NCERT Textbook: Water—The Essence of Life | Our Wondrous World Class 5 - New NCERT PDF Download

 Page 1


Unit 1
About the Unit
This unit at the preparatory stage 
highlights the crucial role of nature 
as a home to animals, birds and 
insects. Students in Grades 3 and 4 
have explored soil, air and water. They 
also learned how life evolves in 
different landforms depending upon 
the availability of soil, air, water and 
sunlight. 
This unit in Grade 5 presents 
the importance of water in life and 
ecosystems. It also covers its various 
forms, movement, and role in shaping 
land and supporting habitats. The 
unit conveys water as a unique and 
limited essence of life — showing how 
it helps in sustaining the life on Earth. 
It also gives examples from the lives 
of people, who stay close to nature. They 
enjoy clean treasures from nature and 
develop various materials available 
from nearby forest and surroundings. 
Their lifestyles and productions with 
locally available materials reflect how 
life can be happy, and creative in the 
lap of nature.
Life Around Us
Chapter 1 n.indd   1 Chapter 1 n.indd   1 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM
Page 2


Unit 1
About the Unit
This unit at the preparatory stage 
highlights the crucial role of nature 
as a home to animals, birds and 
insects. Students in Grades 3 and 4 
have explored soil, air and water. They 
also learned how life evolves in 
different landforms depending upon 
the availability of soil, air, water and 
sunlight. 
This unit in Grade 5 presents 
the importance of water in life and 
ecosystems. It also covers its various 
forms, movement, and role in shaping 
land and supporting habitats. The 
unit conveys water as a unique and 
limited essence of life — showing how 
it helps in sustaining the life on Earth. 
It also gives examples from the lives 
of people, who stay close to nature. They 
enjoy clean treasures from nature and 
develop various materials available 
from nearby forest and surroundings. 
Their lifestyles and productions with 
locally available materials reflect how 
life can be happy, and creative in the 
lap of nature.
Life Around Us
Chapter 1 n.indd   1 Chapter 1 n.indd   1 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM
How to Facilitate 
• Encourage students to 
think about water bodies 
near their homes or 
schools. Inspire them to 
explore where the water 
comes from and where 
it goes.
• The Activity 6 in Chapter 1 
on mustard seed shows 
how rivers flow from higher 
to lower ground and follow 
the shape of the land. Use 
the map of India to explore 
which rivers flow into which 
seas and how landforms 
(like mountains) guide 
their direction.
• Talk about what happens 
to rainwater in their school 
or neighbourhood. Use this 
to start a conversation on 
how cities and villages plan 
for water.
• Help students list different 
ways in which water plays 
an important role in our 
life. Connect this to ideas of 
sharing and saving water. 
Let them think about how 
water is stored in their 
homes (tanks, pots, etc.) 
and how a dam works as a 
big water storing unit.
• Engage students in  
role-plays to critically think 
about both the scarcity and 
excess of water. 
• Encourage students 
to discuss with their 
parents or grandparents 
about festivals, stories, 
or memories connected 
to rivers. This will help 
them see rivers not just 
as physical things, but as 
part of their community 
and culture.
Note to the Teacher
This unit includes two chapters: Chapter 1  
‘Water —  The Essence of Life’ and Chapter 2 
‘Journey of a River’. Following are the key concepts 
covered in these chapters. 
Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life
 • ‘Water — The Essence of Life’ introduces 
students to its various forms and different 
sources (freshwater and saltwater) of 
water. It also highlights the importance of 
water in different activities in the society. 
This chapter introduces the continuous 
movement of water in different forms 
through the water cycle. It also explores 
how water shapes the land and supports 
life in freshwater habitats, and highlights 
the need to conserve water. 
Chapter 2: Journey of a River
 • This chapter follows the story of the 
river Godavari from its origin to its delta. 
Through maps, stories and illustrations, 
it explores the tributaries of Godavari and 
aquatic life in the river. It familiarises 
students with the dams built on the 
river. Students learn how the river gets 
polluted. This chapter highlights the 
ways rivers support ecosystems, people 
and culture. After reading this chapter 
students will understand that water is a 
limited and shared resource which must 
be used wisely. 
Chapter 1 n.indd   2 Chapter 1 n.indd   2 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM
Page 3


Unit 1
About the Unit
This unit at the preparatory stage 
highlights the crucial role of nature 
as a home to animals, birds and 
insects. Students in Grades 3 and 4 
have explored soil, air and water. They 
also learned how life evolves in 
different landforms depending upon 
the availability of soil, air, water and 
sunlight. 
This unit in Grade 5 presents 
the importance of water in life and 
ecosystems. It also covers its various 
forms, movement, and role in shaping 
land and supporting habitats. The 
unit conveys water as a unique and 
limited essence of life — showing how 
it helps in sustaining the life on Earth. 
It also gives examples from the lives 
of people, who stay close to nature. They 
enjoy clean treasures from nature and 
develop various materials available 
from nearby forest and surroundings. 
Their lifestyles and productions with 
locally available materials reflect how 
life can be happy, and creative in the 
lap of nature.
Life Around Us
Chapter 1 n.indd   1 Chapter 1 n.indd   1 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM
How to Facilitate 
• Encourage students to 
think about water bodies 
near their homes or 
schools. Inspire them to 
explore where the water 
comes from and where 
it goes.
• The Activity 6 in Chapter 1 
on mustard seed shows 
how rivers flow from higher 
to lower ground and follow 
the shape of the land. Use 
the map of India to explore 
which rivers flow into which 
seas and how landforms 
(like mountains) guide 
their direction.
• Talk about what happens 
to rainwater in their school 
or neighbourhood. Use this 
to start a conversation on 
how cities and villages plan 
for water.
• Help students list different 
ways in which water plays 
an important role in our 
life. Connect this to ideas of 
sharing and saving water. 
Let them think about how 
water is stored in their 
homes (tanks, pots, etc.) 
and how a dam works as a 
big water storing unit.
• Engage students in  
role-plays to critically think 
about both the scarcity and 
excess of water. 
• Encourage students 
to discuss with their 
parents or grandparents 
about festivals, stories, 
or memories connected 
to rivers. This will help 
them see rivers not just 
as physical things, but as 
part of their community 
and culture.
Note to the Teacher
This unit includes two chapters: Chapter 1  
‘Water —  The Essence of Life’ and Chapter 2 
‘Journey of a River’. Following are the key concepts 
covered in these chapters. 
Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life
 • ‘Water — The Essence of Life’ introduces 
students to its various forms and different 
sources (freshwater and saltwater) of 
water. It also highlights the importance of 
water in different activities in the society. 
This chapter introduces the continuous 
movement of water in different forms 
through the water cycle. It also explores 
how water shapes the land and supports 
life in freshwater habitats, and highlights 
the need to conserve water. 
Chapter 2: Journey of a River
 • This chapter follows the story of the 
river Godavari from its origin to its delta. 
Through maps, stories and illustrations, 
it explores the tributaries of Godavari and 
aquatic life in the river. It familiarises 
students with the dams built on the 
river. Students learn how the river gets 
polluted. This chapter highlights the 
ways rivers support ecosystems, people 
and culture. After reading this chapter 
students will understand that water is a 
limited and shared resource which must 
be used wisely. 
Chapter 1 n.indd   2 Chapter 1 n.indd   2 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM
Water — The Essence of Life
It is raining. Afreen rushed to the window where 
Jyoti was already watching tiny raindrops slide 
down the glass. “Where do you think all this water 
comes from, and where does it go?” asked Afreen.
Come, let us follow the journey of water. 
But first, let us see how much water there is 
on Earth.
Although most of the Earth’s surface is covered 
with water, the majority of it is salty, leaving less 
1
Chapter 1 n.indd   3 Chapter 1 n.indd   3 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM
Page 4


Unit 1
About the Unit
This unit at the preparatory stage 
highlights the crucial role of nature 
as a home to animals, birds and 
insects. Students in Grades 3 and 4 
have explored soil, air and water. They 
also learned how life evolves in 
different landforms depending upon 
the availability of soil, air, water and 
sunlight. 
This unit in Grade 5 presents 
the importance of water in life and 
ecosystems. It also covers its various 
forms, movement, and role in shaping 
land and supporting habitats. The 
unit conveys water as a unique and 
limited essence of life — showing how 
it helps in sustaining the life on Earth. 
It also gives examples from the lives 
of people, who stay close to nature. They 
enjoy clean treasures from nature and 
develop various materials available 
from nearby forest and surroundings. 
Their lifestyles and productions with 
locally available materials reflect how 
life can be happy, and creative in the 
lap of nature.
Life Around Us
Chapter 1 n.indd   1 Chapter 1 n.indd   1 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM
How to Facilitate 
• Encourage students to 
think about water bodies 
near their homes or 
schools. Inspire them to 
explore where the water 
comes from and where 
it goes.
• The Activity 6 in Chapter 1 
on mustard seed shows 
how rivers flow from higher 
to lower ground and follow 
the shape of the land. Use 
the map of India to explore 
which rivers flow into which 
seas and how landforms 
(like mountains) guide 
their direction.
• Talk about what happens 
to rainwater in their school 
or neighbourhood. Use this 
to start a conversation on 
how cities and villages plan 
for water.
• Help students list different 
ways in which water plays 
an important role in our 
life. Connect this to ideas of 
sharing and saving water. 
Let them think about how 
water is stored in their 
homes (tanks, pots, etc.) 
and how a dam works as a 
big water storing unit.
• Engage students in  
role-plays to critically think 
about both the scarcity and 
excess of water. 
• Encourage students 
to discuss with their 
parents or grandparents 
about festivals, stories, 
or memories connected 
to rivers. This will help 
them see rivers not just 
as physical things, but as 
part of their community 
and culture.
Note to the Teacher
This unit includes two chapters: Chapter 1  
‘Water —  The Essence of Life’ and Chapter 2 
‘Journey of a River’. Following are the key concepts 
covered in these chapters. 
Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life
 • ‘Water — The Essence of Life’ introduces 
students to its various forms and different 
sources (freshwater and saltwater) of 
water. It also highlights the importance of 
water in different activities in the society. 
This chapter introduces the continuous 
movement of water in different forms 
through the water cycle. It also explores 
how water shapes the land and supports 
life in freshwater habitats, and highlights 
the need to conserve water. 
Chapter 2: Journey of a River
 • This chapter follows the story of the 
river Godavari from its origin to its delta. 
Through maps, stories and illustrations, 
it explores the tributaries of Godavari and 
aquatic life in the river. It familiarises 
students with the dams built on the 
river. Students learn how the river gets 
polluted. This chapter highlights the 
ways rivers support ecosystems, people 
and culture. After reading this chapter 
students will understand that water is a 
limited and shared resource which must 
be used wisely. 
Chapter 1 n.indd   2 Chapter 1 n.indd   2 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM
Water — The Essence of Life
It is raining. Afreen rushed to the window where 
Jyoti was already watching tiny raindrops slide 
down the glass. “Where do you think all this water 
comes from, and where does it go?” asked Afreen.
Come, let us follow the journey of water. 
But first, let us see how much water there is 
on Earth.
Although most of the Earth’s surface is covered 
with water, the majority of it is salty, leaving less 
1
Chapter 1 n.indd   3 Chapter 1 n.indd   3 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM
Our Wondrous World 4
amount of freshwater. All living beings — people, 
animals, birds, and plants — depend on freshwater 
to survive. It is essential for drinking, growing crops, 
and carrying out daily activities. Many plants and 
animals also live in freshwater. Without water, life 
would not be possible.
Now, imagine if all the water on earth were in this 
glass, then the freshwater would only be as much 
as in a teaspoon! 
Discuss
1. Do you think we can drink the water present in the 
oceans? 
2. What can ocean water be used for?
The salt pans of 
Gujarat are vast 
flatlands where 
seawater is dried 
to collect salt. It is 
one of the largest  
salt producing 
areas in India.
Do you know?
‘Johads’ in Rajasthan are traditional small  
earthen dams built to collect rainwater and recharge 
groundwater.
200 ml of water 5 ml of water
Chapter 1 n.indd   4 Chapter 1 n.indd   4 10-Jul-25   6:07:47 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:47 PM
Page 5


Unit 1
About the Unit
This unit at the preparatory stage 
highlights the crucial role of nature 
as a home to animals, birds and 
insects. Students in Grades 3 and 4 
have explored soil, air and water. They 
also learned how life evolves in 
different landforms depending upon 
the availability of soil, air, water and 
sunlight. 
This unit in Grade 5 presents 
the importance of water in life and 
ecosystems. It also covers its various 
forms, movement, and role in shaping 
land and supporting habitats. The 
unit conveys water as a unique and 
limited essence of life — showing how 
it helps in sustaining the life on Earth. 
It also gives examples from the lives 
of people, who stay close to nature. They 
enjoy clean treasures from nature and 
develop various materials available 
from nearby forest and surroundings. 
Their lifestyles and productions with 
locally available materials reflect how 
life can be happy, and creative in the 
lap of nature.
Life Around Us
Chapter 1 n.indd   1 Chapter 1 n.indd   1 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:45 PM
How to Facilitate 
• Encourage students to 
think about water bodies 
near their homes or 
schools. Inspire them to 
explore where the water 
comes from and where 
it goes.
• The Activity 6 in Chapter 1 
on mustard seed shows 
how rivers flow from higher 
to lower ground and follow 
the shape of the land. Use 
the map of India to explore 
which rivers flow into which 
seas and how landforms 
(like mountains) guide 
their direction.
• Talk about what happens 
to rainwater in their school 
or neighbourhood. Use this 
to start a conversation on 
how cities and villages plan 
for water.
• Help students list different 
ways in which water plays 
an important role in our 
life. Connect this to ideas of 
sharing and saving water. 
Let them think about how 
water is stored in their 
homes (tanks, pots, etc.) 
and how a dam works as a 
big water storing unit.
• Engage students in  
role-plays to critically think 
about both the scarcity and 
excess of water. 
• Encourage students 
to discuss with their 
parents or grandparents 
about festivals, stories, 
or memories connected 
to rivers. This will help 
them see rivers not just 
as physical things, but as 
part of their community 
and culture.
Note to the Teacher
This unit includes two chapters: Chapter 1  
‘Water —  The Essence of Life’ and Chapter 2 
‘Journey of a River’. Following are the key concepts 
covered in these chapters. 
Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life
 • ‘Water — The Essence of Life’ introduces 
students to its various forms and different 
sources (freshwater and saltwater) of 
water. It also highlights the importance of 
water in different activities in the society. 
This chapter introduces the continuous 
movement of water in different forms 
through the water cycle. It also explores 
how water shapes the land and supports 
life in freshwater habitats, and highlights 
the need to conserve water. 
Chapter 2: Journey of a River
 • This chapter follows the story of the 
river Godavari from its origin to its delta. 
Through maps, stories and illustrations, 
it explores the tributaries of Godavari and 
aquatic life in the river. It familiarises 
students with the dams built on the 
river. Students learn how the river gets 
polluted. This chapter highlights the 
ways rivers support ecosystems, people 
and culture. After reading this chapter 
students will understand that water is a 
limited and shared resource which must 
be used wisely. 
Chapter 1 n.indd   2 Chapter 1 n.indd   2 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM
Water — The Essence of Life
It is raining. Afreen rushed to the window where 
Jyoti was already watching tiny raindrops slide 
down the glass. “Where do you think all this water 
comes from, and where does it go?” asked Afreen.
Come, let us follow the journey of water. 
But first, let us see how much water there is 
on Earth.
Although most of the Earth’s surface is covered 
with water, the majority of it is salty, leaving less 
1
Chapter 1 n.indd   3 Chapter 1 n.indd   3 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:46 PM
Our Wondrous World 4
amount of freshwater. All living beings — people, 
animals, birds, and plants — depend on freshwater 
to survive. It is essential for drinking, growing crops, 
and carrying out daily activities. Many plants and 
animals also live in freshwater. Without water, life 
would not be possible.
Now, imagine if all the water on earth were in this 
glass, then the freshwater would only be as much 
as in a teaspoon! 
Discuss
1. Do you think we can drink the water present in the 
oceans? 
2. What can ocean water be used for?
The salt pans of 
Gujarat are vast 
flatlands where 
seawater is dried 
to collect salt. It is 
one of the largest  
salt producing 
areas in India.
Do you know?
‘Johads’ in Rajasthan are traditional small  
earthen dams built to collect rainwater and recharge 
groundwater.
200 ml of water 5 ml of water
Chapter 1 n.indd   4 Chapter 1 n.indd   4 10-Jul-25   6:07:47 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:47 PM
5
Water — The Essence of Life
Activity 1
Where can we find freshwater? Identify the different 
freshwater sources from the images given below and 
write their names.
Jyoti was curious, “Is there water in the air too? 
And is snow a form of water?”.
Water has Different Forms
We already know the different forms of water — 
liquid (as in rain), solid (as in ice) and vapour (as in 
steam). Let us understand more about this through 
a simple activity!
Sources  
of Water
Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest freshwater 
lakes in Asia. It helps regulate river flow to prevent floods.
Chapter 1 n.indd   5 Chapter 1 n.indd   5 10-Jul-25   6:07:47 PM 10-Jul-25   6:07:47 PM