English, Hindi
By NCERT
The world around us is full of amazing sights, living beings, and natural resources that make life possible on Earth. From forests and rivers to villages and modern cities, everything forms an important part of our environment. The NCERT Class 5 textbook “Our Wondrous World” (हमारा अद्भुत संसार) helps students understand these surroundings in a simple and meaningful way. This book is part of the Environmental Studies (EVS) curriculum designed by NCERT for primary school students. It aims to develop curiosity, awareness, and responsibility among children toward nature, society, and the environment. Through colourful illustrations, interesting stories, and activity-based learning, the textbook encourages students to observe the world around them and understand how different elements of nature and human life are connected.
The world around us is full of amazing sights, living beings, and natural resources that make life possible on Earth. From forests and rivers to villages and modern cities, everything forms an important part of our environment. The NCERT Class 5 textbook “Our Wondrous World” (हमारा अद्भुत संसार) helps students understand these surroundings in a simple and meaningful way.
This book is part of the Environmental Studies (EVS) curriculum designed by NCERT for primary school students. It aims to develop curiosity, awareness, and responsibility among children toward nature, society, and the environment. Through colourful illustrations, interesting stories, and activity-based learning, the textbook encourages students to observe the world around them and understand how different elements of nature and human life are connected.
NCERT Class 5 – Our Wondrous World helps learners explore topics such as nature, plants, animals, human society, natural resources, technology, and environmental protection. The lessons are written in simple language so that students can easily understand important ideas while enjoying the learning process.
According to NCERT Class 5 – Our Wondrous World, the environment around us includes everything we see and experience in our daily life. It consists of natural elements such as air, water, soil, mountains, rivers, plants, and animals, as well as human-made creations like houses, roads, machines, schools, and cities.
The textbook helps students understand that nature and human activities are closely connected. Humans depend on nature for survival, while human inventions help improve living conditions. However, the book also emphasizes that misuse of natural resources can harm the environment, so maintaining balance is essential.
By learning about the world around them, students begin to understand the importance of protecting nature while using resources wisely.
Nature plays a central role in the lessons of NCERT Class 5 – Our Wondrous World. It provides all the basic resources needed for life. Without nature, survival would not be possible.
Natural resources are materials that come directly from nature and support human life. The textbook introduces several important natural resources in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.
Air – essential for breathing and supporting life on Earth.
Water – used for drinking, farming, cleaning, and daily activities.
Soil – helps plants grow and provides food for humans and animals.
Sunlight – the main source of energy for plants and many natural processes.
Plants and animals – provide food, clothing, medicine, and shelter.
Students also learn that some resources can be renewed naturally, while others are limited and must be used carefully. This understanding helps children realize the importance of conservation.
Plants are described in the textbook as one of the most valuable parts of nature. They play a major role in maintaining the balance of the environment.
The lessons explain how plants perform many important functions:
Plants produce oxygen, which is necessary for breathing.
They provide fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods.
Trees give shade and help keep the environment cool.
Plant roots hold soil together and prevent erosion.
Children are encouraged to plant trees, care for gardens, and protect forests. These lessons help develop respect and responsibility toward nature from an early age.
Animals are another important part of our environment. The NCERT Class 5 textbook explains that animals and humans share the same planet and depend on each other for survival.
Students learn about:
Domestic animals, which live with humans and help in farming, transport, and food production.
Wild animals, which live in forests and natural habitats.
Birds, insects, and aquatic animals, which play important roles in ecosystems.
The textbook also introduces the concept of endangered species and explains why wildlife conservation is necessary. By learning about animals, children develop kindness and compassion toward all living beings.
Humans are social beings who live together in families and communities. The lessons in Our Wondrous World explain how people depend on each other in society.
Students learn about:
The role of family members
Community living and cooperation
Respect for different cultures and traditions
Sharing responsibilities in society
The textbook also introduces community helpers such as farmers, teachers, doctors, police officers, and shopkeepers. These individuals perform important roles that help society function smoothly.
Through these topics, students understand the importance of cooperation, respect, and teamwork in everyday life.
Food is one of the most basic needs of human life. In NCERT Class 5 – Our Wondrous World, students learn about the journey of food from farms to homes.
The textbook explains:
How crops are grown using soil, water, and sunlight
The role of farmers in producing food
Agricultural tools and machines such as ploughs and tractors
The importance of protecting soil and water resources
These lessons help children appreciate the hard work of farmers and understand the value of food.
Modern life depends greatly on transport and communication systems. The textbook introduces students to different means of transportation that help people travel and move goods.
These include:
Road transport – cars, buses, bicycles, and trucks
Rail transport – trains that connect cities and villages
Air transport – aeroplanes that enable fast travel across countries
Water transport – ships and boats used for travel and trade
Students also learn about communication tools such as mobile phones, computers, and the internet. These technologies help people stay connected and share information quickly.
Science and technology have made many aspects of life easier and more efficient. In NCERT Class 5 – Our Wondrous World, children learn how technology is used in everyday activities.
Examples include:
Computers used in schools for learning
Machines used in factories to produce goods
ATMs used for banking services
Tractors and harvesters used in agriculture
The textbook teaches students that technology should be used wisely and responsibly for the benefit of society.
Energy is required for almost every activity in modern life. The textbook introduces students to different sources of energy and explains why renewable energy is important for the future.
Examples of renewable energy include:
Solar energy from the sun
Wind energy produced by wind turbines
Water energy generated by flowing rivers
These sources of energy are clean and do not cause pollution. The book encourages children to support the use of renewable energy to protect the environment.
Environmental protection is one of the most important messages of Our Wondrous World. Students learn that human activities can sometimes damage nature, but simple actions can help protect the planet.
The textbook suggests several eco-friendly habits:
Saving water and electricity
Keeping surroundings clean
Reducing waste
Reusing and recycling materials
Planting and protecting trees
By practicing these habits, students can contribute to a healthier environment.
The textbook also highlights the importance of maintaining good health. A healthy body and mind are essential for a happy life.
Children are encouraged to:
Eat nutritious food
Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
Play outdoor games and participate in physical activities
Sports and games not only improve physical fitness but also teach teamwork, discipline, and cooperation.
One of the most attractive features of NCERT Class 5 – Our Wondrous World is its use of colourful illustrations and engaging activities. Pictures of forests, villages, animals, and daily life situations make learning more interesting.
Activity-based learning encourages students to:
Observe their surroundings carefully
Ask questions and think critically
Express ideas through drawing and discussion
Develop creativity and environmental awareness
These methods make the learning process enjoyable and interactive.
Beyond academic knowledge, the textbook focuses on developing important life values in children. These values help shape responsible and caring individuals.
Some of the key values promoted in the book include:
Respect for nature and natural resources
Kindness toward animals and other living beings
Responsibility toward society and community
Cooperation and teamwork
Awareness of environmental issues
These lessons help children grow into responsible citizens who care for the planet.
The NCERT Class 5 textbook “Our Wondrous World” (हमारा अद्भुत संसार) is an excellent resource for helping young learners understand the environment and society around them. By connecting nature, human life, and technology, the book provides a balanced and practical understanding of the world.
Through simple explanations, colourful illustrations, and activity-based learning, students develop curiosity, awareness, and responsibility toward their surroundings. The textbook encourages children to appreciate nature, respect others, and protect the environment.
Indeed, our world is full of wonders. By learning about it and caring for it, students can help build a better and more sustainable future for everyone.