CBSE Class 5 EVS — NCERT Solutions

Given: Ocean water makes up the majority of water on Earth.

Concept: Ocean water is saltwater — it contains a very high amount of dissolved salts and minerals.

Answer: No, we cannot drink ocean water directly. It is too salty for human consumption. If we drink it, it would actually make us more thirsty and could harm our kidneys. Ocean water needs to be treated (desalinated) to remove the salt before it can be used for drinking.

Given: Ocean water is salty and not fit for drinking directly.

Concept: Even though ocean water cannot be drunk directly, it has several other uses.

Answer: Ocean water can be used for:

1. Producing salt — Seawater is dried in salt pans (like those in Gujarat) to collect salt.
2. Navigation and transport — Ships and boats travel across oceans to carry goods and people.
3. Fishing — Many fish and seafood are found in the ocean.
4. Desalination — With special treatment, ocean water can be converted into drinking water.
5. Recreation — Swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
6. Generating energy — Tidal energy can be produced using ocean waves.

Given: A map showing the course of the river Godavari.

Answer: The Godavari river flows through the following states:

1. Maharashtra (where it originates near Trimbakeshwar, Nashik)
2. Telangana
3. Andhra Pradesh (where it meets the Bay of Bengal)

It also passes through parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha in its basin area.

Given: A map showing features along the Godavari river.

Dam: The Godavari river has several dams built along it. A well-known dam is the Dowleswaram Barrage (also called Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage) in Andhra Pradesh. Another important dam is the Sriram Sagar Dam in Telangana.

Wildlife Sanctuary: The Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Papikonda National Park) is located along the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh. The Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary is also associated with the Godavari delta region.

Answer: Dam — Sriram Sagar Dam (Telangana); Wildlife Sanctuary — Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh).

Given: Drying removes moisture, and without moisture microbes cannot grow.

Things that are dried to remain unspoilt throughout the year include:

1. Papad – dried in the sun before storing.
2. Dry fruits (raisins, dates, figs) – moisture is removed so they last long.
3. Fish – dried and salted to preserve for months.
4. Spices (coriander seeds, cumin, turmeric) – dried before grinding or storing.
5. Amla (Indian gooseberry) – dried to make dry amla candy.
6. Tomatoes – can be sun-dried and stored.
7. Grains and pulses (wheat, rice, dal) – dried thoroughly before storing in sacks.

Conclusion: Drying is one of the oldest and most common methods of food preservation because it takes away the moisture that microbes need to survive and grow.

Given: Mangoes are a seasonal fruit and need to be preserved to enjoy them for longer.

Items that can be made from mangoes for longer enjoyment:

1. Aam papad – dried mango pulp sheets.
2. Mango pickle (Aam ka achar) – raw mangoes preserved in oil, salt, and spices.
3. Mango jam – cooked with sugar and stored in jars.
4. Mango squash / juice – bottled and stored.
5. Dried raw mango powder (Amchur) – raw mangoes dried and ground into powder.
6. Mango chutney – cooked with sugar, vinegar, and spices.
7. Canned mango pulp – sealed in cans to preserve freshness.

Conclusion: By using methods like drying, pickling, cooking with sugar, and canning, mangoes can be enjoyed long after the season is over.

Given: This is a personal reflection question about the student's own school.

Answer (Sample): I really like the big playground in my school where we can run, play games, and enjoy during the break. I also love the school garden with colourful flowers and the friendly teachers who always encourage us. The library with so many books is another favourite place of mine.

Given: This is a personal experience-based question about Republic Day celebrations at school.

Answer (Sample):
On Republic Day, the following special events and activities take place at our school:

1. The National Flag is hoisted by the Principal in the school ground.
2. We all sing the National Anthem together.
3. Students give speeches and recite patriotic poems.
4. Cultural programmes such as dances, skits and songs are performed.
5. Students participate in march-past and parade.
6. Prizes and certificates are distributed to outstanding students.
7. Sweets are distributed to all students.

(Note: Students should write about their own school's specific activities.)

Given: We are asked to identify the sea in which the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located.

Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal (southeastern part), which is part of the Indian Ocean.

Final Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal.

Given: We are asked to observe things around us and classify them.

Answer (Sample observations):

1. Moving: A ceiling fan, a car on the road, a flying bird.
2. Providing light: A burning candle, a torch, a street lamp.
3. Making a sound: A ringing school bell, a barking dog, a playing radio.
4. Making things cool: A refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cooler.
5. Making things hot: A cooking stove, an iron box, a heater.

Conclusion: All these activities happen because of energy. Energy is what makes things move, light up, produce sound, and change temperature.

Given: We are asked to recall woven products made from natural materials seen at home or elsewhere.

Answer: Yes, many products woven from natural materials can be seen around us. Some examples are:

1. Cane or bamboo baskets used to store fruits and vegetables.
2. Jute mats or doormats placed at the entrance of homes.
3. Grass or reed mats (chatai) used for sitting.
4. Coconut-fibre brooms.
5. Bamboo trays and winnowing fans used in kitchens.
6. Handloom cotton or silk sarees worn by elders at home.

These products are woven by interlacing natural fibres or strips over and under each other, just like cloth is woven from threads.

Given: A reflective question about personal feelings towards seasonal change.

Answer (Sample):
When the season changes, I feel excited and refreshed. Each season brings something new — cool breezes in winter, colourful flowers in spring, rain in monsoon, and bright sunshine in summer.

No, I would NOT prefer one season to continue throughout the year. The reasons are:

1. Different crops need different seasons to grow. If only one season continued, many crops would fail and there would be a shortage of food.
2. Our body needs variety — we enjoy warm foods in winter and cool drinks in summer. One season would make life monotonous.
3. Many festivals are linked to seasons (like Holi in spring, Diwali in autumn). Without seasonal change, these celebrations would lose their meaning.
4. Animals and plants depend on seasonal cycles for breeding, migration, and growth. A single season would disturb the balance of nature.
5. Change in seasons keeps the environment healthy and maintains the water cycle through rain, snow, and sunshine.

Therefore, seasonal change is not just enjoyable but also necessary for life on Earth.

This is a personal activity. Students should fill in their own details. A sample answer is given below:

Name: Aarav Sharma
House number/building name: 12, Sunflower Apartments
Street name: MG Road
Village/Town/City: Pune
District: Pune
State/Union Territory: Maharashtra
Country: India
Planet: Earth

(Note: Every student's answer will be different based on where they live. The last answer — Planet — will always be Earth for everyone.)