NCERT Textbook: A Journey through States of Water | Science Class 6 PDF Download

 Page 1


A Journey through 
States of Water
8
Chapter
On a bright summer afternoon, Aavi and Thirav enjoy their 
shikanji (lemonade). After looking at the ice in the lemonade, 
Thirav wonders about the nature of ice and water.  
Aavi has a counterview to Thirav. What do you think? Why?  
Do you think Thirav is right? How can you find out?
If it does not rain well, even the mighty ocean 
will be drained.
(Thirukkural)
We can put 
water in the freezer 
of a refrigerator 
and check if it gets 
converted
 into ice.  
No, 
these are the 
same substances.
Ice feels hard to 
touch and we can 
hold it in our hands, 
whereas, water 
cannot be held in the 
same way. So, they 
must be different 
substances.
Yes, I know when 
water is left in 
the freezer, it gets 
converted into ice but 
probably something 
gets added to the ice in 
the freezer.
Chapter 8.indd   143 09-07-2024   10:42:25
Page 2


A Journey through 
States of Water
8
Chapter
On a bright summer afternoon, Aavi and Thirav enjoy their 
shikanji (lemonade). After looking at the ice in the lemonade, 
Thirav wonders about the nature of ice and water.  
Aavi has a counterview to Thirav. What do you think? Why?  
Do you think Thirav is right? How can you find out?
If it does not rain well, even the mighty ocean 
will be drained.
(Thirukkural)
We can put 
water in the freezer 
of a refrigerator 
and check if it gets 
converted
 into ice.  
No, 
these are the 
same substances.
Ice feels hard to 
touch and we can 
hold it in our hands, 
whereas, water 
cannot be held in the 
same way. So, they 
must be different 
substances.
Yes, I know when 
water is left in 
the freezer, it gets 
converted into ice but 
probably something 
gets added to the ice in 
the freezer.
Chapter 8.indd   143 09-07-2024   10:42:25
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
144
Activity 8.1: Let us observe
 ? Put an ice cube in a cup, leave it on the table and 
observe. 
Ice gets converted into water. 
What can you conclude from the observations? 
Does this mean that ice and water are the same substance? 
Yes, ice and water are the two forms of the same substance. 
These forms are also called states. These different states 
of water show many differences in their behaviour. Water 
flows but ice does not. Water splashes but ice does not.  
8.1 Investigating Water’s Disappearing Act
It is a rainy morning. While going to school, Aavi and 
Thirav observe that there are a lot of water puddles in the 
playground. That evening, when they go to play, they are 
surprised to observe that some of the water in the puddles 
had disappeared. 
Have you ever noticed water 
in the puddles disappearing? 
Where does it go? Discuss with 
your friends. 
Where else have you seen 
water disappearing? Can you 
think of a possible reason why this   
          happens? 
You might have observed that after washing the 
utensils, water left on the surface of the utensils, dries 
up after some time. Does the reason you thought earlier 
to explain water disappearance apply in this case also? 
Aavi wonders if water has seeped through the surface of 
the utensils.
Thirav thinks that water does not seep through the 
surface of the utensils. Design an activity to investigate 
whose idea is correct. 
Activity 8.2: Let us investigate 
 ? Take a tablespoon of water on a steel plate as shown in 
Fig. 8.1.
I think the water has 
been absorbed by the soil on 
the playground. What do you 
think about it?
 
Chapter 8.indd   144 08-07-2024   18:29:11
Page 3


A Journey through 
States of Water
8
Chapter
On a bright summer afternoon, Aavi and Thirav enjoy their 
shikanji (lemonade). After looking at the ice in the lemonade, 
Thirav wonders about the nature of ice and water.  
Aavi has a counterview to Thirav. What do you think? Why?  
Do you think Thirav is right? How can you find out?
If it does not rain well, even the mighty ocean 
will be drained.
(Thirukkural)
We can put 
water in the freezer 
of a refrigerator 
and check if it gets 
converted
 into ice.  
No, 
these are the 
same substances.
Ice feels hard to 
touch and we can 
hold it in our hands, 
whereas, water 
cannot be held in the 
same way. So, they 
must be different 
substances.
Yes, I know when 
water is left in 
the freezer, it gets 
converted into ice but 
probably something 
gets added to the ice in 
the freezer.
Chapter 8.indd   143 09-07-2024   10:42:25
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
144
Activity 8.1: Let us observe
 ? Put an ice cube in a cup, leave it on the table and 
observe. 
Ice gets converted into water. 
What can you conclude from the observations? 
Does this mean that ice and water are the same substance? 
Yes, ice and water are the two forms of the same substance. 
These forms are also called states. These different states 
of water show many differences in their behaviour. Water 
flows but ice does not. Water splashes but ice does not.  
8.1 Investigating Water’s Disappearing Act
It is a rainy morning. While going to school, Aavi and 
Thirav observe that there are a lot of water puddles in the 
playground. That evening, when they go to play, they are 
surprised to observe that some of the water in the puddles 
had disappeared. 
Have you ever noticed water 
in the puddles disappearing? 
Where does it go? Discuss with 
your friends. 
Where else have you seen 
water disappearing? Can you 
think of a possible reason why this   
          happens? 
You might have observed that after washing the 
utensils, water left on the surface of the utensils, dries 
up after some time. Does the reason you thought earlier 
to explain water disappearance apply in this case also? 
Aavi wonders if water has seeped through the surface of 
the utensils.
Thirav thinks that water does not seep through the 
surface of the utensils. Design an activity to investigate 
whose idea is correct. 
Activity 8.2: Let us investigate 
 ? Take a tablespoon of water on a steel plate as shown in 
Fig. 8.1.
I think the water has 
been absorbed by the soil on 
the playground. What do you 
think about it?
 
Chapter 8.indd   144 08-07-2024   18:29:11
A Journey through States of Water
145
Activity 8.1: Let us observe
 ? Put an ice cube in a cup, leave it on the table and 
observe. 
Ice gets converted into water. 
What can you conclude from the observations? 
Does this mean that ice and water are the same substance? 
Yes, ice and water are the two forms of the same substance. 
These forms are also called states. These different states 
of water show many differences in their behaviour . Water 
flows but ice does not. Water splashes but ice does not.  
8.1 Investigating Water’s Disappearing Act
It is a rainy morning. While going to school, Aavi and 
Thirav observe that there are a lot of water puddles in the 
playground. That evening, when they go to play, they are 
surprised to observe that some of the water in the puddles 
had disappeared. 
Have you ever noticed water 
in the puddles disappearing? 
Where does it go? Discuss with 
your friends. 
Where else have you seen 
water disappearing? Can you 
think of a possible reason why this   
          happens? 
You might have observed that after washing the 
utensils, water left on the surface of the utensils, dries 
up after some time. Does the reason you thought earlier 
to explain water disappearance apply in this case also? 
Aavi wonders if water has seeped through the surface of 
the utensils.
Thirav thinks that water does not seep through the 
surface of the utensils. Design an activity to investigate 
whose idea is correct. 
Activity 8.2: Let us investigate 
 ? Take a tablespoon of water on a steel plate as shown in 
Fig. 8.1.
 ? Observe whether water seeps through to 
the other side of the plate or not.
 ? Keep observing this at regular intervals 
until the water completely disappears.
What do you infer? Is this activity enough 
to come to the conclusion that water does 
not seep through a steel plate? 
If water does not seep through the steel 
plate. Then, where has the water gone? 
This water gets converted into gaseous 
state called water vapour. The water vapour is 
another state of water. Let us think of another 
observation where you notice the water 
disappearing.
While making dosa, we sprinkle some water 
on the hot pan and it disappears. Where does 
it go?  
Fig. 8.1: Steel plate with  
a tablespoon of water
The water which is sprinkled on the hot 
pan gets converted into steam. Steam is 
actually water vapour, some part of which 
converts into water droplets. 
The process of conversion of water into 
its vapour state is called evaporation. 
The process of evaporation takes place continuously, 
even at room temperature. Can you think of other examples 
of evaporation? 
Drying of wet clothes, mopped floor, and sweat on our 
body are some examples of it.
Now what do you think is the reason for the disappearance 
of water from the puddles? Is it due to (i) seeping of water 
into the ground or (ii) evaporation of water or (iii) both of 
these?
Hand sanitiser disappears as you rub it on your hands. 
What happens to it? 
Water vapour is 
actually invisible 
but the 
presence of 
tiny droplets 
of water in the 
steam makes it 
visible.
Do you 
know?
Let us draw
Draw a detailed sketch (with labels and 
caption) about what happens to the water.
Chapter 8.indd   145 08-07-2024   18:29:21
Page 4


A Journey through 
States of Water
8
Chapter
On a bright summer afternoon, Aavi and Thirav enjoy their 
shikanji (lemonade). After looking at the ice in the lemonade, 
Thirav wonders about the nature of ice and water.  
Aavi has a counterview to Thirav. What do you think? Why?  
Do you think Thirav is right? How can you find out?
If it does not rain well, even the mighty ocean 
will be drained.
(Thirukkural)
We can put 
water in the freezer 
of a refrigerator 
and check if it gets 
converted
 into ice.  
No, 
these are the 
same substances.
Ice feels hard to 
touch and we can 
hold it in our hands, 
whereas, water 
cannot be held in the 
same way. So, they 
must be different 
substances.
Yes, I know when 
water is left in 
the freezer, it gets 
converted into ice but 
probably something 
gets added to the ice in 
the freezer.
Chapter 8.indd   143 09-07-2024   10:42:25
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
144
Activity 8.1: Let us observe
 ? Put an ice cube in a cup, leave it on the table and 
observe. 
Ice gets converted into water. 
What can you conclude from the observations? 
Does this mean that ice and water are the same substance? 
Yes, ice and water are the two forms of the same substance. 
These forms are also called states. These different states 
of water show many differences in their behaviour. Water 
flows but ice does not. Water splashes but ice does not.  
8.1 Investigating Water’s Disappearing Act
It is a rainy morning. While going to school, Aavi and 
Thirav observe that there are a lot of water puddles in the 
playground. That evening, when they go to play, they are 
surprised to observe that some of the water in the puddles 
had disappeared. 
Have you ever noticed water 
in the puddles disappearing? 
Where does it go? Discuss with 
your friends. 
Where else have you seen 
water disappearing? Can you 
think of a possible reason why this   
          happens? 
You might have observed that after washing the 
utensils, water left on the surface of the utensils, dries 
up after some time. Does the reason you thought earlier 
to explain water disappearance apply in this case also? 
Aavi wonders if water has seeped through the surface of 
the utensils.
Thirav thinks that water does not seep through the 
surface of the utensils. Design an activity to investigate 
whose idea is correct. 
Activity 8.2: Let us investigate 
 ? Take a tablespoon of water on a steel plate as shown in 
Fig. 8.1.
I think the water has 
been absorbed by the soil on 
the playground. What do you 
think about it?
 
Chapter 8.indd   144 08-07-2024   18:29:11
A Journey through States of Water
145
Activity 8.1: Let us observe
 ? Put an ice cube in a cup, leave it on the table and 
observe. 
Ice gets converted into water. 
What can you conclude from the observations? 
Does this mean that ice and water are the same substance? 
Yes, ice and water are the two forms of the same substance. 
These forms are also called states. These different states 
of water show many differences in their behaviour . Water 
flows but ice does not. Water splashes but ice does not.  
8.1 Investigating Water’s Disappearing Act
It is a rainy morning. While going to school, Aavi and 
Thirav observe that there are a lot of water puddles in the 
playground. That evening, when they go to play, they are 
surprised to observe that some of the water in the puddles 
had disappeared. 
Have you ever noticed water 
in the puddles disappearing? 
Where does it go? Discuss with 
your friends. 
Where else have you seen 
water disappearing? Can you 
think of a possible reason why this   
          happens? 
You might have observed that after washing the 
utensils, water left on the surface of the utensils, dries 
up after some time. Does the reason you thought earlier 
to explain water disappearance apply in this case also? 
Aavi wonders if water has seeped through the surface of 
the utensils.
Thirav thinks that water does not seep through the 
surface of the utensils. Design an activity to investigate 
whose idea is correct. 
Activity 8.2: Let us investigate 
 ? Take a tablespoon of water on a steel plate as shown in 
Fig. 8.1.
 ? Observe whether water seeps through to 
the other side of the plate or not.
 ? Keep observing this at regular intervals 
until the water completely disappears.
What do you infer? Is this activity enough 
to come to the conclusion that water does 
not seep through a steel plate? 
If water does not seep through the steel 
plate. Then, where has the water gone? 
This water gets converted into gaseous 
state called water vapour. The water vapour is 
another state of water. Let us think of another 
observation where you notice the water 
disappearing.
While making dosa, we sprinkle some water 
on the hot pan and it disappears. Where does 
it go?  
Fig. 8.1: Steel plate with  
a tablespoon of water
The water which is sprinkled on the hot 
pan gets converted into steam. Steam is 
actually water vapour, some part of which 
converts into water droplets. 
The process of conversion of water into 
its vapour state is called evaporation. 
The process of evaporation takes place continuously, 
even at room temperature. Can you think of other examples 
of evaporation? 
Drying of wet clothes, mopped floor, and sweat on our 
body are some examples of it.
Now what do you think is the reason for the disappearance 
of water from the puddles? Is it due to (i) seeping of water 
into the ground or (ii) evaporation of water or (iii) both of 
these?
Hand sanitiser disappears as you rub it on your hands. 
What happens to it? 
Water vapour is 
actually invisible 
but the 
presence of 
tiny droplets 
of water in the 
steam makes it 
visible.
Do you 
know?
Let us draw
Draw a detailed sketch (with labels and 
caption) about what happens to the water.
Chapter 8.indd   145 08-07-2024   18:29:21
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
146
8.2 Another Mystery 
Next day, Aavi, Thirav and their friends decide to make 
lemonade. During the preparation, they take cold water in a 
glass tumbler and add ice cubes into it. After a few minutes, 
they notice something exciting about the outer surface of 
the glass tumbler .
Let us find out by conducting a similar activity ourselves. 
Activity 8.3: Let us experiment 
 ? Take cold water in a glass tumbler .
 ? Add a few ice cubes into it as shown in Fig. 8.2. 
 ? Leave it undisturbed for five 
minutes and observe it. 
 ? Record your observations and the 
questions that arise in your mind 
in Table 8.1. You can also touch the 
outer surface of the glass tumbler to 
feel if there is any change.
Fig. 8.2: A glass tumbler containing 
cold water and ice cubes
One observation that arises in Aavi’s mind is, “There are 
some water droplets (tiny drops) appearing on the outer 
surface of the glass tumbler.” Initially, water droplets are 
deposited and these droplets combine together to form 
bigger drops. You can also try the above process with a 
metal container . You may be curious about where the water 
droplets come from. 
Suggest possible reasons explaining the appearance of 
water droplets on the outer surface of the glass tumbler. 
I observe I wonder
Table 8.1: Record the observations and questions
You may have many observations and questions here. 
Chapter 8.indd   146 08-07-2024   18:29:23
Page 5


A Journey through 
States of Water
8
Chapter
On a bright summer afternoon, Aavi and Thirav enjoy their 
shikanji (lemonade). After looking at the ice in the lemonade, 
Thirav wonders about the nature of ice and water.  
Aavi has a counterview to Thirav. What do you think? Why?  
Do you think Thirav is right? How can you find out?
If it does not rain well, even the mighty ocean 
will be drained.
(Thirukkural)
We can put 
water in the freezer 
of a refrigerator 
and check if it gets 
converted
 into ice.  
No, 
these are the 
same substances.
Ice feels hard to 
touch and we can 
hold it in our hands, 
whereas, water 
cannot be held in the 
same way. So, they 
must be different 
substances.
Yes, I know when 
water is left in 
the freezer, it gets 
converted into ice but 
probably something 
gets added to the ice in 
the freezer.
Chapter 8.indd   143 09-07-2024   10:42:25
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
144
Activity 8.1: Let us observe
 ? Put an ice cube in a cup, leave it on the table and 
observe. 
Ice gets converted into water. 
What can you conclude from the observations? 
Does this mean that ice and water are the same substance? 
Yes, ice and water are the two forms of the same substance. 
These forms are also called states. These different states 
of water show many differences in their behaviour. Water 
flows but ice does not. Water splashes but ice does not.  
8.1 Investigating Water’s Disappearing Act
It is a rainy morning. While going to school, Aavi and 
Thirav observe that there are a lot of water puddles in the 
playground. That evening, when they go to play, they are 
surprised to observe that some of the water in the puddles 
had disappeared. 
Have you ever noticed water 
in the puddles disappearing? 
Where does it go? Discuss with 
your friends. 
Where else have you seen 
water disappearing? Can you 
think of a possible reason why this   
          happens? 
You might have observed that after washing the 
utensils, water left on the surface of the utensils, dries 
up after some time. Does the reason you thought earlier 
to explain water disappearance apply in this case also? 
Aavi wonders if water has seeped through the surface of 
the utensils.
Thirav thinks that water does not seep through the 
surface of the utensils. Design an activity to investigate 
whose idea is correct. 
Activity 8.2: Let us investigate 
 ? Take a tablespoon of water on a steel plate as shown in 
Fig. 8.1.
I think the water has 
been absorbed by the soil on 
the playground. What do you 
think about it?
 
Chapter 8.indd   144 08-07-2024   18:29:11
A Journey through States of Water
145
Activity 8.1: Let us observe
 ? Put an ice cube in a cup, leave it on the table and 
observe. 
Ice gets converted into water. 
What can you conclude from the observations? 
Does this mean that ice and water are the same substance? 
Yes, ice and water are the two forms of the same substance. 
These forms are also called states. These different states 
of water show many differences in their behaviour . Water 
flows but ice does not. Water splashes but ice does not.  
8.1 Investigating Water’s Disappearing Act
It is a rainy morning. While going to school, Aavi and 
Thirav observe that there are a lot of water puddles in the 
playground. That evening, when they go to play, they are 
surprised to observe that some of the water in the puddles 
had disappeared. 
Have you ever noticed water 
in the puddles disappearing? 
Where does it go? Discuss with 
your friends. 
Where else have you seen 
water disappearing? Can you 
think of a possible reason why this   
          happens? 
You might have observed that after washing the 
utensils, water left on the surface of the utensils, dries 
up after some time. Does the reason you thought earlier 
to explain water disappearance apply in this case also? 
Aavi wonders if water has seeped through the surface of 
the utensils.
Thirav thinks that water does not seep through the 
surface of the utensils. Design an activity to investigate 
whose idea is correct. 
Activity 8.2: Let us investigate 
 ? Take a tablespoon of water on a steel plate as shown in 
Fig. 8.1.
 ? Observe whether water seeps through to 
the other side of the plate or not.
 ? Keep observing this at regular intervals 
until the water completely disappears.
What do you infer? Is this activity enough 
to come to the conclusion that water does 
not seep through a steel plate? 
If water does not seep through the steel 
plate. Then, where has the water gone? 
This water gets converted into gaseous 
state called water vapour. The water vapour is 
another state of water. Let us think of another 
observation where you notice the water 
disappearing.
While making dosa, we sprinkle some water 
on the hot pan and it disappears. Where does 
it go?  
Fig. 8.1: Steel plate with  
a tablespoon of water
The water which is sprinkled on the hot 
pan gets converted into steam. Steam is 
actually water vapour, some part of which 
converts into water droplets. 
The process of conversion of water into 
its vapour state is called evaporation. 
The process of evaporation takes place continuously, 
even at room temperature. Can you think of other examples 
of evaporation? 
Drying of wet clothes, mopped floor, and sweat on our 
body are some examples of it.
Now what do you think is the reason for the disappearance 
of water from the puddles? Is it due to (i) seeping of water 
into the ground or (ii) evaporation of water or (iii) both of 
these?
Hand sanitiser disappears as you rub it on your hands. 
What happens to it? 
Water vapour is 
actually invisible 
but the 
presence of 
tiny droplets 
of water in the 
steam makes it 
visible.
Do you 
know?
Let us draw
Draw a detailed sketch (with labels and 
caption) about what happens to the water.
Chapter 8.indd   145 08-07-2024   18:29:21
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
146
8.2 Another Mystery 
Next day, Aavi, Thirav and their friends decide to make 
lemonade. During the preparation, they take cold water in a 
glass tumbler and add ice cubes into it. After a few minutes, 
they notice something exciting about the outer surface of 
the glass tumbler .
Let us find out by conducting a similar activity ourselves. 
Activity 8.3: Let us experiment 
 ? Take cold water in a glass tumbler .
 ? Add a few ice cubes into it as shown in Fig. 8.2. 
 ? Leave it undisturbed for five 
minutes and observe it. 
 ? Record your observations and the 
questions that arise in your mind 
in Table 8.1. You can also touch the 
outer surface of the glass tumbler to 
feel if there is any change.
Fig. 8.2: A glass tumbler containing 
cold water and ice cubes
One observation that arises in Aavi’s mind is, “There are 
some water droplets (tiny drops) appearing on the outer 
surface of the glass tumbler.” Initially, water droplets are 
deposited and these droplets combine together to form 
bigger drops. You can also try the above process with a 
metal container . You may be curious about where the water 
droplets come from. 
Suggest possible reasons explaining the appearance of 
water droplets on the outer surface of the glass tumbler. 
I observe I wonder
Table 8.1: Record the observations and questions
You may have many observations and questions here. 
Chapter 8.indd   146 08-07-2024   18:29:23
A Journey through States of Water
147
8.2 Another Mystery 
Next day, Aavi, Thirav and their friends decide to make 
lemonade. During the preparation, they take cold water in a 
glass tumbler and add ice cubes into it. After a few minutes, 
they notice something exciting about the outer surface of 
the glass tumbler .
Let us find out by conducting a similar activity ourselves. 
Activity 8.3: Let us experiment 
 ? Take cold water in a glass tumbler .
 ? Add a few ice cubes into it as shown in Fig. 8.2. 
 ? Leave it undisturbed for five 
minutes and observe it. 
 ? Record your observations and the 
questions that arise in your mind 
in Table 8.1. You can also touch the 
outer surface of the glass tumbler to 
feel if there is any change.
Discuss with your friends. Write down the possible 
reasons in Fig. 8.3.
You may have various possible reasons. You may agree 
or disagree with the reasons of others. Aavi and Thirav 
argued with a chain of reasons. What do you think about 
the possible reasons mentioned in Fig. 8.4?
Fig. 8.4: Chain of reasoning
We can take water at room 
temperature in another tumbler 
and find out whether any 
water seeps out.
No, it cannot seep 
out. The level of water in 
the glass tumbler has not 
decreased.
I think that some of 
the water may have 
seeped out of the glass 
tumbler.
It might have 
decreased, but may 
not be significant 
enough to be seen. 
With a tall and narrow 
bottle, even a slight change 
in the level of water is 
noticeable. 
Fig. 8.3: Provide your possible reasons explaining the appearance 
of water droplets on the outer surface of the glass tumbler 
May be ice has come 
out of the glass 
tumbler and melted.
Chapter 8.indd   147 08-07-2024   18:29:25