31 / 01 / 2022, 04 / 02 / 2022
Chapter - 21 Global Climatic Changes
(CONTINUATION)
Global Warming
Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petrol, gas give off huge amounts of carbon dioxide. This makes the greenhouse gas a little thicker. These gases absorb heat easily. As a result more of the sun's heat gets trapped inside the atmosphere. This makes the planet warm. This is known as global warming.
MAIN TEACHING :- 
It is not necessary that all the places will be hot. Some places will have heavier rainfall, more snow in some places, longer periods of drought, more storms, etc. in others. These changes will affect people, animals and the environment in many ways. Some of the affected will be agriculture, water supply, health, forests, and coastal areas.
The global warming will cause changes in the future, such as higher temperatures, more droughts, changing rain patterns, melting glaciers, warmer oceans, rising sea level.
What can we do to stop Global Warning?
The global warming will cause changes in the future, such as higher temperatures, more droughts, changing rain patterns, melting glaciers, warmer oceans, rising sea level.
What can we do to stop Global Warning?
The answer is short and simple : we need to reduce global warming. It means producing less carbon dioxide emission and using less energy or using it more efficiently.
You can do the following things to start with -
- use energy - saving fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent ones.
- use renewable energy - solar and wind energy.
- bicycle, walk or take a bus instead of using your car.
Ozone Hole
In the upper atmosphere (stratosphere) a band of ozone (ozone layer) protects us by screening the harmful ultraviolet rays coming down from the sun.
Chloroflurocarbons (CFCs), once thought to be harmless, were used in refrigerators as cooling chemicals. However, in the 1980s, it was felt that they damaged the Earth's ozone layer. Huge 'ozone holes' started to appear over Antarctica.
Air Pollution
Air is a mixture of gases. It lets all living things breathe. However, the air we breathe is polluted. Where does modern air pollution come from ? The biggest culprit today is traffic, although factories and power plants contribute to it.
What effects does air pollution have ?
Air pollution can harm the health of people. It can damage crops and cause harm to animals also. Apart from blackening buildings with soot, they also contribute to acid rains.
Acid Rain
When rain falls through polluted air, it absorbs some of the pollutants (gases) and becomes more acidic - producing, what's known as Acid Rain. In simple words, we can say that air pollution converts the rain into a weak acid.
Effects of Acid Rain
The major problems of Acid rain are :
- damages buildings by eating away stonework (the marble on buildings - example the Taj Mahal)
- causes death of forests.
- reduces the fertility of the soil.
- causes diseases.
What can we all contribute to reduce the Global Climatic Change?
Raising awareness and changing behaviour is the first step. Here are a few things to make a difference :
- save energy
- save water when you can
- cut the car use
- cut out garden bonfires
- never burn household wastes
- reduce, reuse, recycle
- don't smoke
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-21.
2) Greenhouse Gases
3) Greenhouse Effect
4) Global Warning
5) Ozone Hole
6) Air Pollution
7) Acid Rain
1) The whole of the chapter-21.
2) Greenhouse Gases
3) Greenhouse Effect
4) Global Warning
5) Ozone Hole
6) Air Pollution
7) Acid Rain
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 21, on pages 149 - 151.
2) Do Exs A - C, Ch-21 in your textbook itself.
28 / 01 / 2022
Chapter - 21 Global Climatic Changes
INTRODUCTION
Our world is always changing. Look out of your window, you will see the climate changing. These changes are happening because the Earth's air, water and land are linked to the climate. People are causing these changes. They have modified the environment - cutting down forests to build houses and factories ; polluted the air and water - smoke from factories and vehicles, dumping of wastes in water bodies.
The earth is getting warmer because of heat - trapping gases into the atmosphere. This is mainly due to burning of fossil fuels. Warmer temperatures have led to global warming, pollution, melting of glaciers and also the depletion of the ozone layer and acid rain.
Most of the world depends on fossil fuels for their energy needs-homes, vehicles, factories. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (the heattrapping gas) into the atmosphere. This is the main cause of climatic change.
The earth is getting warmer because of heat - trapping gases into the atmosphere. This is mainly due to burning of fossil fuels. Warmer temperatures have led to global warming, pollution, melting of glaciers and also the depletion of the ozone layer and acid rain.
Most of the world depends on fossil fuels for their energy needs-homes, vehicles, factories. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (the heattrapping gas) into the atmosphere. This is the main cause of climatic change.
Greenhouse Gases
The heat-trapping gases are called greenhouse gases. They exist naturally in the atmosphere. They are essential because they help keep the earth warm enough for us, plants and animals to live. However, human beings are adding extra greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These extra gases are causing the earth to get warmer, resulting in changes on land, oceans and atmosphere.
People's activities produce large amounts of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas emitted by humans.
People's activities produce large amounts of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas emitted by humans.
Greenhouse Effect
Have you seen a glasshouse in which plants are grown ?
A greenhouse is a building made of glass in which plants are grown. The glass walls allow sunrays in and prevent heat from escaping out.
Similarly the Earth can be compared to very big greenhouse. As you know, an envelope of air surrounds the Earth called atmosphere. The Earth gets energy from the sun in the form of sunlight. The atmosphere lets in light but traps heat. That's why the surface of a road stays hot even after the sun has gone. Gases in the atmosphere like carbon dioxide act like the glass and prevent the heat escape to outer space. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb some of it, which make the atmosphere warmer. As the atmosphere gets warmer, it makes the Earth's surface warmer, too. This had led to Global Warming.
A greenhouse is a building made of glass in which plants are grown. The glass walls allow sunrays in and prevent heat from escaping out.
If there was no natural greenhouse effect, it would not be possible to live on Earth. The Earth would be too much cold to support life.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-21.
2) Greenhouse Gases
3) Greenhouse Effect
4) Global Warning
5) Ozone Hole
6) Air Pollution
7) Acid Rain
1) The whole of the chapter-21.
2) Greenhouse Gases
3) Greenhouse Effect
4) Global Warning
5) Ozone Hole
6) Air Pollution
7) Acid Rain
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 21, on pages 148 - 149.
24 / 01 / 2022
Chapter - 20 Natural Disasters
(CONTINUATION)
Flood
Floods occur due to heavy rains for days together. The rivers overflow and cover the surrounding land. Further, floods also occur due to dam failure, torrential rains from cyclones and tsunamis.
Floods cause severe damage to property, life and crops. Moving flood water can be dangerous. Do not play in flood water.
Unlike an earthquake, you and your family can prepare and take precautions before and during the disaster.
- Keep watch on rise in water level.
- Listen to the radio for emergency evacuation.
- Keep your first aid and emergency supply kit ready.
Landslide
When a part of the land slides down a hilly slope quickly or slowly it results in a landslide. It may be due to heavy rainfall or erosion. It causes damage to life and property. Routes can be blocked and community can come to a standstill.
Floods occur due to heavy rains for days together. The rivers overflow and cover the surrounding land. Further, floods also occur due to dam failure, torrential rains from cyclones and tsunamis.
Floods cause severe damage to property, life and crops. Moving flood water can be dangerous. Do not play in flood water.
Unlike an earthquake, you and your family can prepare and take precautions before and during the disaster.
- Keep watch on rise in water level.
- Listen to the radio for emergency evacuation.
- Keep your first aid and emergency supply kit ready.
Safety Tips During Floods
- Climb to higher level ground and stay there until further instructions.
- Do not walk through flood water.
- If in a vehicle, turn and take another route.
- Abandon the vehicle if necessary and climb to higher ground.
- Do not eat food that comes in contact with flood water.
- Climb to higher level ground and stay there until further instructions.
- Do not walk through flood water.
- If in a vehicle, turn and take another route.
- Abandon the vehicle if necessary and climb to higher ground.
- Do not eat food that comes in contact with flood water.
Landslide
When a part of the land slides down a hilly slope quickly or slowly it results in a landslide. It may be due to heavy rainfall or erosion. It causes damage to life and property. Routes can be blocked and community can come to a standstill.
Cyclone
A cyclone is a sea storm accompanied by high speed winds. It brings heavy rains. It develops in water bodies like the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Odisha, Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and some coastal areas are prone to cyclones.
Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanoes are cone-shaped mountains with openings in the earth's crust through which molten lava and hot gases come out.
Volcanoes can also begin in the ocean and cause a tsunami. Major eruptions occur near the Pacific Ocean, shaped like a horseshoe, called 'The Ring of Fire'.
Safety Tips During a Volcanic Eruption
- If you live near the coast, evacuate to higher ground as it can be a sign of tsunami approaching.
- If inside the house, stay indoors and close all doors and windows.- Cover all electronic devices.
- Bring livestock into closed shelter.
- If outside, use goggles to protect your eyes, cover your face to protect from inhaling ash.
- Do not cross the bridge.
- Keep skin covered.
- Avoid driving in ash fall.
A cyclone is a sea storm accompanied by high speed winds. It brings heavy rains. It develops in water bodies like the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Odisha, Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and some coastal areas are prone to cyclones.
Safety Tips During a Cyclone
- Move away from coastal areas.
- Do not go near the sea.
- Listen to the radio for warnings.
- Move away from coastal areas.
- Do not go near the sea.
- Listen to the radio for warnings.
Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanoes are cone-shaped mountains with openings in the earth's crust through which molten lava and hot gases come out.
Volcanoes can also begin in the ocean and cause a tsunami. Major eruptions occur near the Pacific Ocean, shaped like a horseshoe, called 'The Ring of Fire'.
Safety Tips During a Volcanic Eruption
- If you live near the coast, evacuate to higher ground as it can be a sign of tsunami approaching.
- If inside the house, stay indoors and close all doors and windows.
- Bring livestock into closed shelter.
- If outside, use goggles to protect your eyes, cover your face to protect from inhaling ash.
- Do not cross the bridge.
- Keep skin covered.
- Avoid driving in ash fall.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-20.
2) Types of Disasters
3) Earthquake
4) Tsunami
5) Drought
6) Flood
7) Landslide
8) Cyclone
9) Volcanic Eruptions
1) The whole of the chapter-20.
2) Types of Disasters
3) Earthquake
4) Tsunami
5) Drought
6) Flood
7) Landslide
8) Cyclone
9) Volcanic Eruptions
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 20, on pages 143 - 145.
2) Do Exs A - D in your textbook itself on pages 146 and 147, Ch 20.
21 / 01 / 2022
Chapter - 20 Natural Disasters
INTRODUCTION
A disaster is a sudden, great misfortune causing huge damage, loss and destruction to life and property. The damage caused is immeasurable and varies with location, climate and earth's surface.
Disaster generally affects the region where it strikes. It has the following effects :
- completely disrupts the normal day-to-day life.
- it affects the emergency system.
- daily needs such as food, shelter, commuting and health services are affected depending on the severity of the disaster. For example, an earthquake or cyclone kills thousands of people, damage crops and property.
Disaster generally affects the region where it strikes. It has the following effects :
- completely disrupts the normal day-to-day life.
- it affects the emergency system.
- daily needs such as food, shelter, commuting and health services are affected depending on the severity of the disaster. For example, an earthquake or cyclone kills thousands of people, damage crops and property.
Types Of Disasters
Generally, disasters are classified into Natural and Man-made. Natural disasters are weather related.
Let us learn and understand some of the major natural disasters.
Earthquake
Earthquakes occur due to the violent and sudden shaking of the earth. They occur without any warning.
Do you remember the structure of the Earth ? Name the three layers of the earth :
The earth's crust is made of huge pieces called 'Plates' th at fit together tightly. Sometimes, these huge plates move and collide with each other. When this happens, a lot of energy is released causing an earthquake. An earthquake can be felt over a large area. It lasts for less than one minute but causes huge destruction. The intensity (strength) of an earthquake can be measured by an instrument called Richter scale.
The most important thing to remember during an earthquake is to :
Earthquake
Earthquakes occur due to the violent and sudden shaking of the earth. They occur without any warning.
Do you remember the structure of the Earth ? Name the three layers of the earth :
The most important thing to remember during an earthquake is to :
Safety Tips During an Earthquake
- Take cover immediately under a heavy piece of furniture. For example, the desk in school, bed or table at home, or inside wall if you are inside the school or at home. Do not move until the shaking stops.
- If outside, move away from poles, trees, wires and remain there till the shaking stops.
- Do not use the elevator, always use the stairs, if needed.
- If in a moving vehicle - ask the elder to stop quickly as safety permits. Stay inside the vehicle. Do not stop near or under buildings, trees, bridges or wires.
Safety Tips During a Tsunami
- Stay away from beach. Do not go to the beach to watch a Tsunami.
- Leave the area immediately if you stay near the seashore.
- Take cover immediately under a heavy piece of furniture. For example, the desk in school, bed or table at home, or inside wall if you are inside the school or at home. Do not move until the shaking stops.
- If outside, move away from poles, trees, wires and remain there till the shaking stops.
- Do not use the elevator, always use the stairs, if needed.
- If in a moving vehicle - ask the elder to stop quickly as safety permits. Stay inside the vehicle. Do not stop near or under buildings, trees, bridges or wires.
Tsunami
A Tsunami (pronounced as soonah- mee) is a series of huge giant waves produced under the sea. It is often due to a large earthquake that takes place under the sea. The waves can be as high as 100 feet. They cause huge destruction near the seashore. The waves are powerful enough to collapse houses, buildings and carry ships inland.
A Tsunami (pronounced as soonah- mee) is a series of huge giant waves produced under the sea. It is often due to a large earthquake that takes place under the sea. The waves can be as high as 100 feet. They cause huge destruction near the seashore. The waves are powerful enough to collapse houses, buildings and carry ships inland.
Safety Tips During a Tsunami
- Stay away from beach. Do not go to the beach to watch a Tsunami.
- Leave the area immediately if you stay near the seashore.
- Move to the evacuation site as soon as you hear a warning. Stay away from coastal areas.
- Listen to the radio for evacuation and emergency information.
- Listen to the radio for evacuation and emergency information.
Drought
Drought is a period of dry weather, when there is no rainall for a very long period of time. There is an extreme shortage of
water. Crops dry and there is very little water for domestic use. This leads to further increase in food prices and poverty.
Drought is a period of dry weather, when there is no rainall for a very long period of time. There is an extreme shortage of
water. Crops dry and there is very little water for domestic use. This leads to further increase in food prices and poverty.
Safety Tips During Drought
- Save water as much as possible.
- Use water scarcely.
- Save water as much as possible.
- Use water scarcely.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-20.
2) Types of Disasters
3) Earthquake
4) Tsunami
5) Drought
6) Flood
7) Landslide
8) Cyclone
9) Volcanic Eruptions
1) The whole of the chapter-20.
2) Types of Disasters
3) Earthquake
4) Tsunami
5) Drought
6) Flood
7) Landslide
8) Cyclone
9) Volcanic Eruptions
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 20, on pages 140 - 143.
17 / 01 / 2022
Chapter - 19 India Wins Freedom
(CONTINUATION)
Quit India Movement
In 1942, the Congress, under the leadership of Gandhi, launched the Quit India Movement. The British were asked to leave India immediately so that the Indians could sort out their problems as they liked.
Gandhiji gave the slogan of 'Do or die'. That is, either we win freedom or die for the same.
Gandhiji gave the slogan of 'Do or die'. That is, either we win freedom or die for the same.
In 1942, the Congress, under the leadership of Gandhi, launched the Quit India Movement. The British were asked to leave India immediately so that the Indians could sort out their problems as they liked.
Gandhiji gave the slogan of 'Do or die'. That is, either we win freedom or die for the same.
Gandhiji gave the slogan of 'Do or die'. That is, either we win freedom or die for the same.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
While Gandhiji was fighting the British with his peaceful ways, there were other leaders, who believed in the violent ways of fighting. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose decided to fight the British from outside India. He escaped from India, and formed the Indian National Army (INA) to free India from the tyrannical British rule.
- The members of his army called him, 'Netaji'.
- He gave the country the slogans of 'Jai Hind' and 'Dilli Chalo'.
Many revolutionary leaders also joined the freedom struggle. They believed that only violence would force the British to leave India. The most important of these were Bhagat Singh, Ram Prasad Bismil, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Ashfaqullah Khan.
At last, the British realised that India would not tolerate the British rule any more. On 15th August 1947, India became free.
The country was divided into two independent countries - India and Pakistan. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of our country.
- The members of his army called him, 'Netaji'.
- He gave the country the slogans of 'Jai Hind' and 'Dilli Chalo'.
Many revolutionary leaders also joined the freedom struggle. They believed that only violence would force the British to leave India. The most important of these were Bhagat Singh, Ram Prasad Bismil, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Ashfaqullah Khan.
At last, the British realised that India would not tolerate the British rule any more. On 15th August 1947, India became free.
The country was divided into two independent countries - India and Pakistan. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of our country.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-19.
2) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
3) Non-cooperation Movement
4) Dandi March
5) Quit India Movement
6) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
1) The whole of the chapter-19.
2) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
3) Non-cooperation Movement
4) Dandi March
5) Quit India Movement
6) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 19, on pages 134 and 135.
2) Do Exs A - C in your textbook itself on page 137, Ch 19.
11 / 01 / 2022
Chapter - 19 India Wins Freedom
Introduction
After coming to India in 1919, at the end of the First World War, Gandhiji travelled all over the country. He saw himself the miserable condition of the people suffering under the British rule. So, he decided to join the freedom movement.
Under the leadership of Gandhi, the struggle for India's freedom took a new turn. People called him 'Mahatma' because of his simplicity and noble ideas. Thousands of men and women all over the country joined him in his struggle. He urged the people of India to disobey the unjust British laws. Meetings and demonstrations were held in many parts of the country.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Under the leadership of Gandhi, the struggle for India's freedom took a new turn. People called him 'Mahatma' because of his simplicity and noble ideas. Thousands of men and women all over the country joined him in his struggle. He urged the people of India to disobey the unjust British laws. Meetings and demonstrations were held in many parts of the country.
The Jallianwala Bagh MassacreThe Jallianwala Bagh is a large park in Amritsar. A meeting was being held in this park to protest against the unjust British laws. It was a peaceful meeting attended by about 20,000 men, women and children. The government did not like this.
General Dyer, a British officer, arrived at the park with about 150 soldiers and surrounded the area. Without any warning, he ordered his men to open fire. Thousands of men, women and children were either killed or wounded.
The news of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre shocked the people, and filled them with anger. But Gandhiji told the people that violence would lead to more violence. He believed in nonviolence and fought with peaceful methods. He called his struggle as Satyagraha.
Non-Cooperation Movement
General Dyer, a British officer, arrived at the park with about 150 soldiers and surrounded the area. Without any warning, he ordered his men to open fire. Thousands of men, women and children were either killed or wounded.The news of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre shocked the people, and filled them with anger. But Gandhiji told the people that violence would lead to more violence. He believed in nonviolence and fought with peaceful methods. He called his struggle as Satyagraha.
Non-Cooperation MovementTo protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Gandhiji gave a call for the Non Cooperation Movement.
The people of India decided to disobey the unjust British laws.
They decided that they would not cooperate with the British Government.
Thousands of men and women left their jobs.
Students left their schools and colleges to join the freedom movement.
Leaders from all over the country joined the movement. Among them were many great men and women like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini Naidu, C. Rajagopalachari, Chittaranjan Das, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
In 1929, the Indian National Congress (INC) took an historic decision in Lahore. The time had come for the British to leave India. They decided that they would not rest until the country won 'Poorna Swaraj' (complete freedom).
The people of India decided to disobey the unjust British laws.
They decided that they would not cooperate with the British Government.
Thousands of men and women left their jobs.
Students left their schools and colleges to join the freedom movement.
Leaders from all over the country joined the movement. Among them were many great men and women like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini Naidu, C. Rajagopalachari, Chittaranjan Das, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.In 1929, the Indian National Congress (INC) took an historic decision in Lahore. The time had come for the British to leave India. They decided that they would not rest until the country won 'Poorna Swaraj' (complete freedom).
Dandi March
The British passed a law that the collection of salt from the seacoast was an offence. The Indians had to pay tax on salt. Gandhiji said that it was wrong because salt was made from the sea and it belonged to everyone. He decided to break this law and marched from his Ashram at Sabarmati to a place called Dandi on the sea coast. Thousands of people from all over India joined him in this march.
On reaching Dandi, Gandhiji made salt from the sea water and showed it to the British government that they would not obey the British laws.
The movement in the Northwest was carried on by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as 'Frontier Gandhi'. Rani Gaidilieu of Nagaland, carried the movement in the North-east.
On reaching Dandi, Gandhiji made salt from the sea water and showed it to the British government that they would not obey the British laws.
The movement in the Northwest was carried on by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as 'Frontier Gandhi'. Rani Gaidilieu of Nagaland, carried the movement in the North-east.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-19.
2) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
3) Non-cooperation Movement
4) Dandi March
5) Quit India Movement
6) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
1) The whole of the chapter-19.
2) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
3) Non-cooperation Movement
4) Dandi March
5) Quit India Movement
6) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 19, on pages 134 and 135.
2) Do Exs A - C in your textbook itself on page 137, Ch 19.
******************************************
07 / 12 / 2021
Chapter - 14 The Great Indians 
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-14.
2) C. V. Raman
3) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
4) Sushruta
5) M. F. Hussain
6) M. S. Subbulakshmi
1) The whole of the chapter-14.
2) C. V. Raman
3) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
4) Sushruta
5) M. F. Hussain
6) M. S. Subbulakshmi
ASSIGNMENT
Revise chs 12,13 and 14 for FAIII.
30 / 11 / 2021, 03 / 12 / 2021
Chapter - 18 The Movement For Independence
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-18.
2) The Birth of Indian National Congress
3) Divide and Rule Policy
4) The Swadeshi Movement and
5) The Revolutionaries
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-18.
2) The Birth of Indian National Congress
3) Divide and Rule Policy
4) The Swadeshi Movement and
5) The Revolutionaries
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 18, on pages 129 to 131.
2) Do Exs A - D in your textbook itself on pages 132 and 133, Ch 18.
23 / 11 / 2021, 26 / 11 / 2021
Chapter - 17 The Revolt of 1857- The First Struggle For Freedom
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-17.
2) The East India Company
3) Revolt in 1857
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-17.
2) The East India Company
3) Revolt in 1857
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 17, on pages 125 and 126.
2) Do Exs A - D in your textbook itself on page 127, Ch 17.
16 / 11 / 2021
Chapter - 16 How the United Nations Works
(CONTINUATION)
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of chapter-16.
2) The General Assembly
3) The Security Council
4) The Economic And Social Council
5) The Trusteeship Council
6) The International Court Of Justice
7) The Secretariat
8) Agencies Of the United Nations
9) Major Achievement Of the United Nations
10) Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-16.
2) The General Assembly
3) The Security Council
4) The Economic And Social Council
5) The Trusteeship Council
6) The International Court Of Justice
7) The Secretariat
8) Agencies Of the United Nations
9) Major Achievement Of the United Nations
10) Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 16, on pages 118 and 119.
12 / 11 / 2021
Chapter - 16 How the United Nations Works
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of chapter-16.
2) The General Assembly
3) The Security Council
4) The Economic And Social Council
5) The Trusteeship Council
6) The International Court Of Justice
7) The Secretariat
8) Agencies Of the United Nations
9) Major Achievement Of the United Nations
10) Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-16.
2) The General Assembly
3) The Security Council
4) The Economic And Social Council
5) The Trusteeship Council
6) The International Court Of Justice
7) The Secretariat
8) Agencies Of the United Nations
9) Major Achievement Of the United Nations
10) Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 16, on pages 116 and 117.
02 / 11 / 2021
Chapter - 15 The Birth Of United Nations
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-15.
2) Main Objectives of the United Nations (UNO)
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-15.
2) Main Objectives of the United Nations (UNO)
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 15 fully.
2) Do Exs A - C, Ch 15 page 114 in your textbook.
26 / 10 / 2021, 29 / 10 / 2021
Chapter - 14 The Great Indians
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-14.
2) C. V. Raman
3) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
4) Sushruta
5) M. F. Hussain
6) M. S. Subbulakshmi
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-14.
2) C. V. Raman
3) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
4) Sushruta
5) M. F. Hussain
6) M. S. Subbulakshmi
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 14 fully.
2) Do Exs A to D, Ch 14 pages 108 and 109 in your textbook.
22 / 10 / 2021
Chapter - 13 The Age Of Machines
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-13.
2) The Steam Engine
3) Mass Production
4) Industrial Revolution
5) Food For Machines
6) Coal
7) Mineral Oil
8) Electricity
9) New Sources of Energy
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-13.
2) The Steam Engine
3) Mass Production
4) Industrial Revolution
5) Food For Machines
6) Coal
7) Mineral Oil
8) Electricity
9) New Sources of Energy
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 13 fully.
2) Do Exs A to D, Ch 13 pages 99 and 102 in your textbook.
05 / 10 / 2021 , 08 / 10 / 2021
Chapter - 12 Towards a Healthier Life
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-12.
2) The Thermometer
3) Stethoscope
4) Microscope
5) New Machines
6) X-Ray Machine
7) Laser
8) Discovery of Machines
9) New Developments in Surgery
10) Prevention of Diseases
11) Smallpox Vaccination
12) Pasteurisation
13) Basic Health Care
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-12.
2) The Thermometer
3) Stethoscope
4) Microscope
5) New Machines
6) X-Ray Machine
7) Laser
8) Discovery of Machines
9) New Developments in Surgery
10) Prevention of Diseases
11) Smallpox Vaccination
12) Pasteurisation
13) Basic Health Care
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 12 fully.
2) Do Exs A to F, Ch 12 pages 96 and 97 in your textbook.
14 / 09 / 2021
Chapter - 9 Means Of Transport (REVISION)
Introduction
Science and technology have brought rapid changes in the modes of transport and communication. Every new invention has increased the speed and resulted in bringing the world closer. Today, the modern means of transport have made it possible to move goods and people from one place to another quickly, safely and comfortably.
There is a large network of roads and rails spread all over the world. The routes which connect different countries of the world are called the International Routes. These routes are to be found on land as well as water and in air.
There is a large network of roads and rails spread all over the world. The routes which connect different countries of the world are called the International Routes. These routes are to be found on land as well as water and in air.
Land Routes
Land routes are the oldest routes in the world. Land transport needs two types of special tracks to move on - roads and rails.
Roadways
Today, there is a vast network of highways all over the world. In villages, there are Kutcha roads. Pucca roads are the roads made smooth with tar and concrete. These roads are found in towns and cities and are quite wide. The longest and the densest land routes in the world are in the USA, European countries and Russia.
In some countries, there are very broad roads, called the Speedways, Expressways or Freeways. These roads are wide enough to allow more than six vehicles to move sideways in each direction. Vehicles are allowed to move only in one direction. There are no traffic lights. Since they don't pass through towns, the traffic does not have to slow down or stop for signals. They have flyover junctions where one road crosses over another. In India the 120 km long freeway between Ahmadabad and Vadodara takes about two hours by road.
Roadways often connect one country with another. India is connected by road with all the neighboring countries. The Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road) connected Kolkata to Peshawar in Pakistan. It led to Afghanistan through the well known Khyber Pass. The Bharat- Tibet Road beyond Shimla connects India with China through Tibet. There is another road through Sikkim to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Our country is also connected by roads to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and beyond. The Burma Road connects Kumming in China to Lashio in North-East Myanmar.
In Europe, all the countries are connected through roads. France and Italy are connected by a big tunnel dug under the Alps mountains. England and France are connected by another tunnel built under the English Channel. The famous Alaskan Highway runs from Alaska in North America to the southernmost part of South America.
Roads have, no doubt, made travelling easier, faster and smooth. But they have also created two problems - pollution and accidents. The increased traffic has polluted the air with smoke and dust. It poses a great danger to the health of the people. There is also an increase in the number of road accidents.
The Golden Quadriangle, also known as the Golden Quadrilateral, is the fifth largest highway in the world. It connects Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Having a length of 5,846 kms; it passes through 13 states of India.
In some countries, there are very broad roads, called the Speedways, Expressways or Freeways. These roads are wide enough to allow more than six vehicles to move sideways in each direction. Vehicles are allowed to move only in one direction. There are no traffic lights. Since they don't pass through towns, the traffic does not have to slow down or stop for signals. They have flyover junctions where one road crosses over another. In India the 120 km long freeway between Ahmadabad and Vadodara takes about two hours by road.
In Europe, all the countries are connected through roads. France and Italy are connected by a big tunnel dug under the Alps mountains. England and France are connected by another tunnel built under the English Channel. The famous Alaskan Highway runs from Alaska in North America to the southernmost part of South America.
Roads have, no doubt, made travelling easier, faster and smooth. But they have also created two problems - pollution and accidents. The increased traffic has polluted the air with smoke and dust. It poses a great danger to the health of the people. There is also an increase in the number of road accidents.
Railways
Railways are an excellent means of safer and faster transportation. The early rails were pulled by horses. The invention of steam engine revolutionized the railways.
The British introduced the first railway in our country running between Bombay (Mumbai) and Thane in 1853. It was a distance of only 30 km. Today, the Indian Railways is the fourth largest in the world.
The thickest railway network is in Europe and in North America where railway lines ru n from coast to coast - from cities located along the Pacific coast in the west to those situated on the Atlantic coast in the east. The journey from Montreal to Vancouver in Canada takes three and a half days. The Grand Orient Express, connecting Paris with Istanbul in Turkey passes through many countries.
The longest railway line in the world is the Trans-Siberian Railway, connecting St. Petersburg on the north-west to Vladivostok on the south-eastern border in Russia. It takes about one week to travel almost 11,000 km.
In Japan, Germany and France, trains run very fast. Most of them travel at an average speed of about 200 km per hour. The speed of the fastest train in Japan is about 460 km per hour.
In some countries, the railways are built underground within the city. They run through tunnels. The modern underground railways run on electricity so as to avoid dirt and smoke. Kolkata, Delhi and Bengaluru have an underground railway system called the Metro. It is partly underground and partly above the ground in the capital city Delhi, making the life of the Delhiites better and comfortable.
The British introduced the first railway in our country running between Bombay (Mumbai) and Thane in 1853. It was a distance of only 30 km. Today, the Indian Railways is the fourth largest in the world.
Waterways
The waterways along the rivers and in the high seas have always played an important role in our life. They are cheaper because they do not require money to build or to maintain. They carry heavy and bulky goods over thousands of kilometres. Today, there are powerful diesel ships which travel with great speed in big seas and oceans. Shipping plays an important role in trade and commerce of the world.
The construction of canals like the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal has greatly revolutionised the international trade.
The Suez Canal was built in 1869. It connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. It provides the shortest route between Europe and the East. The ships from Europe can travel through Suez Canal and reach India in a short time. Before the construction of this canal, they had to sail all the way around Africa.
The Panama Canal was opened to traffic in 1914. It cuts through the narrow piece of land between the North and the South America, and connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic. This canal has made the journey from Europe to the west coast of America much shorter.
The Suez Canal was built in 1869. It connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. It provides the shortest route between Europe and the East. The ships from Europe can travel through Suez Canal and reach India in a short time. Before the construction of this canal, they had to sail all the way around Africa.
Sea Routes
There are a number of sea routes between Europe and America across the Atlantic Ocean. The sea route which connects New York with London through the North Atlantic Ocean is the busiest sea route. The South Atlantic route is between Europe and the South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, etc.
In India, we have many big ports along our western and eastern coasts. Some of the important ports in India are Mumbai, Kandla, Marmagao, Kochi, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata. They connect our country to the rest of the world.
Sea routes have promoted in te rnational trade and commerce. Sending freight by sea is cheaper as the ships can carry heavy and bulky goods over thousands of kilometres. They carry raw materials like cotton, wool, jute, rubber and tobacco. They carry foodgrains from one continent to another. Mineral ores like iron, coal, manganese, etc. are carried by ships at a very low coast. Mineral oil is transported to various countries in very big ships called tankers. Perishable goods like dairy
products, meat, etc. are transported through refrigerated ships.
Luxury liners carry passengers, mail and parcels. They provide a very comfortable and enjoyable journey to the passengers. However, since they take a longer time to reach the destination, people prefer airlines for travelling.
Oceans and sea routes are like bridges between the continents.
In India, we have many big ports along our western and eastern coasts. Some of the important ports in India are Mumbai, Kandla, Marmagao, Kochi, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata. They connect our country to the rest of the world.
products, meat, etc. are transported through refrigerated ships.
Luxury liners carry passengers, mail and parcels. They provide a very comfortable and enjoyable journey to the passengers. However, since they take a longer time to reach the destination, people prefer airlines for travelling.
Oceans and sea routes are like bridges between the continents.
Inland Waterways
Big rivers, lakes and canals also provide useful waterways. In India, the rivers, Ganga and the Brahmaputra are used for navigation. The lagoons of Kerala are linked with canals and are used as waterways. Rivers Rhine and the Danube in Europe which pass through many countries are important waterways. The Yangtze Kiang of China and the Amazon of South America are also busy waterways.
Travel By Air
The sight of birds flying in the air inspired man to fly too. In the year 1783, Joseph and Jacques Montgolfer tried to fly in the air with the help of big balloons with baskets attached to them. They discovered that if a fire is lit under the open end of a big balloon, it would rise into the air because the hot air is lighter. But flying in it was dangerous.
Later in 1903, the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, succeeded in developing the first flying machine. It had an engine.
Gradually, many changes were made in the original design from time to time. At last, the inventors were able to develop a compact plane that could carry a number of passengers safely.
Modern aeroplanes have more speed, comfort and safety. They are bigger in size and can carry upto 400 passengers at a time. They also carry a lot of cargo. They fly at a speed of about 1000 km per hour at an altitude of about 10,000 metres above the sea level. Supersonic planes, like the concorde, fly faster than sound.
Aeroplanes have become very widely used means of transport. Almost all the countries of the world are connected with each other through the airways. Since the air traffic has increased a lot, big international airports have been built in important cities all over the world. New York, London, Tokyo, Moscow, Paris, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. have very big international airports. The busiest air route like the sea route is between North America and Europe.
There are about seventeen international airports in India. However, the big ones are in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Amritsar and Thiruvananthapuram.
Like all other countries, India also has its own fleet of aircraft. Air India is our international airline. It carries passengers to and from almost every corner of the world. The Indian Airlines has air services on important routes within the country as well as to the main cities in the neighbouring countries.
There are some private airlines like the Jet Airways, Sahara, Kingfisher, Deccan, etc. which are becoming very popular in India, these days.
Helicopters are often used by the police, firemen and rescue services throughout the world. In natural calamities like droughts, floods and earthquakes, helicopters are used to drop food packets for the people.
Therefore, all the modern means of transport have helped the people of the world to come closer.
Later in 1903, the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, succeeded in developing the first flying machine. It had an engine.
Aeroplanes have become very widely used means of transport. Almost all the countries of the world are connected with each other through the airways. Since the air traffic has increased a lot, big international airports have been built in important cities all over the world. New York, London, Tokyo, Moscow, Paris, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. have very big international airports. The busiest air route like the sea route is between North America and Europe.
There are about seventeen international airports in India. However, the big ones are in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Amritsar and Thiruvananthapuram.
Like all other countries, India also has its own fleet of aircraft. Air India is our international airline. It carries passengers to and from almost every corner of the world. The Indian Airlines has air services on important routes within the country as well as to the main cities in the neighbouring countries.
There are some private airlines like the Jet Airways, Sahara, Kingfisher, Deccan, etc. which are becoming very popular in India, these days.
Helicopters are often used by the police, firemen and rescue services throughout the world. In natural calamities like droughts, floods and earthquakes, helicopters are used to drop food packets for the people.
Therefore, all the modern means of transport have helped the people of the world to come closer.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-9.
2) Land Routes
3) Roadways
4) Railways
5) Waterways
6) Sea Routes
7) Inland Waterways
8) Travel By Air
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-9.
2) Land Routes
3) Roadways
4) Railways
5) Waterways
6) Sea Routes
7) Inland Waterways
8) Travel By Air
ASSIGNMENT
1) Revise chapter 9 fully.
2) Revise Exs A to E, Ch 9 pages 72 and 73.
07 / 09 / 2021
Chapter - 8 Greenland - The Land of Ice and Snow
(REVISION)
The island of Greenland near the North Pole is a part of Denmark. Its northernmost point is only 650 km from the North Pole. It is the longest island in the world, and lies mostly above the Arctic Circle, therefore it falls in the Tundra Region. Baffin Bay and Davis Strait lie between Greenland and Canada.
Land Surface of Greenland
It has a mountainous land surface. Except for the narrow coastal strips, almost the whole of Greenland remains covered with a thick layer of ice and snow throughout the year. This thick layer of ice is called the icecap. It was formed during a period of several h undred years. Since it never gets warm in Greenland, the ice here does not melt. At some places, the ice is almost 3 km deep.
The island of Greenland looks white because about 80 per cent of the area remains covered with ice and snow throughout the year.
Sometimes, a big mass of ice breaks off and slides down the sloping land and falls into the sea with a roar. Such huge pieces of ice are called icebergs. These icebergs keep floating on the sea till the time they are carried to warmer regions where they melt.
An iceberg is very dangerous for the passing ships because they can see only the tip of it. About 90 per cent of it remains hidden under the water, and can cause a great damage to them.
Icebergs in Jakobshorn are a great tourist attraction.
The island of Greenland looks white because about 80 per cent of the area remains covered with ice and snow throughout the year.
Sometimes, a big mass of ice breaks off and slides down the sloping land and falls into the sea with a roar. Such huge pieces of ice are called icebergs. These icebergs keep floating on the sea till the time they are carried to warmer regions where they melt.
An iceberg is very dangerous for the passing ships because they can see only the tip of it. About 90 per cent of it remains hidden under the water, and can cause a great damage to them.
Climate
Because of its location in the Arctic region, Greenland has an icy, cold climate. The rays of the sun reaching here are so slanting that even during the summer, they hardly warm up the air. The temperature rarely rises above the freezing point.
Summers are cool and short with weeks of continuous daylight. The sun shines even at midnight. Thus, it is called 'The Land of the Midnight Sun'. However the temperature is below 0°c even in summers.
Winters are long, dark and gloomy. There are weeks of continuous darkness. There is no daylight throughout the winter. Chilly winds blow at a speed of over 160 km. per hour and make the winter very severe because there are no hills or trees to protect the people from them.
Summers are cool and short with weeks of continuous daylight. The sun shines even at midnight. Thus, it is called 'The Land of the Midnight Sun'. However the temperature is below 0°c even in summers.
Winters are long, dark and gloomy. There are weeks of continuous darkness. There is no daylight throughout the winter. Chilly winds blow at a speed of over 160 km. per hour and make the winter very severe because there are no hills or trees to protect the people from them.
Vegetation
Since the climate of Greenland is too cold for the trees to grow, it is virtually, a treeless, barren land. During the short summer, a number of small plants and brightly coloured flowers come up. Natural vegetation consists of mosses and lichens which serve as fodder for animals. Other plants include wild flowers, grasses, small shrubs and bushes of wild currants, blueberries and cranberries. The plants that grow here are hardly 15 cm of height from the ground.
Wildlife
A peculiar animal found in Greenland is the musk ox. It has a long, shaggy coat which almost reaches the ground. Reindeer is the most important animal found here. It has a thick layer of hair which protects its body from the bitter cold. It is used for pulling the sledge. Among the smaller animals are the Arctic fox, the Arctic wolf and the Arctic hare - the colour of whose coat changes according to the land su rface. It is brown in summer and white in winter. These animals are protected against the cold by a thick, warm fur and a heavy layer of fat under the skin.
Many fur-bearing animals such as sable, fox and the polar bear are found in this region. These animals are often caught by the fur-trappers and killed for their fur which is used for making fur-coats.
The sea in this region has plenty of seals, whales and walruses.
Many fur-bearing animals such as sable, fox and the polar bear are found in this region. These animals are often caught by the fur-trappers and killed for their fur which is used for making fur-coats.
Life in Greenland
Greenland has a very small population. The people of Greenland are called the Eskimos. They are short and stout. They have narrow, black eyes and flat face.
They live mostly in small villages along the south-west coast.
Fishing and hunting are the main occupations of the people. Farming is not possible in Greenland because the land there remains frozen throughout the year. People have to depend on the sea for their food and most of their other needs.
The Eskimos are good hunters. They hunt mostly with a weapon, called harpoon - a spear with a rope of leather attached to it. They cut a round hole in the ice to catch fish. When a fish comes up for breathing the fresh air, a hunter can throw a harpoon, and use the rope to pull the fish out.
They like to hunt seals, walruses and polar bears. Among these animals, the seal is the most useful to them. Its skin is used for footwear and clothing. Its fat is used for burning lamps and the meat is used for food.
The clothes of the Eskimos are made from the skins and furs of animals. The clothes stitched from the seal skin are warm as well as waterproof. They wear coats or jackets with fur-lined hoods called the Parkas, fur gloves, warm leggings and long-legged shoes made from the skins of seals.
They eat a lot of fat and heat-producing food.
The Eskimos use small boats called the Kayaks. A kayak is made of walrus or seal skin stretched over a wooden frame. Only one person can sit in this boat.
They also use sledges drawn by husky dogs or reindeers. These are mostly used to transport goods.
They live mostly in small villages along the south-west coast.
Fishing and hunting are the main occupations of the people. Farming is not possible in Greenland because the land there remains frozen throughout the year. People have to depend on the sea for their food and most of their other needs.
The Eskimos are good hunters. They hunt mostly with a weapon, called harpoon - a spear with a rope of leather attached to it. They cut a round hole in the ice to catch fish. When a fish comes up for breathing the fresh air, a hunter can throw a harpoon, and use the rope to pull the fish out.
They like to hunt seals, walruses and polar bears. Among these animals, the seal is the most useful to them. Its skin is used for footwear and clothing. Its fat is used for burning lamps and the meat is used for food.
The Eskimos use small boats called the Kayaks. A kayak is made of walrus or seal skin stretched over a wooden frame. Only one person can sit in this boat.
They also use sledges drawn by husky dogs or reindeers. These are mostly used to transport goods.
Housing
In earlier times, the Eskimos used to live in Igloos or the houses made of ice.
An Igloo is a snow house built of slabs of ice. It is dome shaped with a long tunnel - like entrance which helps to keep the cold breeze out. Blocks of ice are placed on the top of each other to build the walls. Animal skin and fur is used to cover the floor. This house can be build in just 2-3 hours.
In summers, the Eskimos live in portable tents made of reindeer or seal skin.
But in modern times, very few people live in igloos. In southern Greenland, people make permanent wooden houses and fashionable flats fitted with modern facilities. They import wood from other countries, and export fish and fur.
An Igloo is a snow house built of slabs of ice. It is dome shaped with a long tunnel - like entrance which helps to keep the cold breeze out. Blocks of ice are placed on the top of each other to build the walls. Animal skin and fur is used to cover the floor. This house can be build in just 2-3 hours.
In summers, the Eskimos live in portable tents made of reindeer or seal skin.
Recent Changes
The life of the people in Greenland has changed a great deal in the recent times. There are several large towns. People work in big oil companies. They live in towns having shops, libraries, hospitals, schools, markets and clubs. They enjoy efficient postal and radio services. They have all the modern means of transport including helicopters Motorboats have replaced the kayaks of the past. They have skidoos or motorised sledges for transport.
Instead of spears, the hunters now use rifles.
Fur farms have been set up to breed fur animals for their fur rather than trying to trap these animals in the open.
Greenland has many large towns. The capital of Greenland is Nuuk (Godthab) which is a modern centre of trade. It also has a modern airport. Holsteinsborg has a large shipyard.
Since 1953, Greenland is a part of Denmark. Modern science and technology have brought it closer to the rest of the world.
Fur farms have been set up to breed fur animals for their fur rather than trying to trap these animals in the open.
Since 1953, Greenland is a part of Denmark. Modern science and technology have brought it closer to the rest of the world.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-8.
2) Location
3) Land Surface of Greenland
4) Climate
5) Vegetation
6) Wildlife
7) Life in Greenland
8) Housing
9) Recent Changes
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-8.
2) Location
3) Land Surface of Greenland
4) Climate
5) Vegetation
6) Wildlife
7) Life in Greenland
8) Housing
9) Recent Changes
ASSIGNMENT
1) Revise chapter 8 fully.
2) Revise Exs A to D, Ch 8 pages 60 and 61.
31 / 08 / 2021 , 03 / 09 / 2021
Chapter - 6 Saudi Arabia (The Land of Hot Sand)
REVISION
Introduction
Climate
The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has a harsh climate. In summers, the temperature shoots up very high, making it terribly hot. The sand is so hot that it becomes too difficult to walk even a few metres. The nights are however, cool and pleasant.
Saudi Arabia often records the world's hottest temperature at 52°C in summer.
In winters, too, the days are warm but as soon as the sun sets, the land cools down and the nights become cold. There is a sharp difference between the day and the night temperatures. It causes rocks to crack and break up into smaller particles or sand.
Sandstorms are quite common in this region. During a sandstorm, strong winds blow with great speed and force. They shift the hills of sand, called the sand dunes, from one place to another and thus, change the surface of the desert.
There is very little rainfall in this region, (even less than 25 cm. in a year). When it rains, it rains continuously for a few hours, and a number of small plants spring up and bloom for a few days. Soon they wither away and die because the water evaporates very fast due to the heat.
Saudi Arabia often records the world's hottest temperature at 52°C in summer.
In winters, too, the days are warm but as soon as the sun sets, the land cools down and the nights become cold. There is a sharp difference between the day and the night temperatures. It causes rocks to crack and break up into smaller particles or sand.
Sandstorms are quite common in this region. During a sandstorm, strong winds blow with great speed and force. They shift the hills of sand, called the sand dunes, from one place to another and thus, change the surface of the desert.
There is very little rainfall in this region, (even less than 25 cm. in a year). When it rains, it rains continuously for a few hours, and a number of small plants spring up and bloom for a few days. Soon they wither away and die because the water evaporates very fast due to the heat.
Vegetation
There are hardly any trees in this region. The vegetation mainly consists of cactus, hardy grasses and thorny bushes. These plants have long roots which go deep into the ground to draw water.
However, some places in the desert have a store of underground water like lakes or deep wells. These places are called oases. They are green islands surrounded by a vast ocean of sand. Villages and cities grow up around these oases. People, who live around these oases, grow food crops such as wheat, barley, dates, melons, and vegetables like tomatoes.
The most important tree of an oasis is date-palm. This is practically the only tree that grows in plenty in this region. Dates are widely eaten by the desert people, as they are sweet and nutritious. They are also exported to other countries. The leaves and wood of the trees are used to make various things like mats, baskets, building materials and other products.
However, some places in the desert have a store of underground water like lakes or deep wells. These places are called oases. They are green islands surrounded by a vast ocean of sand. Villages and cities grow up around these oases. People, who live around these oases, grow food crops such as wheat, barley, dates, melons, and vegetables like tomatoes.
Life of the People
People who live in these deserts lead a very hard life. They are mainly nomads who wander from place to place in search of pasture lands for their animals. These people are called the Bedouins.
The main occupation of the Bedouins is keeping herds of camels, sheep, goats and other animals. They move in small groups. They live in tents made of cloth or animal hides. They pitch their tents whenever they find a patch of grass. When they have to move, they fold their tents and load them on the backs of their camels.
The Bedouins mostly move in groups forming long rows of camels called the caravans.
The camel is a very useful animal in a desert. It can travel fast in a sandy desert because its wide feet are padded which do not sink into the sand. It can survive without food and water for many days. It is very helpful in the desert where there is scarcity of water. The eyes and nostrils of camels do not get damaged during a sandstorm. Being the most important means of transport, the camel is called the 'ship of the desert'.
The Bedouins also make clothes, carpets, mats, ropes and tents out of the camel's hair and hides of animals. They trade in these things for the things they need such as dates, tea, coffee, bread, food-grains, salt and medicines.
The main occupation of the Bedouins is keeping herds of camels, sheep, goats and other animals. They move in small groups. They live in tents made of cloth or animal hides. They pitch their tents whenever they find a patch of grass. When they have to move, they fold their tents and load them on the backs of their camels.
The camel is a very useful animal in a desert. It can travel fast in a sandy desert because its wide feet are padded which do not sink into the sand. It can survive without food and water for many days. It is very helpful in the desert where there is scarcity of water. The eyes and nostrils of camels do not get damaged during a sandstorm. Being the most important means of transport, the camel is called the 'ship of the desert'.
The Bedouins also make clothes, carpets, mats, ropes and tents out of the camel's hair and hides of animals. They trade in these things for the things they need such as dates, tea, coffee, bread, food-grains, salt and medicines.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-6.
2) Climate
3) Vegetation
4) Life of the People
5) Clothes
6) Recent Changes
7) Important Cities
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-6.
2) Climate
3) Vegetation
4) Life of the People
5) Clothes
6) Recent Changes
7) Important Cities
ASSIGNMENT
1) Revise pages 42 to 44, Ch 6.
2) Revise Exs A to E, Ch 6 pages 47 and 48.
Chapter - 7 Prairies - The Temperate Grasslands Of USA
The vast treeless grasslands of North America which lie in the interior of the United States of America and Canada are called the Prairies.
The word, 'Prairie' is a French word meaning 'meadow' or 'grassland'.
This region consists of flat or hilly land covered by tall grass for miles and miles. These grasslands fall in the cool, temperate zone between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle. Such temperate grasslands are found in many countries of the world. They are called by different names in different countries :
Climate
The word, 'Prairie' is a French word meaning 'meadow' or 'grassland'.
The grasslands of North America have a cool, temperate climate. The summers are not very hot, but the winters are quite cold. There is a moderate rainfall, mostly during the spring. In winter, there is heavy snowfall.
Vegetation
The climate and soil of this region are suitable for the growth of grass. The prairies which used to be covered with thick grasses are now the biggest wheat-growing regions in the world and are called the world's 'wheat basket'. Wheat produced here is enough not only for the country, but is exported to other countries. The rivers, Mississippi and Missouri flow through the prairies, and provide enough water for cultivating wheat.
Life of the People
Farmers in the prairies have huge farms which stretch over to thousands of acres. They are very well off and look after their huge farms with the help of machines. Tractors and other modern machines help them do their work quickly with the help of only a few people. All the work involved in farming, such as ploughing the land, sowing seeds, reaping, threshing and winnowing the crops or even packing, is done with the help of one machine, called the Combine Harvester. It does the
work of several hundred labourers in a few hours. Foodgrains are stored in Silos, the big storage bins.
Farmers grow wheat, barley, rye, oats and flax. They have a good standard of living. They have luxurious houses, cars and other amenities for a comfortable living.
The hilly areas of the western part of the prairies are not suitable for growing crops as the soil is shallow and infertile and the rainfall is low. That is why the people in this region rear animals. They have huge estates or farms called Ranches where they rear cattle and other animals.
There are large dairy farms where cows are reared for milk and milk products. These farms are equipped with modern machines which do milking and storing of milk products. Very little manpower is needed for this.
Since beef is an important part of the diet of Americans, the cows on ranches are also reared for their meat. Chicago is an important centre for slaughtering animals.
The cattle are transported in specially built railway coaches to modern slaughterhouses. Beef is exported from America to many European countries.
As machines are used in agriculture and dairy farming on a large scale, few people are needed to work on farms. As a result, most of the people in the prairies live in big cities and towns and work in offices and factories.
work of several hundred labourers in a few hours. Foodgrains are stored in Silos, the big storage bins.
The hilly areas of the western part of the prairies are not suitable for growing crops as the soil is shallow and infertile and the rainfall is low. That is why the people in this region rear animals. They have huge estates or farms called Ranches where they rear cattle and other animals.
Since beef is an important part of the diet of Americans, the cows on ranches are also reared for their meat. Chicago is an important centre for slaughtering animals.
The cattle are transported in specially built railway coaches to modern slaughterhouses. Beef is exported from America to many European countries.
As machines are used in agriculture and dairy farming on a large scale, few people are needed to work on farms. As a result, most of the people in the prairies live in big cities and towns and work in offices and factories.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-7.
2) Climate
3) Vegetation
4) Life of the People
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-7.
2) Climate
3) Vegetation
4) Life of the People
ASSIGNMENT
1) Revise pages 50 to 52, Ch 7.
2) Revise Exs A to E, Ch 7 pages 53 and 54.
24 / 08 / 2021 , 27 / 08 / 2021
Chapter- 11 The World Of Growing Knowledge
Introduction
The people in early times used the language of signs to communicate with each other. Sometimes, while trying to exchange their ideas, they made some sounds. Some of these sounds came to have special meanings and were recognised and understood by all the members of the tribe. These became words and in this way, the language developed. Gradually, people were able to express themselves through spoken words. They passed on their hard earned knowledge orally from one generation to another.
But people still did not know how to read or write. Gradually, the knowledge grew so much that it was not possible to memorize it. People started feeling the need for recording this knowledge and communicating with others. This was the beginning of writing.
But people still did not know how to read or write. Gradually, the knowledge grew so much that it was not possible to memorize it. People started feeling the need for recording this knowledge and communicating with others. This was the beginning of writing.
The Story of Writing
In their attempt to communicate with others and to record their thoughts, people began to draw pictures of things they came across in their daily life.
The paintings found in the ancient caves, especially those of hunting scenes and animals they came across, tell us much about the way those people lived.
Writing came into being about 5,000 years ago.
The earliest writings tried by different people were mainly pictorial in form. Gradually, the pictures were simplified, and made more symbolic.
Different signs for words and sounds gave birth to alphabets. The earliest known script was devised by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia around 4,000 B.C. They wrote on clay-tablet with a sharp-edged knife. Their writing was wedgeshaped and was called cuneiform. In Egypt, they used a type of picture writing, called hieroglyphic. The scripts of China and Japan were also pictorial or hieroglyphic.
The English language has 26 alphabets. It is written in the Roman script. Many European languages use the Roman script.
The oldest script in India was found on the seals in the remains of the Indus valley civilization. Nobody has been able to read this script yet.
The next script to develop in India was the Brahmi script. The Indian script today is largely based on it.
The Hindi script is based on the Devanagri script which is based on sounds, and not on pictures. We have 18 major languages in India and they have their own scripts.
The paintings found in the ancient caves, especially those of hunting scenes and animals they came across, tell us much about the way those people lived.
Writing came into being about 5,000 years ago.
The earliest writings tried by different people were mainly pictorial in form. Gradually, the pictures were simplified, and made more symbolic.
Different signs for words and sounds gave birth to alphabets. The earliest known script was devised by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia around 4,000 B.C. They wrote on clay-tablet with a sharp-edged knife. Their writing was wedgeshaped and was called cuneiform. In Egypt, they used a type of picture writing, called hieroglyphic. The scripts of China and Japan were also pictorial or hieroglyphic.
The oldest script in India was found on the seals in the remains of the Indus valley civilization. Nobody has been able to read this script yet.
The next script to develop in India was the Brahmi script. The Indian script today is largely based on it.
The Hindi script is based on the Devanagri script which is based on sounds, and not on pictures. We have 18 major languages in India and they have their own scripts.
The Story of Numbers
People in olden times must have felt the need to keep a record of the things and objects they possessed. Hence they began to use numbers for counting.
The earliest system of counting was based on 10 numbers. It possibly developed because we have ten fingers. People must have learnt counting by using their fingers.
Most of the early number systems in different civilizations had symbols for 1, 10 and 100.
The system of counting from 1-10 was first developed in India.
The idea of zero or shunya was also first developed by the ancient Indian mathematicians.
The Arab traders carried the Indian system of numbers to other countries. The Europeans learnt this number system from the Arabs and started calling them the Arabic numerals.
The Story of Paper
The earliest system of counting was based on 10 numbers. It possibly developed because we have ten fingers. People must have learnt counting by using their fingers.
Most of the early number systems in different civilizations had symbols for 1, 10 and 100.
The system of counting from 1-10 was first developed in India.
The idea of zero or shunya was also first developed by the ancient Indian mathematicians.
Several thousand years ago, the Babylonians and the Assyrians made tablets of clay on which they inscribed records which they wanted to preserve. These clay-tablets were like the pages of a book.
But writing on the walls of the caves, clay-tablets, palm leaves or silk was not very convenient.
In A.D. 105, a Chinese, Tsai Lun, discovered that certain plants could be broken down into fibres and pressed into sheets of paper. The Egyptians were the first to make paper.
They made paper from a waterplant, called Papyrus from which the word, 'paper' got its name.
These days most of the paper is made from the wood-pulp.
But writing on the walls of the caves, clay-tablets, palm leaves or silk was not very convenient.
They made paper from a waterplant, called Papyrus from which the word, 'paper' got its name.
These days most of the paper is made from the wood-pulp.
The Story of Printing
The earliest books were handwritten. Hence there were very few copies of each book. People, called scribes, made handwritten copies for mass reading.
The invention of printing press changed the world greatly. A large number of books could be printed in a very short time. It became cheaper to make books. It helped in the spread of knowledge.
In the beginning, printing was a tedious process. But today, thousands of copies of a book can be printed in a very short time.
The invention of printing press changed the world greatly. A large number of books could be printed in a very short time. It became cheaper to make books. It helped in the spread of knowledge.
The Script for the Visually Impaired
Louis Braille developed a special script, called the Braille Script, for the visually impaired, i.e, the blind. It enables them to read through touch. With the help of these books the blind can read educational and recreational materials. They can even compete with normal students, and can even get higher or professional education.
The letters in the Braille script are formed by the raised dots on thick paper. These can be easily felt by fingers. These dots represent standard alphabets, numerals and punctuation marks. A person gently glides his/her fingers over the braille code embossed on paper.
The letters in the Braille script are formed by the raised dots on thick paper. These can be easily felt by fingers. These dots represent standard alphabets, numerals and punctuation marks. A person gently glides his/her fingers over the braille code embossed on paper.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-11.
2) The Story of Writing
3) The Story of Numbers
4) The Story of Paper
5) The Story of Printing
6) The Script for the Visually Impaired
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-11.
2) The Story of Writing
3) The Story of Numbers
4) The Story of Paper
5) The Story of Printing
6) The Script for the Visually Impaired
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 11 fully.
2) Do Exs A to D in your textbook, Ch 11 pages 88 and 89.
10 / 08 / 2021
REVISION
Chapter- 4 Climatic Regions of the World
Introduction
Broad areas having a similar type of climate are called the climatic regions. We can divide the world into three climatic regions :
1. The Tropical Region
2. The Temperate Region
3. The Polar Region
1. The Tropical Region
2. The Temperate Region
3. The Polar Region
The Tropical Region
The Tropical region includes the countries which lie between the two tropics- The Tropic of Cancer (231/2° N Latitude) and Tropic of Capricorn (231/2° S Latitude). The tropical regions generally have a hot and wet climate. Our country, India also falls in this region as the Tropic of Cancer passes through it.
The area around the Equator is hot and wet throughout the year.
The sun shines very brightly as it is directly overhead. The temperature is very high. This area experiences rainfall almost every afternoon. This type of climate is found in the Congo Basin in Africa, the Amazon Basin in South America, and Malaysia and Indonesia in Asia.
Even within the Tropics, the climate is not the same everywhere. There may be differences in the climate due to different factors.
Some areas in the tropical region have monsoon type of climate. This type of climate is found in Northern Australia and South Eastern parts of Asia, including India. These areas generally have heavy rainfall during summers. The winters are mostly dry.
Other areas in the Tropical region have a hot and dry desert type of climate. AH the big deserts of the world are included in this. Hot and dry winds blow over these areas. There is hardly any rainfall.
The area around the Equator is hot and wet throughout the year.
The sun shines very brightly as it is directly overhead. The temperature is very high. This area experiences rainfall almost every afternoon. This type of climate is found in the Congo Basin in Africa, the Amazon Basin in South America, and Malaysia and Indonesia in Asia.
Even within the Tropics, the climate is not the same everywhere. There may be differences in the climate due to different factors.
Other areas in the Tropical region have a hot and dry desert type of climate. AH the big deserts of the world are included in this. Hot and dry winds blow over these areas. There is hardly any rainfall.
The Temperate Region
This region lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere. The sun does not shine directly in these regions. The summers are not so hot and the winters are very cold.
The Polar Region Antarctic Circle towards the Poles, we reach the Polar region. Here, the summers are very short and cold. Winters are very long and extremely cold. This region is frozen for most part of the year. It includes extreme northern parts of Eurasia and North America. It is known as the Tundra region. Greenland also has a Polar type of climate.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-4.
2) The Tropical Region
3) The Temperate Region
4) The Polar Region
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-4.
2) The Tropical Region
3) The Temperate Region
4) The Polar Region
Chapter - 5 The Land Of Dense Forests (The Democratic Republic Of Congo)
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country of Africa. It is located on the west coast of Africa. The Equator runs across the country. The northern part of the country lies in the Northern Hemisphere and the southern part of the country lies in the Southern Hemisphere.
Climate
Democratic Republic of Congo, earlier known as Zaire, has a typical Equatorial climate. It is hot and wet throughout the year. It rains here almost everyday.
In the morning, the sun shines brightly and by noon, the region becomes very hot. This heat causes a lot of evaporation from the lakes and rivers. By afternoon, the sky is covered with black clouds and there is a heavy rainfall, lasting for an hour or two. This makes the evenings better as the temperature comes down. The weather conditions remain more or less the same throughout the year.
River Congo, also known as river Zaire, flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo, also affects its climate. In fact, a large part of the country is located in the basin of River Congo and its tributaries. This river is also known as the 'Highway of Central Africa'.
In the morning, the sun shines brightly and by noon, the region becomes very hot. This heat causes a lot of evaporation from the lakes and rivers. By afternoon, the sky is covered with black clouds and there is a heavy rainfall, lasting for an hour or two. This makes the evenings better as the temperature comes down. The weather conditions remain more or less the same throughout the year.
River Congo, also known as river Zaire, flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo, also affects its climate. In fact, a large part of the country is located in the basin of River Congo and its tributaries. This river is also known as the 'Highway of Central Africa'.
Vegetation
Nearly half of Democratic Republic of Congo is covered with lush green thick forests called the Equatorial forests or Rain forests. The trees in this forest are very ta ll. Bright sunshine and plenty of rainfall make the natural vegetation grow very fast.
There is a thick undergrowth of shrubs and bushes. A large number of creepers climb the trees adding to the thick vegetation. These forests remain green throughout the year and are known as the Evergreen forests.
In these forests, plants are so close to each other that their branches get entangled. They form a thick canopy at the top.
At some places, these forests are so thick that even the rays of the sun cannot pass through them. That is why the forests of the Congo Basin are dark, dingy and damp. Democratic Republic of Congo is sometimes called the 'heart of darkness'.
These forests abound in trees such as ebony, mahogany, rubber, bamboo, oil palm, etc. These trees are very useful to the people of Zaire as they provide raw materials for many industries.
Some plants grow even fifteen centimetres a day. Some trees grow to the height of about 60 metres.
At some places, these forests are so thick that even the rays of the sun cannot pass through them. That is why the forests of the Congo Basin are dark, dingy and damp. Democratic Republic of Congo is sometimes called the 'heart of darkness'.
These forests abound in trees such as ebony, mahogany, rubber, bamboo, oil palm, etc. These trees are very useful to the people of Zaire as they provide raw materials for many industries.
Wildlife
The forests in Democratic Republic of Congo are inhabited by a large number of colourful birds and butterflies such as hornbill, goldcoast, flying squirrel and screeching parrots.
Tse-tse fly found here is a harmful insect which causes a deadly disease called the sleeping sickness.
Among the animals that live on the trees, there are various kinds of monkeys, apes, gorillas, baboons and chimpanzees. Other animals found here are: wild buffaloes, elephants and okapi, a rare type of giraffes and hippopotamuses. The African elephants are bigger than the Indian elephants.
Reptiles such as snakes and pythons are also found in large numbers.
Owing to this wide variety of wildlife, these forests are like a huge Safari or 'natural zoo of the world' where animals live in their natural surroundings.
Life of the People
The people of Democratic Repulic of Congo belong to many different races and speak a variety of languages. People speaking the Bantu language form the biggest group.
Most of the people here live in small villages. People in this region are quite tall and tough. They have a dark complexion and short, curly hair. They follow their traditional ways of life. They wear light cotton clothes because of a hot and humid climate. People are very fond of dance and music.
Far away from the villages and in the thickest parts of these forests, live a primitive tribe known as the Pygmies. They are dark in complexion and very short, about 1.5 metres in height. They are nomads. They do not live permanently at one place. They keep moving, and whenever they find a suitable place, they make a clearing in the forest and settle down for a short period. They live mainly by hunting and gathering honey, fruits and berries from the forests. They are very fond of bananas. They are excellent hunters.
Most of the people here live in small villages. People in this region are quite tall and tough. They have a dark complexion and short, curly hair. They follow their traditional ways of life. They wear light cotton clothes because of a hot and humid climate. People are very fond of dance and music.
Far away from the villages and in the thickest parts of these forests, live a primitive tribe known as the Pygmies. They are dark in complexion and very short, about 1.5 metres in height. They are nomads. They do not live permanently at one place. They keep moving, and whenever they find a suitable place, they make a clearing in the forest and settle down for a short period. They live mainly by hunting and gathering honey, fruits and berries from the forests. They are very fond of bananas. They are excellent hunters.
ASSIGNMENT
Revise Ch 4 - 6 for FA II.
03 / 08 / 2021, 06 / 08 / 2021
Chapter - 10 Sending and Receiving Messages
Introduction
The growth of science and technology has brought a revolutionary change in the modes of communication both in verbal and written means of communication.
Newspaper
A newspaper is the most popular means of mass communication. It brings news regarding the latest happenings in any corner of the world. It also carries articles, information regarding weather, television and radio programmes, cartoon strips, crossword puzzles and advertisements.
The first newspaper was brought out by Julius Caesar in 60 B.C., in Rome. It was called Acta Diurna. Today we have newspapers in most of the languages of the world.
A newspaper comes out of the press before dawn, so that it reaches the people early in the morning, before they go for work. Thus, in a few hours time, the news has to be collected, edited and prepared for publication and printed.
Thousands of people are employed for this purpose. Reporters and photographers are stationed at many places all over the world to collect news and pictures of the important happenings in their regions. There are news agencies in every country which gather news of their region and send them to other countries.
Thereafter, the editor and his team scrutinise and select important news items and the headlines and decide about the space to be given to each. It is then sent for printing. Thus we see that it requires hard work and efforts of many people to ensure that the newspaper reaches our homes every morning.
The first newspaper was brought out by Julius Caesar in 60 B.C., in Rome. It was called Acta Diurna. Today we have newspapers in most of the languages of the world.
A newspaper comes out of the press before dawn, so that it reaches the people early in the morning, before they go for work. Thus, in a few hours time, the news has to be collected, edited and prepared for publication and printed.
Thousands of people are employed for this purpose. Reporters and photographers are stationed at many places all over the world to collect news and pictures of the important happenings in their regions. There are news agencies in every country which gather news of their region and send them to other countries.
Thereafter, the editor and his team scrutinise and select important news items and the headlines and decide about the space to be given to each. It is then sent for printing. Thus we see that it requires hard work and efforts of many people to ensure that the newspaper reaches our homes every morning.
Advertisements
Advertisements in newspapers, radio, TV, magazines or in form of hoardings or pamphlets covey messages about the quality of product they are advertising. They tell us how the product is better than others. Some government advertisements give us important information about government programmes, policies and achievements. They may also give warnings about weather, floods or earthquakes. Advertisements have a great impact on our lives.
Fax
Fax or facsimile is another form of telecommunication. It transmits the exact matter of a document, letter or picture from one place to another. The document is reproduced in its original form.
Through Fax, the exact reproduction of letters, newspaper reports, graphs, photographs, charts, etc. can be sent to any town, city, country or continent.
Telephone
The invention of telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 was a big achievement. A telephone carries the voice of the speaker to far off places and enables us to hear back from the person on the other end. Thus it provides a two-way communication - two people can actually talk to each other sitting thousands of kilometres away.
Through STD and ISD facilities, the communication satellites enable us to talk to people living in different cities or across the seas in a matter of seconds.
These days mobile or cellular phones have become very popular.
These phones are cordless and can be carried with us wherever we go. We can even send short written messages called SMS on these phones.
Presently, the mobile phones being used are multi-purpose devices and are called Smart phones. These smart phones have additional functions like multi-media player, digital camera, video camera, GPS navigation system, blue tooth and a large number of applications called 'Apps'. It is also serving the purpose of a small personal computer having internet facility and web-browsing. They have touch screen. They have memory card to store lot of information, music and pictures.
These days mobile or cellular phones have become very popular.
These phones are cordless and can be carried with us wherever we go. We can even send short written messages called SMS on these phones.
Presently, the mobile phones being used are multi-purpose devices and are called Smart phones. These smart phones have additional functions like multi-media player, digital camera, video camera, GPS navigation system, blue tooth and a large number of applications called 'Apps'. It is also serving the purpose of a small personal computer having internet facility and web-browsing. They have touch screen. They have memory card to store lot of information, music and pictures.
Internet
An internet is a vast international network. It joins the computer network with telephone lines.
Underwater telephone cables laid across the seas and oceans link different countries and continents. It is the fastest means of communication. We can get information on any subject, from anywhere, just by the click of a mouse. Chat, Facebook, video games, e-mail, telephone communication, are all possible by means of internet.
Underwater telephone cables laid across the seas and oceans link different countries and continents. It is the fastest means of communication. We can get information on any subject, from anywhere, just by the click of a mouse. Chat, Facebook, video games, e-mail, telephone communication, are all possible by means of internet.
E-Mail
E-mail or Electronic Mail means the sending and receiving messages by the computer. All we need to do is to type our message on the computer and send it to another address. It is the quickest and the cheapest way of sending message. People across the world may share information through the e-mail. There are cases where scientists working on the same project never meet but they do all their work through e-mail.
An E-mail is easy to send and has the advantage of speed. It is economical also. Many letters can be sent by e-mail to any country at the cost of one local call. It also reduces a lot of paper work.
An E-mail is easy to send and has the advantage of speed. It is economical also. Many letters can be sent by e-mail to any country at the cost of one local call. It also reduces a lot of paper work.
Tablet PC or I Pad
It is a small tablet computer with touch screen. Instead of keyboard or a mouse we just use fingertips or a stylus as an input device. It is very easy to use and carry and is a complete PC by itself. It has become very popular these days.
Radio
The invention of radio by Guglielmo Marconi in 1896 brought about a revolution in the field of communication. He changed sound waves into radio waves which can travel over a long distance.
All the cities of the world have radio stations. Programmes of various kinds are broadcast from radio stations. These programmes are recorded in a sound-proof room, called the studio.
Radio is a very important means of entertainment. It makes it possible for us to hear news, music, plays, speeches, running commentaries of sports events, etc. from all over the world while sitting at home. Even illiterate people can listen to the news and other programmes on radio.
Radio communication is also important for pilots and captains of ships. During landing and take-off, pilots receive instructions from the airport control-tower by means of radio communication. Ships sailing in the sea have radio links with ports on their route. They receive weather reports by means of radio. They can also send a radio message in case they need help during a storm or any such calamity.
Radio is a very important means of entertainment. It makes it possible for us to hear news, music, plays, speeches, running commentaries of sports events, etc. from all over the world while sitting at home. Even illiterate people can listen to the news and other programmes on radio.
Radio communication is also important for pilots and captains of ships. During landing and take-off, pilots receive instructions from the airport control-tower by means of radio communication. Ships sailing in the sea have radio links with ports on their route. They receive weather reports by means of radio. They can also send a radio message in case they need help during a storm or any such calamity.
Television
Television was invented by John Logie Baird in 1926. It is a device of audio-visual communication. It makes it possible for us to both hear and see things happening on the other side of the globe while sitting in our homes.
We can see and hear news, plays, films, shows, musical programmes and other events taking place anywhere in the world. We can also see 'live' cricket matches or shows at the same time when the event is actually in progress.
The television or the TV is a means of mass communication. A message can be conveyed to millions of people watching television at the same time. Even those who cannot read or write can learn many things through the television.
The television or the TV is a means of mass communication. A message can be conveyed to millions of people watching television at the same time. Even those who cannot read or write can learn many things through the television.
Satellite
Man-made communication satellites called the artificial satellites, have been sent up into outer space by rockets to orbit the Earth. These satellites carry valuable and useful equipments which help us to send and receive messages and pictures to and from all parts of the world. They help in the relay of radio, telephone, mobile, telegraph, teleprinter and TV programmes to all the countries.
The launching of INSAT-IB by India has considerably strengthened our communication system.
Satellites carry powerful cameras which take photographs of the Earth. They help the meteorologists to predict the weather conditions and cartographers to make maps more accurately.
Weather Satellites map the complete Earth once a day for weather forcasts.
Satellites act as 'Space Bridges' between the people of the world and have made the world very small. Satellites help planes, ships and even road transport in navigation. The GPS or Global Positioning Systems help us in finding directions to our destination.
The launching of INSAT-IB by India has considerably strengthened our communication system.
Satellites carry powerful cameras which take photographs of the Earth. They help the meteorologists to predict the weather conditions and cartographers to make maps more accurately.
Weather Satellites map the complete Earth once a day for weather forcasts.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-10.
2) Newspaper
3) Advertisements
4) Fax
5) Telephone
6) Internet
7) E-Mail
8) Tablet PC or I Pad
9) Radio
10) Television
11) Satellite
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-10.
2) Newspaper
3) Advertisements
4) Fax
5) Telephone
6) Internet
7) E-Mail
8) Tablet PC or I Pad
9) Radio
10) Television
11) Satellite
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 10 fully.
2) Do Exs A - D in your textbook, Ch 10 pages 80 and 81.
27 / 07 / 2021, 30 / 07 / 2021
Chapter - 9 Means Of Transport
Introduction
Science and technology have brought rapid changes in the modes of transport and communication. Every new invention has increased the speed and resulted in bringing the world closer. Today, the modern means of transport have made it possible to move goods and people from one place to another quickly, safely and comfortably.
There is a large network of roads and rails spread all over the world. The routes which connect different countries of the world are called the International Routes. These routes are to be found on land as well as water and in air.
There is a large network of roads and rails spread all over the world. The routes which connect different countries of the world are called the International Routes. These routes are to be found on land as well as water and in air.
Land Routes
Land routes are the oldest routes in the world. Land transport needs two types of special tracks to move on - roads and rails.
Roadways
Today, there is a vast network of highways all over the world. In villages, there are Kutcha roads. Pucca roads are the roads made smooth with tar and concrete. These roads are found in towns and cities and are quite wide. The longest and the densest land routes in the world are in the USA, European countries and Russia.
In some countries, there are very broad roads, called the Speedways, Expressways or Freeways. These roads are wide enough to allow more than six vehicles to move sideways in each direction. Vehicles are allowed to move only in one direction. There are no traffic lights. Since they don't pass through towns, the traffic does not have to slow down or stop for signals. They have flyover junctions where one road crosses over another. In India the 120 km long freeway between Ahmadabad and Vadodara takes about two hours by road.
Roadways often connect one country with another. India is connected by road with all the neighboring countries. The Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road) connected Kolkata to Peshawar in Pakistan. It led to Afghanistan through the well known Khyber Pass. The Bharat- Tibet Road beyond Shimla connects India with China through Tibet. There is another road through Sikkim to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Our country is also connected by roads to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and beyond. The Burma Road connects Kumming in China to Lashio in North-East Myanmar.
In Europe, all the countries are connected through roads. France and Italy are connected by a big tunnel dug under the Alps mountains. England and France are connected by another tunnel built under the English Channel. The famous Alaskan Highway runs from Alaska in North America to the southernmost part of South America.
Roads have, no doubt, made travelling easier, faster and smooth. But they have also created two problems - pollution and accidents. The increased traffic has polluted the air with smoke and dust. It poses a great danger to the health of the people. There is also an increase in the number of road accidents.
The Golden Quadriangle, also known as the Golden Quadrilateral, is the fifth largest highway in the world. It connects Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Having a length of 5,846 kms; it passes through 13 states of India.
In some countries, there are very broad roads, called the Speedways, Expressways or Freeways. These roads are wide enough to allow more than six vehicles to move sideways in each direction. Vehicles are allowed to move only in one direction. There are no traffic lights. Since they don't pass through towns, the traffic does not have to slow down or stop for signals. They have flyover junctions where one road crosses over another. In India the 120 km long freeway between Ahmadabad and Vadodara takes about two hours by road.
In Europe, all the countries are connected through roads. France and Italy are connected by a big tunnel dug under the Alps mountains. England and France are connected by another tunnel built under the English Channel. The famous Alaskan Highway runs from Alaska in North America to the southernmost part of South America.
Roads have, no doubt, made travelling easier, faster and smooth. But they have also created two problems - pollution and accidents. The increased traffic has polluted the air with smoke and dust. It poses a great danger to the health of the people. There is also an increase in the number of road accidents.
Railways
Railways are an excellent means of safer and faster transportation. The early rails were pulled by horses. The invention of steam engine revolutionized the railways.
The British introduced the first railway in our country running between Bombay (Mumbai) and Thane in 1853. It was a distance of only 30 km. Today, the Indian Railways is the fourth largest in the world.
The thickest railway network is in Europe and in North America where railway lines run from coast to coast - from cities located along the Pacific coast in the west to those situated on the Atlantic coast in the east. The journey from Montreal to Vancouver in Canada takes three and a half days. The Grand Orient Express, connecting Paris with Istanbul in Turkey passes through many countries.
The longest railway line in the world is the Trans-Siberian Railway, connecting St. Petersburg on the north-west to Vladivostok on the south-eastern border in Russia. It takes about one week to travel almost 11,000 km.
In Japan, Germany and France, trains run very fast. Most of them travel at an average speed of about 200 km per hour. The speed of the fastest train in Japan is about 460 km per hour.
In some countries, the railways are built underground within the city. They run through tunnels. The modern underground railways run on electricity so as to avoid dirt and smoke. Kolkata, Delhi and Bengaluru have an underground railway system called the Metro. It is partly underground and partly above the ground in the capital city Delhi, making the life of the Delhiites better and comfortable.
The British introduced the first railway in our country running between Bombay (Mumbai) and Thane in 1853. It was a distance of only 30 km. Today, the Indian Railways is the fourth largest in the world.
Waterways
The waterways along the rivers and in the high seas have always played an important role in our life. They are cheaper because they do not require money to build or to maintain. They carry heavy and bulky goods over thousands of kilometres. Today, there are powerful diesel ships which travel with great speed in big seas and oceans. Shipping plays an important role in trade and commerce of the world.
The construction of canals like the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal has greatly revolutionised the international trade.
The Suez Canal was built in 1869. It connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. It provides the shortest route between Europe and the East. The ships from Europe can travel through Suez Canal and reach India in a short time. Before the construction of this canal, they had to sail all the way around Africa.
The Panama Canal was opened to traffic in 1914. It cuts through the narrow piece of land between the North and the South America, and connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic. This canal has made the journey from Europe to the west coast of America much shorter.
The Suez Canal was built in 1869. It connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. It provides the shortest route between Europe and the East. The ships from Europe can travel through Suez Canal and reach India in a short time. Before the construction of this canal, they had to sail all the way around Africa.
Sea Routes
There are a number of sea routes between Europe and America across the Atlantic Ocean. The sea route which connects New York with London through the North Atlantic Ocean is the busiest sea route. The South Atlantic route is between Europe and the South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, etc.
In India, we have many big ports along our western and eastern coasts. Some of the important ports in India are Mumbai, Kandla, Marmagao, Kochi, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata. They connect our country to the rest of the world.
Sea routes have promoted in te rnational trade and commerce. Sending freight by sea is cheaper as the ships can carry heavy and bulky goods over thousands of kilometres. They carry raw materials like cotton, wool, jute, rubber and tobacco. They carry foodgrains from one continent to another. Mineral ores like iron, coal, manganese, etc. are carried by ships at a very low coast. Mineral oil is transported to various countries in very big ships called tankers. Perishable goods like dairy
products, meat, etc. are transported through refrigerated ships.
Luxury liners carry passengers, mail and parcels. They provide a very comfortable and enjoyable journey to the passengers. However, since they take a longer time to reach the destination, people prefer airlines for travelling.
Oceans and sea routes are like bridges between the continents.
In India, we have many big ports along our western and eastern coasts. Some of the important ports in India are Mumbai, Kandla, Marmagao, Kochi, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata. They connect our country to the rest of the world.
products, meat, etc. are transported through refrigerated ships.
Luxury liners carry passengers, mail and parcels. They provide a very comfortable and enjoyable journey to the passengers. However, since they take a longer time to reach the destination, people prefer airlines for travelling.
Oceans and sea routes are like bridges between the continents.
Inland Waterways
Big rivers, lakes and canals also provide useful waterways. In India, the rivers, Ganga and the Brahmaputra are used for navigation. The lagoons of Kerala are linked with canals and are used as waterways. Rivers Rhine and the Danube in Europe which pass through many countries are important waterways. The Yangtze Kiang of China and the Amazon of South America are also busy waterways.
Travel By Air
The sight of birds flying in the air inspired man to fly too. In the year 1783, Joseph and Jacques Montgolfer tried to fly in the air with the help of big balloons with baskets attached to them. They discovered that if a fire is lit under the open end of a big balloon, it would rise into the air because the hot air is lighter. But flying in it was dangerous.
Later in 1903, the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, succeeded in developing the first flying machine. It had an engine.
Gradually, many changes were made in the original design from time to time. At last, the inventors were able to develop a compact plane that could carry a number of passengers safely.
Modern aeroplanes have more speed, comfort and safety. They are bigger in size and can carry upto 400 passengers at a time. They also carry a lot of cargo. They fly at a speed of about 1000 km per hour at an altitude of about 10,000 metres above the sea level. Supersonic planes, like the concorde, fly faster than sound.
Aeroplanes have become very widely used means of transport. Almost all the countries of the world are connected with each other through the airways. Since the air traffic has increased a lot, big international airports have been built in important cities all over the world. New York, London, Tokyo, Moscow, Paris, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. have very big international airports. The busiest air route like the sea route is between North America and Europe.
There are about seventeen international airports in India. However, the big ones are in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Amritsar and Thiruvananthapuram.
Like all other countries, India also has its own fleet of aircraft. Air India is our international airline. It carries passengers to and from almost every corner of the world. The Indian Airlines has air services on important routes within the country as well as to the main cities in the neighbouring countries.
There are some private airlines like the Jet Airways, Sahara, Kingfisher, Deccan, etc. which are becoming very popular in India, these days.
Helicopters are often used by the police, firemen and rescue services throughout the world. In natural calamities like droughts, floods and earthquakes, helicopters are used to drop food packets for the people.
Therefore, all the modern means of transport have helped the people of the world to come closer.
Later in 1903, the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, succeeded in developing the first flying machine. It had an engine.
Aeroplanes have become very widely used means of transport. Almost all the countries of the world are connected with each other through the airways. Since the air traffic has increased a lot, big international airports have been built in important cities all over the world. New York, London, Tokyo, Moscow, Paris, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. have very big international airports. The busiest air route like the sea route is between North America and Europe.
There are about seventeen international airports in India. However, the big ones are in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Amritsar and Thiruvananthapuram.
Like all other countries, India also has its own fleet of aircraft. Air India is our international airline. It carries passengers to and from almost every corner of the world. The Indian Airlines has air services on important routes within the country as well as to the main cities in the neighbouring countries.
There are some private airlines like the Jet Airways, Sahara, Kingfisher, Deccan, etc. which are becoming very popular in India, these days.
Helicopters are often used by the police, firemen and rescue services throughout the world. In natural calamities like droughts, floods and earthquakes, helicopters are used to drop food packets for the people.
Therefore, all the modern means of transport have helped the people of the world to come closer.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter-9.
2) Land Routes
3) Roadways
4) Railways
5) Waterways
6) Sea Routes
7) Inland Waterways
8) Travel By Air
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter-9.
2) Land Routes
3) Roadways
4) Railways
5) Waterways
6) Sea Routes
7) Inland Waterways
8) Travel By Air
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 9 fully.
2) Do Exs A to D in your textbook, Ch 9 pages 72 and 73.
20 / 07 / 2021, 23 / 07 / 2021
Chapter - 8 Greenland - The Land of Ice and Snow
The island of Greenland near the North Pole is a part of Denmark. Its northernmost point is only 650 km from the North Pole. It is the longest island in the world, and lies mostly above the Arctic Circle, therefore it falls in the Tundra Region. Baffin Bay and Davis Strait lie between Greenland and Canada.
Land Surface of Greenland
It has a mountainous land surface. Except for the narrow coastal strips, almost the whole of Greenland remains covered with a thick layer of ice and snow throughout the year. This thick layer of ice is called the icecap. It was formed during a period of several h undred years. Since it never gets warm in Greenland, the ice here does not melt. At some places, the ice is almost 3 km deep.
The island of Greenland looks white because about 80 per cent of the area remains covered with ice and snow throughout the year.
Sometimes, a big mass of ice breaks off and slides down the sloping land and falls into the sea with a roar. Such huge pieces of ice are called icebergs. These icebergs keep floating on the sea till the time they are carried to warmer regions where they melt.
An iceberg is very dangerous for the passing ships because they can see only the tip of it. About 90 per cent of it remains hidden under the water, and can cause a great damage to them.
Icebergs in Jakobshorn are a great tourist attraction.
The island of Greenland looks white because about 80 per cent of the area remains covered with ice and snow throughout the year.
Sometimes, a big mass of ice breaks off and slides down the sloping land and falls into the sea with a roar. Such huge pieces of ice are called icebergs. These icebergs keep floating on the sea till the time they are carried to warmer regions where they melt.
An iceberg is very dangerous for the passing ships because they can see only the tip of it. About 90 per cent of it remains hidden under the water, and can cause a great damage to them.
Climate
Because of its location in the Arctic region, Greenland has an icy, cold climate. The rays of the sun reaching here are so slanting that even during the summer, they hardly warm up the air. The temperature rarely rises above the freezing point.
Summers are cool and short with weeks of continuous daylight. The sun shines even at midnight. Thus, it is called 'The Land of the Midnight Sun'. However the temperature is below 0°c even in summers.
Winters are long, dark and gloomy. There are weeks of continuous darkness. There is no daylight throughout the winter. Chilly winds blow at a speed of over 160 km. per hour and make the winter very severe because there are no hills or trees to protect the people from them.
Summers are cool and short with weeks of continuous daylight. The sun shines even at midnight. Thus, it is called 'The Land of the Midnight Sun'. However the temperature is below 0°c even in summers.
Winters are long, dark and gloomy. There are weeks of continuous darkness. There is no daylight throughout the winter. Chilly winds blow at a speed of over 160 km. per hour and make the winter very severe because there are no hills or trees to protect the people from them.
Vegetation
Since the climate of Greenland is too cold for the trees to grow, it is virtually, a treeless, barren land. During the short summer, a number of small plants and brightly coloured flowers come up. Natural vegetation consists of mosses and lichens which serve as fodder for animals. Other plants include wild flowers, grasses, small shrubs and bushes of wild currants, blueberries and cranberries. The plants that grow here are hardly 15 cm of height from the ground.
Wildlife
A peculiar animal found in Greenland is the musk ox. It has a long, shaggy coat which almost reaches the ground. Reindeer is the most important animal found here. It has a thick layer of hair which protects its body from the bitter cold. It is used for pulling the sledge. Among the smaller animals are the Arctic fox, the Arctic wolf and the Arctic hare - the colour of whose coat changes according to the land su rface. It is brown in summer and white in winter. These animals are protected against the cold by a thick, warm fur and a heavy layer of fat under the skin.
Many fur-bearing animals such as sable, fox and the polar bear are found in this region. These animals are often caught by the fur-trappers and killed for their fur which is used for making fur-coats.
The sea in this region has plenty of seals, whales and walruses.
Many fur-bearing animals such as sable, fox and the polar bear are found in this region. These animals are often caught by the fur-trappers and killed for their fur which is used for making fur-coats.
Life in Greenland
Greenland has a very small population. The people of Greenland are called the Eskimos. They are short and stout. They have narrow, black eyes and flat face.
They live mostly in small villages along the south-west coast.
Fishing and hunting are the main occupations of the people. Farming is not possible in Greenland because the land there remains frozen throughout the year. People have to depend on the sea for their food and most of their other needs.
The Eskimos are good hunters. They hunt mostly with a weapon, called harpoon - a spear with a rope of leather attached to it. They cut a round hole in the ice to catch fish. When a fish comes up for breathing the fresh air, a hunter can throw a harpoon, and use the rope to pull the fish out.
They like to hunt seals, walruses and polar bears. Among these animals, the seal is the most useful to them. Its skin is used for footwear and clothing. Its fat is used for burning lamps and the meat is used for food.
The clothes of the Eskimos are made from the skins and furs of animals. The clothes stitched from the seal skin are warm as well as waterproof. They wear coats or jackets with fur-lined hoods called the Parkas, fur gloves, warm leggings and long-legged shoes made from the skins of seals.
They eat a lot of fat and heat-producing food.
The Eskimos use small boats called the Kayaks. A kayak is made of walrus or seal skin stretched over a wooden frame. Only one person can sit in this boat.
They also use sledges drawn by husky dogs or reindeers. These are mostly used to transport goods.
They live mostly in small villages along the south-west coast.
Fishing and hunting are the main occupations of the people. Farming is not possible in Greenland because the land there remains frozen throughout the year. People have to depend on the sea for their food and most of their other needs.
The Eskimos are good hunters. They hunt mostly with a weapon, called harpoon - a spear with a rope of leather attached to it. They cut a round hole in the ice to catch fish. When a fish comes up for breathing the fresh air, a hunter can throw a harpoon, and use the rope to pull the fish out.
They like to hunt seals, walruses and polar bears. Among these animals, the seal is the most useful to them. Its skin is used for footwear and clothing. Its fat is used for burning lamps and the meat is used for food.
The Eskimos use small boats called the Kayaks. A kayak is made of walrus or seal skin stretched over a wooden frame. Only one person can sit in this boat.
They also use sledges drawn by husky dogs or reindeers. These are mostly used to transport goods.
Housing
In earlier times, the Eskimos used to live in Igloos or the houses made of ice.
An Igloo is a snow house built of slabs of ice. It is dome shaped with a long tunnel - like entrance which helps to keep the cold breeze out. Blocks of ice are placed on the top of each other to build the walls. Animal skin and fur is used to cover the floor. This house can be build in just 2-3 hours.
In summers, the Eskimos live in portable tents made of reindeer or seal skin.
But in modern times, very few people live in igloos. In southern Greenland, people make permanent wooden houses and fashionable flats fitted with modern facilities. They import wood from other countries, and export fish and fur.
An Igloo is a snow house built of slabs of ice. It is dome shaped with a long tunnel - like entrance which helps to keep the cold breeze out. Blocks of ice are placed on the top of each other to build the walls. Animal skin and fur is used to cover the floor. This house can be build in just 2-3 hours.
In summers, the Eskimos live in portable tents made of reindeer or seal skin.
Recent Changes
The life of the people in Greenland has changed a great deal in the recent times. There are several large towns. People work in big oil companies. They live in towns having shops, libraries, hospitals, schools, markets and clubs. They enjoy efficient postal and radio services. They have all the modern means of transport including helicopters Motorboats have replaced the kayaks of the past. They have skidoos or motorised sledges for transport.
Instead of spears, the hunters now use rifles.
Fur farms have been set up to breed fur animals for their fur rather than trying to trap these animals in the open.
Greenland has many large towns. The capital of Greenland is Nuuk (Godthab) which is a modern centre of trade. It also has a modern airport. Holsteinsborg has a large shipyard.
Since 1953, Greenland is a part of Denmark. Modern science and technology have brought it closer to the rest of the world.
Fur farms have been set up to breed fur animals for their fur rather than trying to trap these animals in the open.
Since 1953, Greenland is a part of Denmark. Modern science and technology have brought it closer to the rest of the world.
EXPLAINED :-
1) The whole of the chapter- 8.
2) Location
3) Land Surface of Greenland
4) Climate
5) Vegetation
6) Wildlife
7) Life in Greenland
8) Housing
9) Recent Changes
MAIN TEACHING :-
1) The whole of the chapter- 8.
2) Location
3) Land Surface of Greenland
4) Climate
5) Vegetation
6) Wildlife
7) Life in Greenland
8) Housing
9) Recent Changes
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read chapter 8 fully.
2) Do Exs A to D in your textbook, Ch 8 pages 60 and 61.
16 / 07 / 2021
Chapter - 7 Prairies - The Temperate Grasslands Of USA
The vast treeless grasslands of North America which lie in the interior of the United States of America and Canada are called the Prairies.
The word, 'Prairie' is a French word meaning 'meadow' or 'grassland'.
This region consists of flat or hilly land covered by tall grass for miles and miles. These grasslands fall in the cool, temperate zone between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle. Such temperate grasslands are found in many countries of the world. They are called by different names in different countries :
Climate
The word, 'Prairie' is a French word meaning 'meadow' or 'grassland'.
The grasslands of North America have a cool, temperate climate. The summers are not very hot, but the winters are quite cold. There is a moderate rainfall, mostly during the spring. In winter, there is heavy snowfall.
Vegetation
The climate and soil of this region are suitable for the growth of grass. The prairies which used to be covered with thick grasses are now the biggest wheat-growing regions in the world and are called the world's 'wheat basket'. Wheat produced here is enough not only for the country, but is exported to other countries. The rivers, Mississippi and Missouri flow through the prairies, and provide enough water for cultivating wheat.
Life of the People
Farmers in the prairies have huge farms which stretch over to thousands of acres. They are very well off and look after their huge farms with the help of machines. Tractors and other modern machines help them do their work quickly with the help of only a few people. All the work involved in farming, such as ploughing the land, sowing seeds, reaping, threshing and winnowing the crops or even packing, is done with the help of one machine, called the Combine Harvester. It does the
work of several hundred labourers in a few hours. Foodgrains are stored in Silos, the big storage bins.
Farmers grow wheat, barley, rye, oats and flax. They have a good standard of living. They have luxurious houses, cars and other amenities for a comfortable living.
The hilly areas of the western part of the prairies are not suitable for growing crops as the soil is shallow and infertile and the rainfall is low. That is why the people in this region rear animals. They have huge estates or farms called Ranches where they rear cattle and other animals.
There are large dairy farms where cows are reared for milk and milk products. These farms are equipped with modern machines which do milking and storing of milk products. Very little manpower is needed for this.
Since beef is an important part of the diet of Americans, the cows on ranches are also reared for their meat. Chicago is an important centre for slaughtering animals.
The cattle are transported in specially built railway coaches to modern slaughterhouses. Beef is exported from America to many European countries.
As machines are used in agriculture and dairy farming on a large scale, few people are needed to work on farms. As a result, most of the people in the prairies live in big cities and towns and work in offices and factories.
work of several hundred labourers in a few hours. Foodgrains are stored in Silos, the big storage bins.
The hilly areas of the western part of the prairies are not suitable for growing crops as the soil is shallow and infertile and the rainfall is low. That is why the people in this region rear animals. They have huge estates or farms called Ranches where they rear cattle and other animals.
Since beef is an important part of the diet of Americans, the cows on ranches are also reared for their meat. Chicago is an important centre for slaughtering animals.
The cattle are transported in specially built railway coaches to modern slaughterhouses. Beef is exported from America to many European countries.
As machines are used in agriculture and dairy farming on a large scale, few people are needed to work on farms. As a result, most of the people in the prairies live in big cities and towns and work in offices and factories.
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read pages 50 to 52, Ch 7.
2) Do Exs A to D in your textbook, Ch 7 pages 53 and 54.
13 / 07 / 2021
Chapter - 6 Saudi Arabia (The Land of Hot Sand)
Clothes
People of Saudi Arabia wear loose, large white robes and a white cloth that covers their head. It protects them from the blazing sun during the daytime, the stormy winds and the chilly nights.
The long cotton gown worn by the Saudi men is called the thawb. The long robe worn by the Saudi women is called the aba.
The long cotton gown worn by the Saudi men is called the thawb. The long robe worn by the Saudi women is called the aba.
Recent Changes
The lifestyle of the Bedouins and other people living in Saudi Arabia is changing very fast due to the discovery of oil.
Mineral oil discovered here is exported to many countries all over the world. It has brought immense wealth to these desert lands. That is why mineral oil is also called the 'Liquid Gold'.
Mineral oil is taken out of the ground and refined in the oil refineries into petroleum. It is transported to the ports in tankers. These ships carry the oil to various
countries.
Science and technology is being used to make the life of the people more comfortable. Huge farms are being cultivated.
Salty water of the sea is being changed into the drinking water in the huge desalination plants.
Mineral oil discovered here is exported to many countries all over the world. It has brought immense wealth to these desert lands. That is why mineral oil is also called the 'Liquid Gold'.
Mineral oil is taken out of the ground and refined in the oil refineries into petroleum. It is transported to the ports in tankers. These ships carry the oil to various
countries.
Science and technology is being used to make the life of the people more comfortable. Huge farms are being cultivated.
Salty water of the sea is being changed into the drinking water in the huge desalination plants.
Important Cities
Saudi Arabia has many cities, both old and new. The new cities have all the modern facilities.
Super-highways, port facilities, high rise buildings and modern utilitiy services are now being provided in the older cities.
Riyad is the capital of Saudi Arabia. It is a modern well-planned city with sky scrapers, parks, markets, hospitals and educational institutions.
Jeddah is a commercial city and a busy seaport. People from all over the world visit this place. King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah is one of the largest airport in Saudi Arabia.
Mecca is the holiest centre of pilgrimage for the Muslims. Every year millions of Muslims from all over the word go to Mecca. Medina is another religious centre of pilgrimage.
Due to the efforts of the government of Saudi Arabia a hot and barren desert has become a land of prosperity. People from other countries go to live and work in Saudi Arabia.
Super-highways, port facilities, high rise buildings and modern utilitiy services are now being provided in the older cities.
Jeddah is a commercial city and a busy seaport. People from all over the world visit this place. King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah is one of the largest airport in Saudi Arabia.
Mecca is the holiest centre of pilgrimage for the Muslims. Every year millions of Muslims from all over the word go to Mecca. Medina is another religious centre of pilgrimage.
Due to the efforts of the government of Saudi Arabia a hot and barren desert has become a land of prosperity. People from other countries go to live and work in Saudi Arabia.
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read page no. 45 and 46, Ch 6.
2) Do Exs A to D in your textbook, Ch 6 pages 47 and 48.
09 / 07 / 2021
Chapter - 6 Saudi Arabia (The Land of Hot Sand)
Climate
The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has a harsh climate. In summers, the temperature shoots up very high, making it terribly hot. The sand is so hot that it becomes too difficult to walk even a few metres. The nights are however, cool and pleasant.
Saudi Arabia often records the world's hottest temperature at 52°C in summer.
In winters, too, the days are warm but as soon as the sun sets, the land cools down and the nights become cold. There is a sharp difference between the day and the night temperatures. It causes rocks to crack and break up into smaller particles or sand.
Sandstorms are quite common in this region. During a sandstorm, strong winds blow with great speed and force. They shift the hills of sand, called the sand dunes, from one place to another and thus, change the surface of the desert.
There is very little rainfall in this region, (even less than 25 cm. in a year). When it rains, it rains continuously for a few hours, and a number of small plants spring up and bloom for a few days. Soon they wither away and die because the water evaporates very fast due to the heat.
Saudi Arabia often records the world's hottest temperature at 52°C in summer.
In winters, too, the days are warm but as soon as the sun sets, the land cools down and the nights become cold. There is a sharp difference between the day and the night temperatures. It causes rocks to crack and break up into smaller particles or sand.
Sandstorms are quite common in this region. During a sandstorm, strong winds blow with great speed and force. They shift the hills of sand, called the sand dunes, from one place to another and thus, change the surface of the desert.
There is very little rainfall in this region, (even less than 25 cm. in a year). When it rains, it rains continuously for a few hours, and a number of small plants spring up and bloom for a few days. Soon they wither away and die because the water evaporates very fast due to the heat.
Vegetation
There are hardly any trees in this region. The vegetation mainly consists of cactus, hardy grasses and thorny bushes. These plants have long roots which go deep into the ground to draw water.
However, some places in the desert have a store of underground water like lakes or deep wells. These places are called oases. They are green islands surrounded by a vast ocean of sand. Villages and cities grow up around these oases. People, who live around these oases, grow food crops such as wheat, barley, dates, melons, and vegetables like tomatoes.
The most important tree of an oasis is date-palm. This is practically the only tree that grows in plenty in this region. Dates are widely eaten by the desert people, as they are sweet and nutritious. They are also exported to other countries. The leaves and wood of the trees are used to make various things like mats, baskets, building materials and other products.
However, some places in the desert have a store of underground water like lakes or deep wells. These places are called oases. They are green islands surrounded by a vast ocean of sand. Villages and cities grow up around these oases. People, who live around these oases, grow food crops such as wheat, barley, dates, melons, and vegetables like tomatoes.
Life of the People
People who live in these deserts lead a very hard life. They are mainly nomads who wander from place to place in search of pasture lands for their animals. These people are called the Bedouins.
The main occupation of the Bedouins is keeping herds of camels, sheep, goats and other animals. They move in small groups. They live in tents made of cloth or animal hides. They pitch their tents whenever they find a patch of grass. When they have to move, they fold their tents and load them on the backs of their camels.
The Bedouins mostly move in groups forming long rows of camels called the caravans.
The camel is a very useful animal in a desert. It can travel fast in a sandy desert because its wide feet are padded which do not sink into the sand. It can survive without food and water for many days. It is very helpful in the desert where there is scarcity of water. The eyes and nostrils of camels do not get damaged during a sandstorm. Being the most important means of transport, the camel is called the 'ship of the desert'.
The Bedouins also make clothes, carpets, mats, ropes and tents out of the camel's hair and hides of animals. They trade in these things for the things they need such as dates, tea, coffee, bread, foodgrains, salt and medicines.
The main occupation of the Bedouins is keeping herds of camels, sheep, goats and other animals. They move in small groups. They live in tents made of cloth or animal hides. They pitch their tents whenever they find a patch of grass. When they have to move, they fold their tents and load them on the backs of their camels.
The camel is a very useful animal in a desert. It can travel fast in a sandy desert because its wide feet are padded which do not sink into the sand. It can survive without food and water for many days. It is very helpful in the desert where there is scarcity of water. The eyes and nostrils of camels do not get damaged during a sandstorm. Being the most important means of transport, the camel is called the 'ship of the desert'.
The Bedouins also make clothes, carpets, mats, ropes and tents out of the camel's hair and hides of animals. They trade in these things for the things they need such as dates, tea, coffee, bread, foodgrains, salt and medicines.
ASSIGNMENT
Read pages 42 to 44, Ch 6.
06 / 07 / 2021
06 / 07 / 2021
Chapter - 5 The Land Of Dense Forests (The Democratic Republic Of Congo)
Agriculture
Farming and mining are the main occupations of the people here. Patches of forest land are cleared for farming by burning and cutting trees. People grow maize, banana, vegetables, groundnuts and cassava. They get tapioca from the cassava plant. Tapioca is used to make a type of bread. Oil palm is used to make cooking oil. They have also started growing cash crops like rubber, coffee, groundnut, rice and cotton.
Industries
The main industries of Democratic Republic of Congo are textiles, chemicals, paper, soap, cement and cigarettes. These industries are located mostly in big cities like Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Matadi. Matadi is the biggest port and railway terminal.
The country has many important mineral resources such as industrial diamonds, gold, uranium, copper and tin. It is the world's largest producer of industrial diamonds and cobalt. Mining is an important industry of this country. Katanga, located in South Zaire, is rich in minerals.
Democratic Republic of Congo is also rich in water resources. With the help of its dams, it may become a leading producer of hydroelectricity in the world.
As the country is becoming more and more industrialised, the life of the people is also changing. Life of the people in big cities here is very similar to the life of the people in big cities in other parts of the world.
Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, with a population of about 1 million people, is the largest city in the country. It is a prominent river port.
The country has a good network of roads and railways. The cities are well-connected with other parts of the country. Lakes and rivers are used for navigation. It has a well-developed air transport system.
Like other Asian and African countries, Democratic Republic of Congo is also progressing fast. The people here are proud of their country.
The country has many important mineral resources such as industrial diamonds, gold, uranium, copper and tin. It is the world's largest producer of industrial diamonds and cobalt. Mining is an important industry of this country. Katanga, located in South Zaire, is rich in minerals.
Democratic Republic of Congo is also rich in water resources. With the help of its dams, it may become a leading producer of hydroelectricity in the world.
As the country is becoming more and more industrialised, the life of the people is also changing. Life of the people in big cities here is very similar to the life of the people in big cities in other parts of the world.
Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, with a population of about 1 million people, is the largest city in the country. It is a prominent river port.
The country has a good network of roads and railways. The cities are well-connected with other parts of the country. Lakes and rivers are used for navigation. It has a well-developed air transport system.
Like other Asian and African countries, Democratic Republic of Congo is also progressing fast. The people here are proud of their country.
ASSIGNMENT
1) Read page no. 38 and 39, Ch 5.
2) Do Exs A to C in your textbook, Ch 5 page 40.
02 / 07 / 2021
Chapter - 5 The Land Of Dense Forests (The Democratic Republic Of Congo)
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country of Africa. It is located on the west coast of Africa. The Equator runs across the country. The northern part of the country lies in the Northern Hemisphere and the southern part of the country lies in the Southern Hemisphere.
Climate
Democratic Republic of Congo, earlier known as Zaire, has a typical Equatorial climate. It is hot and wet throughout the year. It rains here almost everyday.
In the morning, the sun shines brightly and by noon, the region becomes very hot. This heat causes a lot of evaporation from the lakes and rivers. By afternoon, the sky is covered with black clouds and there is a heavy rainfall, lasting for an hour or two. This makes the evenings better as the temperature comes down. The weather conditions remain more or less the same throughout the year.
River Congo, also known as river Zaire, flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo, also affects its climate. In fact, a large part of the country is located in the basin of River Congo and its tributaries. This river is also known as the 'Highway of Central Africa'.
In the morning, the sun shines brightly and by noon, the region becomes very hot. This heat causes a lot of evaporation from the lakes and rivers. By afternoon, the sky is covered with black clouds and there is a heavy rainfall, lasting for an hour or two. This makes the evenings better as the temperature comes down. The weather conditions remain more or less the same throughout the year.
River Congo, also known as river Zaire, flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo, also affects its climate. In fact, a large part of the country is located in the basin of River Congo and its tributaries. This river is also known as the 'Highway of Central Africa'.
Vegetation
Nearly half of Democratic Republic of Congo is covered with lush green thick forests called the Equatorial forests or Rain forests. The trees in this forest are very ta
ll. Bright sunshine and plenty of rainfall make the natural vegetation grow very fast.
Some plants grow even fifteen centimetres a day. Some trees grow to the height of about 60 metres.
There is a thick undergrowth of shrubs and bushes. A large number of creepers climb the trees adding to the thick vegetation. These forests remain green throughout the year and are known as the Evergreen forests.
In these forests, plants are so close to each other that their branches get entangled. They form a thick canopy at the top.
At some places, these forests are so thick that even the rays of the sun cannot pass through them. That is why the forests of the Congo Basin are dark, dingy and damp. Democratic Republic of Congo is sometimes called the 'heart of darkness'.
These forests abound in trees such as ebony, mahogany, rubber, bamboo, oil palm, etc. These trees are very useful to the people of Zaire as they provide raw materials for many industries.
Some plants grow even fifteen centimetres a day. Some trees grow to the height of about 60 metres.
At some places, these forests are so thick that even the rays of the sun cannot pass through them. That is why the forests of the Congo Basin are dark, dingy and damp. Democratic Republic of Congo is sometimes called the 'heart of darkness'.
These forests abound in trees such as ebony, mahogany, rubber, bamboo, oil palm, etc. These trees are very useful to the people of Zaire as they provide raw materials for many industries.
Wildlife
The forests in Democratic Republic of Congo are inhabited by a large number of colourful birds and butterflies such as hornbill, goldcoast, flying squirrel and screeching parrots.
Tse-tse fly found here is a harmful insect which causes a deadly disease called the sleeping sickness.
Among the animals that live on the trees, there are various kinds of monkeys, apes, gorillas, baboons and chimpanzees. Other animals found here are: wild buffaloes, elephants and okapi, a rare type of giraffes and hippopotamuses. The African elephants are bigger than the Indian elephants.
Reptiles such as snakes and pythons are also found in large numbers.
Owing to this wide variety of wildlife, these forests are like a huge Safari or 'natural zoo of the world' where animals live in their natural surroundings.
Among the animals that live on the trees, there are various kinds of monkeys, apes, gorillas, baboons and chimpanzees. Other animals found here are: wild buffaloes, elephants and okapi, a rare type of giraffes and hippopotamuses. The African elephants are bigger than the Indian elephants.
Reptiles such as snakes and pythons are also found in large numbers.
Owing to this wide variety of wildlife, these forests are like a huge Safari or 'natural zoo of the world' where animals live in their natural surroundings.
Life of the People
The people of Democratic Repulic of Congo belong to many different races and speak a variety of languages. People speaking the Bantu language form the biggest group.
Most of the people here live in small villages. People in this region are quite tall and tough. They have a dark complexion and short, curly hair. They follow their traditional ways of life. They wear light cotton clothes because of a hot and humid climate. People are very fond of dance and music.
Far away from the villages and in the thickest parts of these forests, live a primitive tribe known as the Pygmies. They are dark in complexion and very short, about 1.5 metres in height. They are nomads. They do not live permanently at one place. They keep moving, and whenever they find a suitable place, they make a clearing in the forest and settle down for a short period. They live mainly by hunting and gathering honey, fruits and berries from the forests. They are very fond of bananas. They are excellent hunters.
Weather and climate affect our life in many ways.
Suggest any two ways in which the climate affects your life :
1...................................................................................
2...................................................................................
Different parts of the world have different climates. There are many factors that influence the climate of a place.
The closer a place to the Equator, the hotter is its climate.
As we move away from the Equator, the temperature goes on decreasing. Near the poles, the rays of the sun are more slanting. They spread over a much larger area and have to travel a longer distance. This further reduces the heat carried by them.
Thus the three climatic zones are :
1) Torrid Zone : This zone lies between Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The climate hare is hot and humid.
Think and write in your notebook :
Considering all these factors, what kind of climate would the following places have?
The scientists who study weather and climate with the help of various instruments and forecast the weather accurately are called Meteorologists.
These days satellites in space send back pictures which tell the meteorologists a lot about the weather all around the globe.
Most of the people here live in small villages. People in this region are quite tall and tough. They have a dark complexion and short, curly hair. They follow their traditional ways of life. They wear light cotton clothes because of a hot and humid climate. People are very fond of dance and music.
Far away from the villages and in the thickest parts of these forests, live a primitive tribe known as the Pygmies. They are dark in complexion and very short, about 1.5 metres in height. They are nomads. They do not live permanently at one place. They keep moving, and whenever they find a suitable place, they make a clearing in the forest and settle down for a short period. They live mainly by hunting and gathering honey, fruits and berries from the forests. They are very fond of bananas. They are excellent hunters.
Assignment
Read page no. 35 to 38, Ch 5.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
18 / 06 / 2021
Chapter- 3 Factors That Affect Our Climate
REVISION
The weather keeps on changing everyday. Some days are bright, sunny and hot whereas others are cloudy, rainy or cold. The temperature, rainfall, pressure and the condition of the atmosphere of a particular place over a short period of time is called the weather. The study of weather conditions is known as Meteorology. The kind of weather that a place has over a long period of time is called the climate. A place is said to have a dry climate if it gets very little rain over a period of many years. A place that gets a lot of rain for many years is said to be having a wet climate.
Look at the following weather signs used in the weather forecast :
Weather and climate affect our life in many ways.
Suggest any two ways in which the climate affects your life :
1...................................................................................
2...................................................................................
Different parts of the world have different climates. There are many factors that influence the climate of a place.
1. Distance from the Equator
The rays of the sun heat the surface of the Earth. Look at the diagram. The sun rays are more direct or perpendicular near the Equator. These rays fall over a smaller area and make the place hot.
The closer a place to the Equator, the hotter is its climate.
As we move away from the Equator, the temperature goes on decreasing. Near the poles, the rays of the sun are more slanting. They spread over a much larger area and have to travel a longer distance. This further reduces the heat carried by them.
Thus the three climatic zones are :
1) Torrid Zone : This zone lies between Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The climate hare is hot and humid.
2) Temperate Zone : This zone lies between 231/2°-661/2° in both the hemispheres. It is neither hot nor very cold in this zone.
3) The Frigid Zone : This zone lies between the Arctic Circle and North Pole in the Northern Hemisphere, and Antarctic Circle and South Pole in the Southern Hemisphere. The rays of the sun are very slanting in this zone, hence it is extremely cold here. This region is permanently covered with thick layer of ice.
The closer a place is either to the North Pole or the South Pole, the colder is its climate.
Thus, distance from the Equator is a very important factor that decides the climate of a place.
Thus, distance from the Equator is a very important factor that decides the climate of a place.
2. Altitude
The climate of a place is also affected by its altitude, that is, the height of a place above the sea level. The higher the altitude, the colder the climate.
The temperature decreases by 1°C for every 165 metres above the sea level.
That is why hill stations like Ooty, Mussorie, etc. are cool even in summers and people go there to escape from the heat on the plains.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, in Africa, is near the Equator but is still covered with snow because of its height above the sea level.
The temperature decreases by 1°C for every 165 metres above the sea level.
That is why hill stations like Ooty, Mussorie, etc. are cool even in summers and people go there to escape from the heat on the plains.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, in Africa, is near the Equator but is still covered with snow because of its height above the sea level.
3. Distance from the Sea
The climate of a place also depends on how far it is from the sea. Places like Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata which are close to the sea are neither very hot nor very cold. They have a moderate but humid climate.
In summers, the cool sea breeze brings down the temperature of the area around it. In winters, the sea is warmer than the land. So the warm breeze from the sea raises the temperature of the place along the sea.
Try yourself
Keep a piece of stone and a bowl of water in the sun. After one hour, see which is hotter, the stone or the water?
Places like Delhi and Amritsar which are far away from the sea, have an extreme climate. They are very hot in summers and very cold in winters.
Try yourself
Keep a piece of stone and a bowl of water in the sun. After one hour, see which is hotter, the stone or the water?
Places like Delhi and Amritsar which are far away from the sea, have an extreme climate. They are very hot in summers and very cold in winters.
4. Direction of Winds
The direction of winds affects the temperature of a place and the rainfall that it gets.
The winds blowing from the cold regions make a place cool and winds blowing from the hot regions make a place hot.
The winds coming from the sea carry a lot of moisture. They make the weather humid and cause rainfall. Places near the sea receive more rains than the places that are
farther away.
The South-West Monsoon Winds, blowing from the Arabian Sea bring a lot of rain to the places on the west coast of India.
It is necessary to consider all these factors before forecasting the weather of a place.
The winds blowing from the cold regions make a place cool and winds blowing from the hot regions make a place hot.
The winds coming from the sea carry a lot of moisture. They make the weather humid and cause rainfall. Places near the sea receive more rains than the places that are
farther away.
The South-West Monsoon Winds, blowing from the Arabian Sea bring a lot of rain to the places on the west coast of India.
It is necessary to consider all these factors before forecasting the weather of a place.
Think and write in your notebook :
Considering all these factors, what kind of climate would the following places have?
These days satellites in space send back pictures which tell the meteorologists a lot about the weather all around the globe.
5. Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water vapour in the air. The vapour is gaseous state of water and is invisible. Humidity indicates the likelihood of precipitation, dew or fog.
Assignment
Revise Ch. 3 for FA1.
15 / 06 / 2021
Chapter- 2 The Language of Map
REVISION
A map is a drawing of a part or the whole of the Earth's surface. It is drawn on a flat surface or paper. Maps can be drawn to show more details of a smaller area or lesser details of a bigger area. We can draw the map of a classroom, a school, a city, a state, a country or the world.
The art of map making is called cartography. who make maps are cartographers.
The first man to draw a map of the Earth on a flat surface was Gerardus Mercator.
Uses of Maps :
- Maps provide us a variety of information.
- Maps show the location of the continents, countries and cities.
- Maps show mountains, plateaus, plains, river valleys and water bodies.
- Maps can also show the distribution of rainfall, forests, crops, grasslands, mines, etc.
The first man to draw a map of the Earth on a flat surface was Gerardus Mercator.
Uses of Maps :
- Maps provide us a variety of information.
- Maps show the location of the continents, countries and cities.
- Maps show mountains, plateaus, plains, river valleys and water bodies.
- Maps can also show the distribution of rainfall, forests, crops, grasslands, mines, etc.
- While maps are easier to carry and handle as they can be printed in books, rolled or folded, globe cannot be carried everywhere. They occupy a lot of space. Maps can show more detailed information which globes cannot show.
However, maps are not as accurate as a globe because the Earth is spherical whereas the maps are flat. They cannot show the exact shape of the Earth.
Globes are most suited for representing the Earth as a whole. Maps are more suitable for representing parts of the Earth such as continents and countries.
A book of maps is called an Atlas. To understand the contents of a map or globe, we must be able to read it. Various signs, symbols and colours used in a map to show lakes, rivers, cities, etc. make up what is called the language of maps.
Globes are most suited for representing the Earth as a whole. Maps are more suitable for representing parts of the Earth such as continents and countries.
A book of maps is called an Atlas. To understand the contents of a map or globe, we must be able to read it. Various signs, symbols and colours used in a map to show lakes, rivers, cities, etc. make up what is called the language of maps.
Colours on the Map
All maps follow a common scheme of colours. They give useful information on a map. The seas, oceans, lakes and big rivers are shown in blue. Sometimes, the pale blue colour is used to show the areas where the seas and oceans are shallow. Deep blue is used to show the area where the seas and oceans are deep. Green colour is used to show the low-lying areas or plains. Yellow and light brown are used to show lands higher than the lowlands or the plateaus. Deep browns show highlands, generally mountains.
There is usually a key in a corner of the map. The key tells us exactly how deep and high the areas in each colour are.
There is usually a key in a corner of the map. The key tells us exactly how deep and high the areas in each colour are.
Directions
A knowledge of directions is very important in the study of maps. There are four main directions - North, South, East and West. The directions shown on a map are always the same.
Maps in books and atlases always show :
- North at the top of the page.
- South at the bottom of the map.
- The West is to the left of the person reading the map.
- The East is to the right.
Once we know the direction of North on a map, it becomes easy to find other three directions.
Look at the map of India and write the names of directions and sub-directions of the states. List the names of two states in each direction.
Sometimes we also need to show places which lie between the North and the West or the South and the West. So there are four sub-directions. The North-East is just half-way between the North and the East. The North-West is half-way between the North and the West. The South-West is half-way between the South and the West and the South-East lies half-way between the South and the East.
The knowledge of directions is very important for astronauts in the space, sailors at the sea and pilots in the air.
Maps in books and atlases always show :
- North at the top of the page.
- The West is to the left of the person reading the map.
- The East is to the right.
Look at the map of India and write the names of directions and sub-directions of the states. List the names of two states in each direction.
Sometimes we also need to show places which lie between the North and the West or the South and the West. So there are four sub-directions. The North-East is just half-way between the North and the East. The North-West is half-way between the North and the West. The South-West is half-way between the South and the West and the South-East lies half-way between the South and the East.
Assignment
Revise Ch. 2 for FA1.
11 / 06 / 2021
Chapter- 1
Globe (The Model of the Earth)
REVISION
A Globe is a small ball-like model of the Earth. It shows the correct shape, size and locati
However, the globe can not show detailed information.
If we look at the globe, we can see only one half of the globe at a time. We have to tu rn it around to look at the other half. The globe can be turned around the axis, an imaginary line passing through it.
The topmost point on the axis of globe is the North Pole. The bottommost point of the axis of the globe is called the South Pole. We can see a line running exactly through the middle of the globe in the east-west direction. This is called the Equator.
If we look at the globe, we can see only one half of the globe at a time. We have to tu rn it around to look at the other half. The globe can be turned around the axis, an imaginary line passing through it.
LATITUDE
On a globe, we can see a network of lines dividing the Earth vertically and horizontally.
The Equator and the lines which run parallel to it are called the Parallels of Latitude.
These parallel lines form full circles around the globe. As we move from the Equator towards the Poles, these lines decrease in size.
Latitudes never meet or touch each other. They divide the earth into slices from top to bottom. The Parallels of Latitude are numbered from 0° to 90°.
The Lines of Latitude are marked in degrees (°). The Equator, which is the 0° latitude, is the longest of the parallels.
It divides the earth into two equal halves. The northern half is known as the Northern Hemisphere while the southern half is called the Southern Hemisphere.
These parallels keep decreasing in length as they move towards the Poles. At the Poles, this line is just a point.
There are 90 degrees or lines of latitude above the Equator, and 90 degrees or lines of latitude below the Equator. The North Pole is at 90° North Latitude and the South Pole is at 90° South Latitude. The latitudes north of the Equator are marked 'N' and the latitudes south of the Equator are marked 'S'. For example: The Parallel of Latitude running close to Delhi is 29° N.
The line which is located 23 1/2° North of the Equator is called the Tropic of Cancer. The 66 1/2° North Latitude is called the Arctic Circle. The line which is located 23 1/2° South of the Equator is called the Tropic of Capricorn. The 66 1/2° South Latitude is called the Antarctic Circle.
The lines of latitude and longitude are imaginary lines. They are not drawn on the Earth. They are only drawn on the globe to help in locating a place.
The Equator and the lines which run parallel to it are called the Parallels of Latitude.
These parallel lines form full circles around the globe. As we move from the Equator towards the Poles, these lines decrease in size.
Latitudes never meet or touch each other. They divide the earth into slices from top to bottom. The Parallels of Latitude are numbered from 0° to 90°.
The Lines of Latitude are marked in degrees (°). The Equator, which is the 0° latitude, is the longest of the parallels.
It divides the earth into two equal halves. The northern half is known as the Northern Hemisphere while the southern half is called the Southern Hemisphere.
These parallels keep decreasing in length as they move towards the Poles. At the Poles, this line is just a point.
There are 90 degrees or lines of latitude above the Equator, and 90 degrees or lines of latitude below the Equator. The North Pole is at 90° North Latitude and the South Pole is at 90° South Latitude. The latitudes north of the Equator are marked 'N' and the latitudes south of the Equator are marked 'S'. For example: The Parallel of Latitude running close to Delhi is 29° N.
The line which is located 23 1/2° North of the Equator is called the Tropic of Cancer. The 66 1/2° North Latitude is called the Arctic Circle. The line which is located 23 1/2° South of the Equator is called the Tropic of Capricorn. The 66 1/2° South Latitude is called the Antarctic Circle.
Assignment
Revise page no. 6 and 7 of ch 1.
08 / 06 / 2021
Chapter 4
Climatic Regions of the World
Broad areas having a similar type of climate are called the climatic regions. We can divide the world into three climatic regions :
1. The Tropical Region
2. The Temperate Region
3. The Polar Region
1. The Tropical Region
2. The Temperate Region
3. The Polar Region
The Tropical region includes the countries which lie between the two tropics- The Tropic of Cancer (231/2° N Latitude) and Tropic of Capricorn (231/2° S Latitude). The tropical regions generally have a hot and wet climate. Our country, India also falls in this region as the Tropic of Cancer passes through it.
The area around the Equator is hot and wet throughout the year.
The sun shines very brightly as it is directly overhead. The temperature is very high. This area experiences rainfall almost every afternoon. This type of climate is found in the Congo Basin in Africa, the Amazon Basin in South America, and Malaysia and Indonesia in Asia.
Even within the Tropics, the climate is not the same everywhere. There may be differences in the climate due to different factors.
Some areas in the tropical region have monsoon type of climate. This type of climate is found in Northern Australia and South Eastern parts of Asia, including India. These areas generally have heavy rainfall during summers. The winters are mostly dry.
Other areas in the Tropical region have a hot and dry desert type of climate. AH the big deserts of the world are included in this. Hot and dry winds blow over these areas. There is hardly any rainfall.
The area around the Equator is hot and wet throughout the year.
The sun shines very brightly as it is directly overhead. The temperature is very high. This area experiences rainfall almost every afternoon. This type of climate is found in the Congo Basin in Africa, the Amazon Basin in South America, and Malaysia and Indonesia in Asia.
Even within the Tropics, the climate is not the same everywhere. There may be differences in the climate due to different factors.
Other areas in the Tropical region have a hot and dry desert type of climate. AH the big deserts of the world are included in this. Hot and dry winds blow over these areas. There is hardly any rainfall.
2. The Temperate Region
This region lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere. The sun does not shine directly in these regions. The summers are not so hot and the winters are very cold.
3. The Polar Region
Antarctic Circle towards the Poles, we reach the Polar region. Here, the summers are very short and cold. Winters are very long and extremely cold. This region is frozen for most part of the year. It includes extreme northern parts of Eurasia and North America. It is known as the Tundra region. Greenland also has a Polar type of climate.
Assignment
Do Exs A to D in your textbook, Ch 4.
04 / 06 / 2021
Chapter 3
Factors That Affect Our Climate
Assignment
Do Exs A to D in your textbook, Ch 3.
01 / 06 / 2021
Chapter 3
Factors That Affect Our Climate
Assignment
Read page no. 23 and 24 of ch 3.
19 / 05 / 2021
Chapter 2
The Language of Map
A map is a drawing of a part or the whole of the Earth's surface. It is drawn on a flat surface or paper. Maps can be drawn to show more details of a smaller area or lesser details of a bigger area. We can draw the map of a classroom, a school, a city, a state, a country or the world.
The art of map making is called cartography. who make maps are cartographers.
The first man to draw a map of the Earth on a flat surface was Gerardus Mercator.
Uses of Maps :
- Maps provide us a variety of information.
- Maps show the location of the continents, countries and cities.
- Maps show mountains, plateaus, plains, river valleys and water bodies.
- Maps can also show the distribution of rainfall, forests, crops, grasslands, mines, etc.
- Maps provide us a variety of information.
- Maps show the location of the continents, countries and cities.
- Maps show mountains, plateaus, plains, river valleys and water bodies.
- Maps can also show the distribution of rainfall, forests, crops, grasslands, mines, etc.
- While maps are easier to carry and handle as they can be printed in books, rolled or folded, globe cannot be carried everywhere. They occupy a lot of space. Maps can show more detailed information which globes cannot show.
However, maps are not as accurate as a globe because the Earth is spherical whereas the maps are flat. They cannot show the exact shape of the Earth.
Globes are most suited for representing the Earth as a whole. Maps are more suitable for representing parts of the Earth such as continents and countries.
A book of maps is called an Atlas. To understand the contents of a map or globe, we must be able to read it. Various signs, symbols and colours used in a map to show lakes, rivers, cities, etc. make up what is called the language of maps.
Globes are most suited for representing the Earth as a whole. Maps are more suitable for representing parts of the Earth such as continents and countries.
A book of maps is called an Atlas. To understand the contents of a map or globe, we must be able to read it. Various signs, symbols and colours used in a map to show lakes, rivers, cities, etc. make up what is called the language of maps.
Colours on the Map
All maps follow a common scheme of colours. They give useful information on a map. The seas, oceans, lakes and big rivers are shown in blue. Sometimes, the pale blue colour is used to show the areas where the seas and oceans are shallow. Deep blue is used to show the area where the seas and oceans are deep. Green colour is used to show the low-lying areas or plains. Yellow and light brown are used to show lands higher than the lowlands or the plateaus. Deep browns show highlands, generally mountains.
There is usually a key in a corner of the map. The key tells us exactly how deep and high the areas in each colour are.
There is usually a key in a corner of the map. The key tells us exactly how deep and high the areas in each colour are.
Directions
A knowledge of directions is very important in the study of maps. There are four main directions - North, South, East and West. The directions shown on a map are always the same.
Maps in books and atlases always show :
- North at the top of the page.
- South at the bottom of the map.
- The West is to the left of the person reading the map.
- The East is to the right.
Once we know the direction of North on a map, it becomes easy to find other three directions.
Look at the map of India and write the names of directions and sub-directions of the states. List the names of two states in each direction.
Sometimes we also need to show places which lie between the North and the West or the South and the West. So there are four sub-directions. The North-East is just half-way between the North and the East. The North-West is half-way between the North and the West. The South-West is half-way between the South and the West and the South-East lies half-way between the South and the East.
The knowledge of directions is very important for astronauts in the space, sailors at the sea and pilots in the air.
Maps in books and atlases always show :
- North at the top of the page.
- The West is to the left of the person reading the map.
- The East is to the right.
Look at the map of India and write the names of directions and sub-directions of the states. List the names of two states in each direction.
Sometimes we also need to show places which lie between the North and the West or the South and the West. So there are four sub-directions. The North-East is just half-way between the North and the East. The North-West is half-way between the North and the West. The South-West is half-way between the South and the West and the South-East lies half-way between the South and the East.
Scale
To understand the language of a map, we must know its scale. Every map is drawn according to a scale. The scale of a map helps us to measure the exact distance between two places shown on the map, and its relation to the actual distance on the Earth's surface.
(a) Measure points (1) and (2) with a divider.
(b) Place the divider on the scale of the map.
(c) The scale shows that the distance is 2 cm. on the map.
(d) If 1 cm on the map = 100 km.
on the ground, the distance between points (1) and (2) = 200 km.
For drawing the map of a smaller area, e.g., a classroom, the scale may be 1 cm. = 1 metre on the ground.
(b) Place the divider on the scale of the map.
(c) The scale shows that the distance is 2 cm. on the map.
(d) If 1 cm on the map = 100 km.
on the ground, the distance between points (1) and (2) = 200 km.
Signs and Symbols
The space available on the map is limited. All the features of the land cannot be shown in their actual shape in the limited space available on the map. Therefore, map makers or cartographers use some standard symbols which are used everywhere.
Different symbols are drawn to show rivers, cities, railways, roadways, lakes, boundaries, etc. Understanding these symbols is essential for map reading. Most of the maps have a key to tell what the symbols stand for.
Maps are our friends. It is important to learn the language of maps to understand them.
Maps may be of many types :
a. The Physical Maps : They show the physical or natural features such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, lakes, etc.
b. The Political Maps : These maps show the political boundaries of each country or state along with their capitals and other important cities.
c. Special Maps : These maps give us the specific information such as distribution of rainfall, population, minerals, crops, etc. of an area.
Different symbols are drawn to show rivers, cities, railways, roadways, lakes, boundaries, etc. Understanding these symbols is essential for map reading. Most of the maps have a key to tell what the symbols stand for.
Maps are our friends. It is important to learn the language of maps to understand them.
Maps may be of many types :
a. The Physical Maps : They show the physical or natural features such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, lakes, etc.
b. The Political Maps : These maps show the political boundaries of each country or state along with their capitals and other important cities.
c. Special Maps : These maps give us the specific information such as distribution of rainfall, population, minerals, crops, etc. of an area.
ASSIGNMENT
Read page no. 13 to 17 of ch 2.
12 / 05 / 2021
Chapter 1 Globe (The Model of the Earth)
LONGITUDE
The semi-circular lines that are drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole are called the Lines of Longitude or Meridians. All these lines are of the same length. They are not parallel to each other. They meet at the Poles.
The Meridians are also numbered in degrees. Since the Earth is round, we can divide the Earth into 360 degrees, and draw 360 meridians on it. It has been agreed to use the meridians which pass through Greenwich in England as the starting point or the 0° Meridian.
The 0° Meridian is called the Greenwich Meridian or the Prime Meridian. Longitudes to the East of Greenwich are called East Longitudes (E) and those to the west of Greenwich are called West Longitudes (W).
There are 180 meridians to the east. They have 'E' written after them. The 180° Meridian is located exactly opposite to the 0° Meridian on the globe.
The hemisphere to the east of 0° is called the Eastern Hemisphere. The hemisphere to the west is called the Western Hemisphere.
The 0° and the 180° meridians are common in both Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Together, they divide the earth vertically into two equal halves. Thus, there are 360 meridians in all.
Look at the world map in your atlas. Find out the meridians nearest to :
The 0° and the 180° meridians are common in both Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Together, they divide the earth vertically into two equal halves. Thus, there are 360 meridians in all.
Look at the world map in your atlas. Find out the meridians nearest to :
LOCATING PLACES
The Lines of latitude and longitude are imaginary lines drawn on the globes, maps and charts to help locate the position of different places on the maps.
These lines of latitude and longitude cross each other at right angles and form a sort of net called the grid on the globe or a map. We can find or locate places on the map with the help of this grid. For locating a place correctly, it is not enough to know only the latitude or longitude of the place. In fact, it is important to know the point of the crossing of both the lines, i.e., the latitude and the longitude.
For example, the latitude of Chennai is 13°N of the Equator and the longitude is 80°E. The point where these two lines cross each other will be the exact location of Chennai on the map or globe.
These lines of latitude and longitude cross each other at right angles and form a sort of net called the grid on the globe or a map. We can find or locate places on the map with the help of this grid. For locating a place correctly, it is not enough to know only the latitude or longitude of the place. In fact, it is important to know the point of the crossing of both the lines, i.e., the latitude and the longitude.
Assignment
Do Exercise B to Exercise D in your textbook, ch 1.
05 / 05 / 2021
Chapter 1 Globe (The Model of the Earth)
Chapter 1 Globe (The Model of the Earth)
A Globe is a small ball-like model of the Earth. It shows the correct shape, size and locati
However, the globe can not show detailed information.
If we look at the globe, we can see only one half of the globe at a time. We have to tu rn it around to look at the other half. The globe can be turned around the axis, an imaginary line passing through it.
LATITUDE
On a globe, we can see a network of lines dividing the Earth vertically and horizontally.
The Equator and the lines which run parallel to it are called the Parallels of Latitude.
These parallel lines form full circles around the globe. As we move from the Equator towards the Poles, these lines decrease in size.
Latitudes never meet or touch each other. They divide the earth into slices from top to bottom. The Parallels of Latitude are numbered from 0° to 90°.
The Lines of Latitude are marked in degrees (°). The Equator, which is the 0° latitude, is the longest of the parallels.
It divides the earth into two equal halves. The northern half is known as the Northern Hemisphere while the southern half is called the Southern Hemisphere.
These parallels keep decreasing in length as they move towards the Poles. At the Poles, this line is just a point.
There are 90 degrees or lines of latitude above the Equator, and 90 degrees or lines of latitude below the Equator. The North Pole is at 90° North Latitude and the South Pole is at 90° South Latitude. The latitudes north of the Equator are marked 'N' and the latitudes south of the Equator are marked 'S'. For example: The Parallel of Latitude running close to Delhi is 29° N.
The line which is located 23 1/2° North of the Equator is called the Tropic of Cancer. The 66 1/2° North Latitude is called the Arctic Circle. The line which is located 23 1/2° South of the Equator is called the Tropic of Capricorn. The 66 1/2° South Latitude is called the Antarctic Circle.
The lines of latitude and longitude are imaginary lines. They are not drawn on the Earth. They are only drawn on the globe to help in locating a place.
The Equator and the lines which run parallel to it are called the Parallels of Latitude.
These parallel lines form full circles around the globe. As we move from the Equator towards the Poles, these lines decrease in size.
Latitudes never meet or touch each other. They divide the earth into slices from top to bottom. The Parallels of Latitude are numbered from 0° to 90°.
The Lines of Latitude are marked in degrees (°). The Equator, which is the 0° latitude, is the longest of the parallels.
It divides the earth into two equal halves. The northern half is known as the Northern Hemisphere while the southern half is called the Southern Hemisphere.
These parallels keep decreasing in length as they move towards the Poles. At the Poles, this line is just a point.
There are 90 degrees or lines of latitude above the Equator, and 90 degrees or lines of latitude below the Equator. The North Pole is at 90° North Latitude and the South Pole is at 90° South Latitude. The latitudes north of the Equator are marked 'N' and the latitudes south of the Equator are marked 'S'. For example: The Parallel of Latitude running close to Delhi is 29° N.
The line which is located 23 1/2° North of the Equator is called the Tropic of Cancer. The 66 1/2° North Latitude is called the Arctic Circle. The line which is located 23 1/2° South of the Equator is called the Tropic of Capricorn. The 66 1/2° South Latitude is called the Antarctic Circle.
Assignment
Read page no. 6 and 7 of ch 1.
