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Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes Science

Introduction

  •  The word “environ” means to surround, which is what the environment does. It gives us everything we need to stay alive, and all living things depend on each other and on non-living things in the environment.
  • The environment is where all living things, like plants and animals, grow and live. It includes everything around us, both living things (like animals and plants) and non-living things (like air and water).

Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes Science 

  •  If our surroundings are clean, then the environment is healthy. A clean environment is very important for good health. But when the environment gets damaged, it affects all of us and other living things too. 
  • Recently, the environment has changed a lot because of things like building new towns and cities, making new roads, and cutting down trees.
  • These changes are hurting the environment because we are producing a lot of waste and taking away natural resources.
  • So, it’s really important to take care of our environment for our own health and well-being. What we do, like cutting down trees or making waste, has a big impact on the world around us.

Waste

  • We throw away many things that seem useless to us.
  • These unwanted and useless materials are called waste.
  • Waste is made in places like homes, schools, offices, markets, factories, and farms.

Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes Science

Types of waste

1. Biodegradable Waste

  • The waste that easily rots is called biodegradable waste. 
  • It consists of organic waste which gets broken down into simpler particles (called degradation) by the action of decomposers. 
  • Examples: Vegetable peels, paper bits, dry leaves, tissues, egg shells, fruit peels, hairs, etc

 2.  Non-biodegradable Waste

  • The waste that does not rot is called non-biodegradable waste. 
  • It consists of inorganic waste that cannot be broken down into simpler particles by the action of decomposers. 
  • Examples: Plastic and glass bottles, old cells, batteries, polythene bags, etc.

Need to Manage Waste

Proper management of waste, especially non-biodegradable waste, is very important. The generation of waste not only looks aesthetically unpleasant, but it is also harmful to our environment.

Management of Non-biodegradable Wastes

Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes ScienceManagement of Non-biodegradable Wastes

  • Proper storage: To generate less waste, we should always store food items properly so that microorganisms cannot spoil them.
  • Reduce: Reduce the production of wastes by consumption and low wastage. For example, avoid using plastic bags; carry your own cloth bags, use both sides of the paper, buy only what you need and avoid using disposable plastic items.
  • Reuse: This explains the importance of utilizing things that we no longer require for different purposes. We can use empty jam containers to keep pickles, spices, etc. Also, we should choose to buy things like bottles for soft drinks and juices, rather than metal cans.
  • Recycle: This involves the production of new products from the old discarded products. Paper, glass, plastics and metals can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality.

Question for Detailed Notes: Our Environment
Try yourself:Which type of waste consists of organic waste that can be broken down into simpler particles by decomposers?
View Solution

Management of Biodegradable Waste

Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes ScienceManagement of Biodegradable Waste

  • Composting: Vegetable and fruit peels, egg shells, paper, jute products, hair, etc., are converted into compost in deep pits called compost pits. It is done by the action of decomposers like bacteria and fungi. 
  • Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting involves the use of red earthworms instead of fungi and bacteria. Earthworms are added to the waste and they breakdown the organic matter into soil like material, called vermicompost.
  • Biogas: The biogas is produced in a biogas plant. Cow and buffalo dung along with agricultural remains get decomposed and produce biogas. The main constituent of this gas is methane. Methane gas acts as an excellent fuel.

Pollution

  • The surroundings in which we live are our environment. 
  • Human beings have made several changes in the environment to suit their needs. 
  • The harmful changes brought into the environment by human activities are called pollution.

Types of Pollution

Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes ScienceTypes of Pollution

1. Air Pollution 

  • It is caused by industries and vehicles.
  • Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. 
  • It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants, animals and humans drastically.
    Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes ScienceAir Pollution

2. Water Pollution 

  • It is caused by the release of household and industrial wastes into water bodies.
  • Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or microorganisms—contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.
    Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes ScienceWater Pollution

3. Land Pollution 

  • It is caused by the dumping of solid wastes like polythene bags and glass bottles in the soil.
  • Land pollution, the deposition of solid or liquid waste materials on land or underground in a manner that can contaminate the soil and groundwater, threaten public health, and cause unsightly conditions and nuisances.
    Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes ScienceLand Pollution

4. Noise Pollution 

  • It is caused by the loud noise of machines and vehicles.
  • Noise is an unpleasant and undesirable sound which leads to discomfort in human beings.
  • Due to increasing noise around the civilizations, noise pollution has become a matter of concern.
    Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes ScienceNoise Pollution

 Greenhouse Effect

  • A greenhouse is a house made of glass that is used for growing plants in winter. The glass walls of a greenhouse allow sunlight to enter but do not allow heat to escape.
  • Similarly, when the sunlight enters the atmosphere, some of the heat is trapped inside. 
  • The atmosphere consists of gases like carbon dioxide, water vapour, ozone and methane that have the property of trapping heat. Such gases are called greenhouse gases.
    Greenhouse EffectGreenhouse Effect
  • These gases do not allow heat to escape into space thereby warming the atmosphere. This is called the greenhouse effect.

Question for Detailed Notes: Our Environment
Try yourself:What is the process of converting vegetable and fruit peels, egg shells, paper, jute products, hair, etc., into compost called?
View Solution

Global Warming

More greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap more heat. This has led to a steady rise in the Earth’s temperature. This is called global warming.
Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes ScienceGlobal Warming

Effects of Global Warming 

  • Global warming causes changes in climate on the Earth. 
  • Climate changes are leading to melting of polar ice caps, rise in sea levels and flooding of low-lying areas. 
  • There may be drastic changes due to global warming in the climate of a place leading to the extinction of some plants and animals in the long run.

Measures to Check Global Warming  

  • Reduce the use of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum.
  • Use electricity wisely.
  • Use public transport or car pooling.
  • Reduce, Reuse and Recycle wastes. 
  • Plant more and more trees. 
  • Switch to clean energy sources like solar energy and wind energy.

The document Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes Science is a part of the Class 5 Course Science Class 5.
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FAQs on Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes Science

1. What is waste and why is it important to manage it?
Ans.Waste refers to unwanted or unusable materials that are discarded after use. It is important to manage waste because improper disposal can lead to pollution, harm the environment, and affect human health. Effective waste management helps reduce waste generation and encourages recycling and reusing materials.
2. How does pollution affect our environment?
Ans.Pollution negatively impacts our environment by contaminating air, water, and soil. It can cause harm to wildlife, destroy habitats, and contribute to health issues in humans. Reducing pollution is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and ensuring clean natural resources.
3. What is the greenhouse effect and how does it relate to global warming?
Ans.The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, increase the amount of these gases, leading to excessive warming, known as global warming, which disrupts climate patterns.
4. What are some ways to reduce waste and prevent pollution?
Ans.Some effective ways to reduce waste include recycling, composting organic waste, and using reusable products. To prevent pollution, individuals can use public transportation, limit plastic use, and support clean energy sources. Small changes in daily habits can significantly impact the environment.
5. Why is it important to learn about our environment at a young age?
Ans.Learning about the environment at a young age helps children understand the importance of protecting nature and using resources wisely. It fosters a sense of responsibility towards the planet and encourages the development of sustainable practices that can lead to a healthier future for all.
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