Case-Study-Nature’s Treasures-Class 6-Science

Case Study 1: The Village and Nature’s Treasures

School vacations are always fun for Bhoomi and Surya. This vacation, they visit their Ajji (grandmother). Ajji lives in a village on the edge of a forest in the Western Ghats. The air in the village is fresh and cooler than in the city. They can see beautiful hills, streams, and many interesting plants, animals, and birds around them. One afternoon, Bhoomi and Surya ask Ajji to tell them more about the place. Ajji says, “Children, do you know that this place has several treasures of nature that enrich our lives? The pure air is refreshing, and the soil is so fertile that it supports a variety of living beings. Moreover, this place gets plenty of sunlight, which is useful in many ways. Different varieties of trees provide food and shelter to animals, including various birds and insects.”

Questions & Answers:

1. Where do Bhoomi and Surya go for their vacation, and how is it different from the city?
   Answer: They visit their grandmother’s village near a forest in the Western Ghats. The village has fresh and cool air, unlike the polluted air in the city.

2. What are some of the natural treasures that Ajji talks about?
   Answer: Ajji mentions pure air, fertile soil, plenty of sunlight, and different trees that provide food and shelter to animals.

3. How does nature help living beings survive?
   Answer: Nature provides air for breathing, water for drinking, fertile soil for growing food, and sunlight for energy.

4. Why is the village’s soil considered a treasure?
   Answer: The soil is very fertile, supporting various plants and animals, which are essential for the ecosystem.

5. Can you name another natural treasure that is important for humans?
   Answer: Water bodies like rivers and lakes provide fresh water for drinking, farming, and daily activities.

Case Study 2: The Importance of Air

One morning, Bhoomi and Surya see Ajji performing some breathing exercises. Ajji asks them to join her. She says, “I am taking deep breaths in and letting them out. This helps in getting more fresh air into the lungs to stay healthy.” Bhoomi and Surya sit with Ajji and start taking deep breaths. Ajji explains, “Air is very important for survival. The air we breathe contains oxygen, which our body needs to function properly. Without oxygen, we cannot survive for even a few minutes. The air around us also contains nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other gases.” Bhoomi and Surya realize that air is essential for all living beings. Ajji then tells them about wind, explaining that moving air is called wind. She says, “Sometimes it blows fast, like during a storm, and sometimes it blows gently as a breeze.”

Questions & Answers:

1. What activity is Ajji doing in the morning?
   Answer: Ajji is performing breathing exercises and teaches Bhoomi and Surya to take deep breaths.

2. Why is breathing fresh air important?
   Answer: It helps get more oxygen into the lungs, which is necessary for our body to function properly.

3. What happens if we do not get enough oxygen?
   Answer: If we do not get enough oxygen, we feel uncomfortable, weak, and cannot survive for long.

4. What is moving air called, and how does it behave?
   Answer: Moving air is called wind. It can be gentle like a breeze or strong like a storm.

5. What are the main gases present in the air?
   Answer: The air contains nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and other gases like carbon dioxide and argon (1%).

Case Study 3: The Importance of Water

Bhoomi and Surya help Ajji in filling the troughs of water for the cows. They also help her in watering plants such as vegetables and medicinal herbs in the garden. Ajji teaches them how to water the plants so that every drop is used and none of it goes to waste. She explains, “Water is one of the most precious resources on Earth. We need it for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, and farming.” Bhoomi and Surya realize how important it is to conserve water. Ajji tells them that while most of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, only a small portion of it is freshwater that can be used by humans. She also teaches them about rainwater harvesting, which helps store rainwater for later use. Bhoomi and Surya promise to use water carefully and not waste it.

Questions & Answers:

1. What are Bhoomi and Surya doing with Ajji?
   Answer: They are helping Ajji fill water for the cows and water the plants in the garden.

2. Why is water important?
   Answer: Water is essential for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, and farming.

3. Why do we need to save water?
   Answer: Only a small portion of Earth’s water is freshwater, so we must use it carefully to prevent shortages.

4. What is rainwater harvesting?
   Answer: It is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for later use.

5. What did Bhoomi and Surya promise?
   Answer: They promised to use water carefully and not waste it.

Case Study 4: Energy from the Sun

On a sunny day, Bhoomi and Surya are helping Ajji dry chillies in the Sun. Ajji says, “We use the heat from the Sun to dry them. We can use dried chillies when fresh ones are not available. Do you know that the Sun is the main source of energy on Earth?” Bhoomi and Surya think about it and realize that without the Sun, life on Earth would not be possible. The Sun provides energy for plants to grow, which in turn provides food for animals and humans. Ajji also explains that solar energy is used for generating electricity using solar panels. She shows them a solar water heater in her village, which heats water using the Sun’s energy. Bhoomi and Surya learn that the Sun’s energy is used in many ways and is very important for life.

Questions & Answers:

1. What are Bhoomi and Surya helping Ajji with?
   Answer: They are helping Ajji dry chillies in the Sun.

2. Why is the Sun important for life on Earth?
   Answer: It provides energy for plants to grow, which supports all living beings.

3. How is solar energy used?
   Answer: It is used for drying food, heating water, and generating electricity using solar panels.

4. What would happen if there was no Sun?
   Answer: There would be no light or heat, and life on Earth would not be possible.

5. What is a solar water heater?
   Answer: It is a device that uses solar energy to heat water for household use.

Case Study 5: The Role of Forests in Nature

One morning, Ajji takes Bhoomi and Surya for a walk in the forest. They find a variety of herbs, shrubs, and trees. Ajji explains, “Forests are large areas with dense growth of various types of plants.” On the way, they collect some nellikai (Kannada term for Indian gooseberries) that have fallen on the ground. Ajji tells them, “We have a tradition in the village not to pluck fruits from the trees; they are left for animals and birds to eat.” She explains how forests provide shelter to wild animals, birds, and insects. The roots of trees hold the soil, preventing it from being washed away. The leaves that fall on the ground decay and make the soil fertile. Ajji warns them that cutting down trees in large numbers can harm the environment by causing soil erosion, loss of animal habitats, and even changes in climate. She encourages them to take care of forests and plant more trees for a greener Earth.

Questions & Answers:

1. What did Bhoomi and Surya see during their walk in the forest?
   Answer: They saw different herbs, shrubs, trees, and collected nellikai (gooseberries) that had fallen on the ground.

2. Why do the villagers not pluck fruits from trees?
   Answer: They leave them for animals and birds to eat, ensuring that all living beings benefit from nature.

3. How do forests help in preventing soil erosion?
   Answer: The roots of trees hold the soil, preventing it from being washed away by rain or wind.

4. What are the harmful effects of cutting down trees?
   Answer: Deforestation leads to soil erosion, loss of animal habitats, and changes in climate.

5. How can we help in preserving forests?
   Answer: By planting more trees, avoiding unnecessary deforestation, and raising awareness about forest conservation.

Case Study 6: Soil, Rocks, and Minerals

During their walk in the forest, Bhoomi and Surya notice that the soil is damp, and there are many leaves on the ground. Ajji explains, “The roots of plants hold the soil together and prevent it from being washed away. The fallen leaves decay and enrich the soil with nutrients.” When they return home, Ajji asks them to help prepare the soil in the garden for planting vegetables. Bhoomi and Surya dig the soil gently and loosen the lumps. They notice small pebbles, plant roots, and earthworms in the soil. Ajji tells them that earthworms help in loosening and fertilizing the soil. She explains that soil is formed over thousands of years by the breaking down of rocks due to the Sun’s heat, wind, and water. Some rocks are also important as they contain minerals like iron, copper, and gold, which humans use in daily life. Bhoomi and Surya realize that soil and rocks are valuable resources that should be conserved and used wisely.

Questions & Answers:

1. Why was the soil in the forest damp?
   Answer: The dampness was due to decaying leaves and tree roots that help retain moisture in the soil.

2. How do earthworms help in soil preparation?
   Answer: Earthworms loosen the soil, making it easier for plant roots to grow and absorb nutrients.

3. How is soil formed?
   Answer: Soil is formed over thousands of years by the breaking down of rocks due to heat, wind, and water.

4. Why are rocks important?
   Answer: Rocks contain valuable minerals like iron, copper, and gold, which are used for making tools, buildings, and jewelry.

5. What can we do to conserve soil and rocks?
   Answer: Avoid soil pollution, plant more trees to prevent erosion, and use minerals wisely to reduce wastage.