Environmental Studies PYQs

As an EVS teacher, planning group activities for students is an important part of creating a stimulating learning environment that fosters collaboration, engagement, and knowledge acquisition. In order to design effective group activities, there are several key factors that should be considered.

Key Points

• The activity should be designed in a way that generates curiosity and interest among children.
• This can be achieved by incorporating elements of fun, creativity, and novelty into the activity.
• Secondly, the activity should be inclusive and cater to the diverse learning needs of all students.
• The teacher should consider factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, and individual learning styles when designing the activity.
• Thirdly, the activity should be cost-effective and not require excessive resources or materials.
• This is important to ensure that the activity can be replicated in the future and does not place a burden on the school or students.
• Simple materials like recycled materials, art supplies, or even natural resources can be used to create low-cost yet effective activities.

Hence, it can be concluded that A, B and C are the correct options.

Planting a tree is a tangible action that students can take to make a positive impact on the environment. By seeing the results of their efforts in the form of a growing tree, students can feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Key Points

• While the visit to the mill may provide students with an understanding of the storage of logs of wood, it does not directly address the issue of tree conservation.
• In fact, it may even promote a negative image of the logging industry, which may not necessarily be the intended outcome of the activity.
• Instead, the other options provide more direct ways of sensitizing students on the importance of tree conservation.

Hence, it can be concluded that visiting a mill shows the storage of logs of wood. 

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Additional Information

• Encouraging students to plant a tree and take care of it, is an effective way to sensitize students on tree conservation as it encourages them to take personal responsibility for the well-being of a tree.
• Organizing a role play on forest conservation can be an effective way to engage students in active learning and encourage them to think critically about the importance of conserving trees.
• Telling the story of the Chipko Movement and asking questions can help students understand the historical and cultural significance of tree conservation in India.

Student-centred approaches in teaching-learning of EVS prioritize the needs, interests, and abilities of individual students. These approaches are designed to foster active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Key Points

• An integrated approach is a student-centred approach that combines various teaching methods and strategies to address the needs and interests of individual students.
• This approach recognizes that students have different learning styles, abilities, and interests, and aims to engage and motivate them by using a variety of teaching methods, such as hands-on activities, group work, and real-life situations.
• The process-oriented approach is another student-centred approach that emphasizes the learning process rather than the end product.
• This approach encourages students to explore, experiment, and take risks in their learning, with the aim of developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Students are encouraged to ask questions, make connections, and reflect on their learning, which helps them to understand the concepts better.

Hence, it can be concluded that integrated and process-oriented approaches are the student-centred approaches in teaching-learning of EVS.

Values are an important aspect of our personal belief system and influence our affective and behavioral responses in various situations. Our values are the guiding principles that shape our perception, attitudes, and actions towards the world around us.

Key Points

• The affective system refers to the emotional aspect of our personality.
• Our values trigger different emotional responses in us, depending on whether they are being upheld or challenged.
• For example, if one of our core values is honesty and we witness someone lying, we may experience negative emotions such as disappointment, frustration, or anger.
• Similarly, the behavioral system refers to our actions or behaviors in response to different situations.
• Our values play a crucial role in determining our behavioral responses.

Hence, it can be concluded that values are part of our affective behavioural system.

Environmental Studies or EVS is an interdisciplinary subject that combines various disciplines like science, social science, geography, and economics to understand the complex relationship between humans and the environment.

Key Points

• It aims to create awareness among students about environmental issues, sustainability, and conservation through an integrated and holistic approach.
• EVS is also child-centered, meaning it focuses on the needs and interests of the children.
• It encourages active participation and engages children in hands-on activities, experiments, and field trips to enhance their learning experience.
• Additionally, EVS is experiential, which means it emphasizes practical and real-world experiences as a means of learning.
• The experiential approach helps students to connect with nature and develop a deep appreciation for the environment.

Hence, it can be concluded that A, B and C are the correct options.

The environment is a complex and interconnected system that includes both living and non-living components.

Key Points

• Therefore, we need to understand the biotic and abiotic components of the environment.
• The biotic components include all living things like plants, animals, and microorganisms. The abiotic components include the non-living things like air, water, soil, and rocks.
• We must also understand how social and cultural factors affect the environment, and how the environment, in turn, affects human societies.
• Furthermore, the environment is dynamic, and it is constantly changing due to natural processes and human activities.
• Therefore, we must adopt a creative and curious approach to find sustainable solutions that can help us manage our natural resources and reduce our impact on the environment.

Hence, it can be concluded that option A , B and C are the correct answers.

Environmental Studies (EVS) is a subject that aims to develop an understanding of the environment and sustainability.

Key Points

• It is not limited to the classroom, and real-life experiences outside the classroom are an essential aspect of the subject.
• By linking classroom experiences with real-life experiences outside the classroom, students can gain a better understanding of the concepts and issues related to the environment.
• Textbooks are an essential part of the EVS curriculum, but they cannot provide a complete understanding of the subject.
• Real-life experiences outside the classroom, such as field trips, community projects, and hands-on activities, provide students with practical knowledge and a better understanding of the environment.

H ence, it can be concluded that In EVS teaching-learning process, linking classroom experiences with real-life experiences outside the classroom best implies going beyond the textbooks.

Survey and writing is an activity that involves conducting a survey or an investigation on a particular topic related to the environment, followed by writing a report on the findings.

Key Points

• This activity encourages students to explore and learn about various environmental issues and develop research skills.
• By conducting surveys, students can collect data, analyze it, and draw conclusions, which helps them to understand the topic in a more meaningful way.
• It also helps them to develop critical thinking skills and encourages them to think creatively to find solutions to environmental problems.
• Additionally, this activity also helps students to improve their writing skills as they need to write a report on the findings of the survey.
• Writing a report requires students to organize their thoughts, present data in a clear and concise manner, and draw conclusions.

Hence, it can be concluded that the inclusion of survey and writing in the EVS textbook for grade 5 aims to give students opportunities to explore and learn about environmental issues and develop practical skills such as research and report writing.

Practical activities and Role Play are effective strategies for teaching Environmental Studies (EVS) as they provide students with hands-on experience and allow them to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Key Points

• Practical activities such as field trips, experiments, and projects enable students to observe and explore the environment, develop skills and gain insights into environmental issues.
• Through practical activities, students can learn about various environmental issues, such as waste management, water conservation, and pollution control, among others.
• Practical activities help students to understand complex concepts better, and they also help in the development of practical skills such as observation, measurement, and analysis.
• It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for developing responsible behavior towards the environment.
• Role play is a highly engaging and effective method for teaching Environmental Studies (EVS) at various levels.
• It allows students to actively learn about environmental concepts and issues through interactive scenarios.

Hence, it can be concluded that  Both 2 and 3 are the correct answer.

The process approach is a teaching-learning approach in EVS that focuses on the process of learning rather than just the acquisition of knowledge or information.

Key Points

• It emphasizes the skills and processes involved in learning, such as observation, inquiry, analysis, and critical thinking.
• In the process approach, the teacher acts as a facilitator who encourages students to explore and investigate the environment, ask questions, and find answers through various activities and processes.
• The teacher provides guidance and support to help students develop their skills and understand the concepts.
• A process approach is a student-centred approach that allows students to learn at their own pace and in their own way. It encourages active participation, independent thinking, and self-directed learning.
• It is effective for teaching EVS because it encourages students to be active learners who explore and investigate the environment and develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues.

Hence, it can be concluded that the approach of teaching-learning of EVS that uses different skills to learn new things is process approach.

The correct answer is A and B.

Key Points

• Step wells are also known as bavdis.
• These are traditional systems of storage and conservation of rainwater.
• They were widely used in India as community resources.
• The wells were constructed in such a way that steps went down several steps deep into the earth, allowing people to access the water at the bottom.
• Statement A is correct as step wells were indeed used for storage and conservation of rainwater.
• They were built to collect and store rainwater during the monsoon season, which could then be used throughout the year.
• Statement B is also correct as step wells were considered community resources.
• They were built and maintained by the community and were used by everyone in the village or town.
• In some cases, step wells were even used for social gatherings and events.
• Statement C, however, is incorrect.
• While it is true that step wells had steps going down several levels, people were not allowed to draw water up from the well using pulleys.
• Instead, the water was drawn up using a system of buckets and ropes.
• People would lower the bucket into the well, fill it with water, and then use the rope to pull it back up to the surface.
• Therefore, the correct statements are A and B, making option 2 the correct answer.

The correct answer is Fern.

 Key Points

• Plants that grow without seeds are called cryptogams, and ferns are one example of such plants.
• Ferns reproduce through spores, which are released from the underside of their leaves.
• Unlike flowering plants, ferns do not produce flowers or fruits.
• Other examples of cryptogams include mosses, liverworts, and algae.
• Therefore, the correct answer is option 3 - Fern.

Additional Information

• Cryptogams is attributed to the group of flowerless and seedless plants.
• They have covert sex organs and reproduce by spores.
• The three types of cryptogams are thallophyte, bryophyte, and pteridophyte.
• Ferns and their companions are categorized as pteridophytes.
• The second-largest group of plants in India's flora are ferns and their relatives.

The correct answer is Jharkhand.

Key Points

• Santhali and Kuduk languages are spoken in the state of Jharkhand in India.
• Jharkhand is located in the eastern part of India and was formed in the year 2000.
• Santhali is the most widely spoken language in Jharkhand, followed by Hindi and Bengali.
• Kuduk is a minority language spoken by the Kuduk community in Jharkhand.
• The Constitution of India recognizes 22 languages as the official languages of the country, including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and Tamil.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Slash and burn agriculture.

 Key Points

• Jhum cultivation is also known as slash and burn agriculture, where land is cleared by burning the vegetation and then crops are grown on the nutrient-rich ash.
• This type of cultivation is mainly practiced by indigenous communities in tropical regions with poor soil quality.
• It is a traditional and sustainable form of farming that allows the land to regenerate over time.
• Jhum cultivation does not involve the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides and relies on natural resources for farming.
• However, overuse of this method can lead to deforestation and soil degradation.

Additional Information

• Jhum cultivation is prevalent in countries like India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• The term 'Jhum' is derived from the Assamese language, where it means "shifting cultivation".
• This method of farming has been a part of the traditional livelihoods of indigenous communities for centuries and is deeply connected to their culture and way of life.
• Organic agriculture:
• An agricultural practice known as organic farming makes use of organic fertilizers such as composted manure, green manure, and bone meal.
• It emphasizes methods like companion planting and crop rotation.
• Crop rotation:
• It is the process of planting several crops in succession on the same piece of land.
• It is done in order to enhance soil health, maximize nutrient content, and reduce insect and weed load.

The correct answer is Tailorbird.

Key Points

• The riddle refers to a bird with a special beak that is used like a needle to stitch leaves and make a home.
• The name of this bird is Tailorbird, which is known for its unique sewing abilities.
• Tailorbirds belong to the family of birds called Cisticolidae and are found in Asia.
• They are small in size and have distinctive markings on their feathers.
• Tailorbirds are known for their melodious songs and are often kept as pets in some parts of the world.

Additional Information

• The beak of a Tailorbird is curved and pointed, which helps them to pierce through leaves and stitch them together.
• They use spider silk or plant fibers to stitch their nests, which are usually shaped like a pouch and hang from branches.
• Indian Robin:
• The vibrant black Indian Robin has a white patch on its wing and rusty red on the root of its cocked tail.
• Its nest is a grassy pad with roots and trash within that is covered in feather or hair.
• Sunbird:
• Sunbirds often have long, thin beaks and are vividly colored.
• Sunbirds eat nectar and insects for food.
• While some species construct open nests, others construct closed nests.
• Weaver bird:
• A little bird belonging to the Ploceidae family is the weaver bird.
• Every species builds a dome-shaped nest, sometimes with a long entrance tunnel.

The correct answer is Bats.

Key Points

• Chiropterophily is a type of pollination that is carried out by bats.
• Bats are attracted to flowers that are often white or pale in color and emit a strong odor at night.
• During pollination, bats transfer pollen from the male parts of one flower to the female parts of another flower.
• This type of pollination is important for the survival of many plant species, especially those that are found in tropical and desert regions.
• Chiropterophily is a relatively rare form of pollination compared to other methods such as entomophily (pollination by insects) and anemophily (pollination by wind).

Additional Information

• The word "chiropterophily" comes from the Greek word "Chiroptera" meaning "hand-winged" (referring to bats) and "philia" meaning "love of".
• Bats are important pollinators for many fruits such as bananas, guavas, and mangoes, as well as for plants that are used to make tequila and other alcoholic beverages.
• The act of birds pollinating flowering plants is known as ornithophily or bird pollination.
• Pollination carried out by squirrels is called pollination by agents.
• Entomophily is a type of plant pollination in which insects, especially bees, Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), flies, and beetles, spread pollen.

The correct answer is Jamdani.

Key Points

• Jamdani is a traditional weaving technique from West Bengal that creates intricate patterns on cotton and silk fabrics.
• It is believed to have originated in Dhaka, now the capital of Bangladesh.
• It was brought to West Bengal by Mughal emperors.
• The process involves weaving the design into the fabric rather than embroidering it on top, resulting in a lightweight and breathable fabric.
• Jamdani sarees are highly prized and often worn by brides during weddings and other special occasions.

Additional Information

• Jamdani is also known as "Dhakai Jamdani" or simply "Dhakai" due to its origins in Dhaka.
• The art of Jamdani weaving was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
• Chikankari:
• An ancient form of needlework from Lucknow, India, is called chikankari.
• Chikankari uses wire or thread.
• Patola:
• A double-ikat woven sari known as a patola is often composed of silk.
• It is made in Patan, Gujarat, India.
• Pochampalli:
• Pochampalli ikat is a saree.
• It is produced in Telangana State, India, in the Bhoodan Pochampally neighborhood of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.

The correct answer is B and C only.

Key Points

• Statement A is wrong: A three-month-old baby elephant generally weighs less than one quintal is wrong because A three-month-old baby elephant generally weighs 200 Kg.
• Statement B is correct: Elephants do not rest very much. They sleep for only two to four hours in the day because they love to play in mud and water.
• Statement C is correct: An Elephant herd mainly has females and baby elephants. The oldest female is the leader of the herd because Elephant herds are fascinating social structures led by the matriarch, the oldest and wisest female in the group.
• Statement D is wrong: A herd may have 20 to 25 female elephants and young ones. Male elephants live in the herd until they are 8-10 because A herd may have 10-12 female elephants and baby elephants and males live in the herd till they are 14-15 years old.

Additional Information

• Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth.
• Elephants are highly social animals and live in matriarchal herds.
• Elephants communicate through a variety of vocalizations such as trumpeting, rumbling, and growling.
• Elephants are classified as endangered species due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for their ivory tusks.

The correct is Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Udaipur.

Key Points

• The correct option is option 4, which includes the cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Udaipur.
• Johad is a traditional water conservation system in India, which involves building small earthen dams to collect rainwater and recharge groundwater.
• Stepwells are also traditional water conservation systems, which are wells or ponds with steps leading down to the water level, allowing for easy access to water even during droughts.
• Lakes are natural or man-made bodies of water that can also serve as a source of water conservation and management.
• Rajasthan, the state where three out of four cities mentioned in option 4 are located, is known for its arid climate and water scarcity, making traditional water conservation systems crucial for the survival of communities in the region.

The correct answer is Javelin Throw.

Key Points

• Neeraj Chopra is a champion Olympian who plays Javelin Throw.
• Javelin Throw is a track and field event where athletes throw a spear-like implement as far as possible.
• Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal in Javelin Throw at the 2018 Asian Games with a throw of 88.06 meters.
• He also won a gold medal in Javelin Throw at the 2018 Commonwealth Games with a throw of 86.47 meters.
• Neeraj Chopra is the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in Javelin Throw at the Commonwealth Games.
• He is considered one of India's brightest prospects for a medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Therefore, the correct option is 1) Javelin Throw.