water.
Observation Table:
| Step | What Happens | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Pouring water on soil | Water slowly enters the soil | Water seeps through the gaps between soil particles |
| After some time | Soil looks wet, water at bottom | Some water reaches the bottom → groundwater forms |
Conclusion / Answer:
- Water moves through soil and reaches underground layers.
- This is how groundwater is replenished.
- Plants absorb this water through their roots.
- This shows the importance of soil and rainwater in maintaining groundwater.
Hint / Extra Notes:
- Transparent glass helps observe water movement clearly.
- Pour water slowly to see how it filters through soil.
- This is a simple model of rainwater seeping into the ground in nature.
Activity 5: Check Water Wastage
Objective: To understand water conservation.
Instructions:
- Observe your family or school for one day.
- Note where water is being wasted — for example:
- Leaking taps
- Leaving water running while brushing
- Overflowing buckets
Discussion:
- Suggest ways to save water, like turning off taps, reusing water, or rainwater harvesting.
Activity 6: Observe How Water Flows on Land Using Mustard Seeds
Objective:
To understand how water flows, stops, or curves according to the shape of the land.
Materials Required:
- An old newspaper
- A cup of mustard seeds (or any small seeds)
Procedure:
- Take a sheet from a newspaper and crumple it to create folds.
- Take another sheet and place it over the crumpled paper.
- Press it down so that the slopes are gentle.
- Slowly pour the mustard seeds from the cup onto the highest point of the slope.
- Observe carefully how the seeds move.
Observation Table:
| Question | Observation |
|---|---|
| 1. What did you observe about the mustard seeds? | The seeds moved down the slope following the folds of the paper. |
| 2. Are they moving in a straight line or spreading out? | They spread out in different directions depending on the slope. |
| 3. Are they collecting in some areas? | Yes, the seeds gathered in certain areas, similar to how water collects in lakes, ponds, or rivers. |
Conclusion / Explanation:
- Water flows, stops, or curves according to the shape of the land (like hills, slopes, and valleys).
- The flow of water can also change the shape of the land over time by creating small channels, rivers, or lakes.
- This activity shows how land formations control the movement and collection of water in nature.
On the basis of Activity 6 with mustard seeds, discuss how some rivers flow towards the Arabian Sea while some flow towards the Bay of Bengal.
How Rivers Flow Towards Different Seas – Based on Activity 6
Observation from Activity 6:
- The mustard seeds moved down the slopes of the crumpled paper.
- They curved, stopped, or gathered depending on the shape of the land.
Explanation for Rivers:
- Just like the mustard seeds, rivers flow according to the slope of the land.
- India’s land is not flat; it has mountains, hills, and plains.
- Rivers that start in the Western Ghats or northern mountains may flow westward and reach the Arabian Sea.
- Rivers that start in the northern mountains but flow eastward travel across plains and reach the Bay of Bengal.
- The shape and slope of the land determine the direction and path of the river.
- Rivers may curve, split, or gather water from other streams along the way, similar to how mustard seeds gather in lower areas of the paper slope.
Conclusion:
- Land formations (mountains, slopes, and plains) guide the flow of rivers.
- This is why some rivers flow west (Arabian Sea) and some flow east (Bay of Bengal).
Activity 7: Follow the Flow!
Objective:
To learn the direction of river flow in India – whether rivers flow towards the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea.
Instructions:
- Observe the map of India showing rivers.
- Fill in the table with the direction in which rivers flow.
Table: Direction of Rivers in India
| Name of the River | Moves towards the Bay of Bengal | Moves towards the Arabian Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Ganga | ✅ | |
| Yamuna | ✅ | |
| Godavari | ✅ | |
| Krishna | ✅ | |
| Mahanadi | ✅ | |
| Narmada | ✅ | |
| Tapi (Tapti) | ✅ | |
| Periyar | ✅ |
Observation / Note:
- Rivers in the eastern part of India mostly flow into the Bay of Bengal.
- Rivers in the western part mostly flow into the Arabian Sea.
- The slope and shape of the land decide the river’s flow direction.
- India’s first water museum – Jal Shakti Museum, New Delhi celebrates India’s water heritage and innovations and inspires everyone to conserve water.
Activity 8: Life in a Water Body
Objective:
To observe animals and birds in and around a water body and learn how their body parts help them survive.
Instructions:
- Visit a local water body such as a pond, lake, or aquarium with your teacher or parents.
- Observe animals, birds, and plants in and around the water.
- Complete the table below based on your observations.
- Draw rough sketches to show their body structure.
Observation Table
| Name of the Bird or Animal | Mouth or Beak | Movement (Legs, Feet, Fins) | Rough Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish | Round mouth facing upwards | Fins | (draw rough fish) |
| Pond Heron | Long and pointed | Thin legs (wading) | (draw rough bird) |
| Duck | Flat and broad | Webbed feet (swimming) | (draw rough duck) |
| Frog | Wide mouth | Strong legs (jumping/swimming) | (draw rough frog) |
| Turtle | Beak-like mouth | Flippers / legs for swimming | (draw rough turtle) |
| Crab | Claws | Sideways walking with legs | (draw rough crab) |
Observation / Explanation:
- Birds and animals have special body parts to help them live in or near water.
- Fins, webbed feet, flippers, and long legs help them swim, walk, or hunt.
- Mouths and beaks are shaped for the type of food they eat.
- Observing life in a water body helps us understand how water supports biodiversity.
Activity 8 (Part 2): Observe and Draw Water Plants
Objective:
To learn about different types of plants in a water body and how they grow.
Instructions:
- During your visit to a pond, lake, or aquarium, observe all types of plants.
- Draw the plants you see and label them with their local names.
- Classify the plants into three types:
- Floating on water
- Underwater
- Roots in water bed but visible above water
Observation Table
| Type of Plant | Scientific / Common Name | Local Name | Rough Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating on water | Lily | Kamal / Water Lily | (draw flower floating on water) |
| Underwater | Hydrilla / Elodea | Jal Kumbhi (or local name) | (draw leaves under water) |
| Roots in water, but above water | Cattail / Typha | Bhusa / Bhimpati | (draw stem rising above water) |
Observation / Explanation:
- Floating plants (like lily) float on the surface to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.
- Underwater plants live completely submerged and provide oxygen and shelter to aquatic animals.
- Plants with roots in water but stems/leaves above water help in stabilizing the water body and provide food or habitat for birds and animals.
Tip for Students:
- Use green and blue crayons for water and plants.
- Draw simple sketches and label clearly with local names you heard from your guide, teacher, or family.
Activity 9: Observing Water on Paper
Objective:
To understand how water interacts with different surfaces.
Materials Required:
- A piece of paper
- Wax crayon
- Water
Procedure:
- Take a plain piece of paper. Put a drop of water on it. Observe carefully.
- Colour the paper with a wax crayon.
- Now, put a drop of water on the waxed part. Observe carefully.
- Write down your observations.
Observation Table
| Step | Observation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Plain paper | Water soaks into the paper | Paper is absorbent, so water penetrates the fibers |
| Wax-coloured paper | Water stays on surface and forms a droplet | Wax is water-repellent, so water cannot soak in |
Conclusion:
- Some surfaces, like plain paper, absorb water.
- Surfaces coated with wax or oil repel water.
- This shows that water behaves differently on different materials.
- This principle is used in raincoats, umbrellas, and waterproof materials.
Activity 10: Who Eats Whom? — A River Food Chain Game
Objective:
To understand the food chain in a river ecosystem and the dependence of living beings on each other for food.
Materials Required:
- Slips of paper
- Pen or pencil
- String
Procedure:
- Distribute a slip of paper to each student.
- Ask students to write what they choose to be in the river ecosystem. Examples:
- Small fish
- Big fish
- Frog
- Bird
- Human
- Crocodile
- Otter
- Ask students to think about what they eat and who eats them.
- Use a string to connect students who depend on each other for food.
- For example, small fish → eaten by big fish → eaten by crocodile → eaten by humans.
- Discuss what would happen if one animal disappears.
- Example: If all the fish are gone, birds, crocodiles, and humans that depend on fish would lose their food source.
Observation / Learning Points:
- Every living being in a river ecosystem is interconnected.
- The food chain shows how energy moves from one organism to another.
- Disappearance of one species can affect the entire ecosystem.
- This activity teaches students the importance of protecting water bodies and all living beings in it.
Conclusion:
- Rivers are not just water; they are home to many living organisms.
- Each organism plays a role in keeping the ecosystem balanced.
- Humans must use water wisely and protect aquatic life.
Chapter Summary: Water — The Essence of Life
Summary
Water is essential for all living beings. Every plant, animal, and human needs water to live. We use water for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, farming, and producing electricity. Water exists in three forms — solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (steam or vapour).
The sources of water include rain, rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, and oceans. Rainwater fills rivers and lakes and also seeps into the ground to become groundwater. This water is drawn out by hand pumps and wells for our use.
We must use water wisely because water scarcity can lead to droughts, crop failure, and shortage of drinking water. To save water, we can use methods like rainwater harvesting, building soak pits, and planting trees.
Do You Know? – Important Points given in NCERT Textbook
1. Salt Pans of Gujarat
The salt pans of Gujarat are vast flatlands where seawater is dried to collect salt. It is one of the largest salt-producing areas in India.
2. Rainwater Soaking into the Ground
Open, uncovered areas allow water to seep into the ground. Soak pits, ponds, human-made lakes, and planting more trees help rainwater return underground.
3. The Luni River
The Luni River, originating in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, is the only major Indian river that does not drain into the sea. Instead, it ends up in the marshy lands of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
4. India’s First Water Museum
India’s first water museum — Jal Shakti Museum in New Delhi — celebrates India’s water heritage and innovation, inspiring citizens to conserve water.
5. Hiware Bazar – A Water-Positive Village
Hiware Bazar in Maharashtra is a successful example of a water-positive village. Local communities have contributed to its watershed management and rainwater harvesting efforts.
6. Statue of Unity
The world’s tallest statue is the Statue of Unity in India, standing 182 metres tall. It is located on the banks of the Narmada River in Gujarat.
7. Keibul Lamjao National Park
The Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating national park in the world. It is famous for its unique phumdis (floating islands) and the endangered Sangai deer.
8. The Fishing Cat
The Fishing Cat, found in India’s wetlands, has partially webbed paws, making it an excellent swimmer that dives into water to catch fish.
9. Wular Lake
Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. It helps regulate river flow and prevent floods in the region.
10. Johads in Rajasthan
‘Johads’ in Rajasthan are traditional small earthen dams built by villagers to collect rainwater and recharge groundwater.
Discuss and Reflect
- Ocean water is salty and not suitable for drinking.
- Ocean water can be used for salt making, fishing, transport, and desalination.
- Most of Earth’s water is salty or frozen, so only a small part is usable.
- Many living beings live near water because it provides food, water, and shelter.
- If it didn’t rain for two years, it would cause droughts, dry rivers, and water scarcity.
- In forests, rainwater seeps into soil, while in cities it runs off roads into drains.
- A water-wise school or home can include rainwater harvesting, soak pits, reuse of water, and trees.
Other Important Notes Related to This Chapter
Summary Notes Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life
NCERT Question Answer Solution Class 5 EVS Chapter 1 – Water The Essence of Life
Extra Questions Chapter 1 – Water The Essence of Life Class 5 EVS
Practice Worksheet Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of LifeClass 5 EVS