NCERT Science Class 6 Textbook PDF (2025–26) – Chapter-wise Free Download

Get the latest NCERT Science Class 6 Textbook PDF (Curiosity) for 2025–26, with chapter-wise downloads for free. This official NCERT Science Class 6 Textbook PDF is essential for students preparing for school exams and serve as a crucial foundation for aspirants of competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, TNPSC, and other state-level exams. For your convenience, we have made the entire book available with direct chapter-wise download links.

NCERT Science Class 6 (Curiosity): Chapter-wise Table of Contents

Why Download NCERT Class 6 Science Textbook PDF -Curiosity?

• Updated as per the 2025–26 academic session
• Available as chapter-wise PDFs for quick access
• Follows the official NCERT curriculum
• Free to use — no login required
• Great for online and offline learning
• Ideal for students from all Indian states (TN, MH, UP, WB, etc.)

NCERT Science Class 6 Textbook PDF: Chapter-wise Downloads (2025–26)

Download the NCERT Science Class 6 Textbook PDF chapter-wise from the table below.

All chapters are based on the 2025–26 NCERT curriculum and sourced from the official NCERT portal.

👉 NCERT Maths Class 6 Textbook PDF 2025–26 – Chapter-wise Download

NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter-wise Summaries for Competitive Exams – Curiosity

These summaries complement the NCERT Class 6 Science Textbook PDF and are designed to help you focus on the key concepts that are most relevant for UPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams.

Chapter 1: The Wonderful World of Science

This chapter introduces science as a method of thinking, observing, questioning, and discovering. It emphasises the importance of curiosity and the scientific method to explore the world around us, from tiny particles to massive celestial bodies.

1. What is Science?

• Science is a way of understanding the world through observation, questioning, experimentation, and analysis.
• It is not limited to laboratories or textbooks; science is present in everyday life—from cooking in the kitchen to exploring outer space.
• Curiosity is the starting point of science.

2. Exploring the World Scientifically

• Children naturally explore their surroundings by asking questions.
• Observations → Questions → Hypotheses → Experiments → Results → Conclusions — this is the scientific method.
• Science is a continuous, collaborative journey of discovery.

3. Where Do We See Science?

• In daily life: How water boils, how plants grow, why things fall, etc.
• In the environment: Earth’s ability to support life, variety of flora and fauna.
• In the universe: Sun, Moon, stars, planets.
• Even simple actions like fixing a pen or checking a flat tyre follow scientific thinking.

4. What is the Scientific Method?

Steps involved:

1. Observation – Noticing something unusual or interesting.
2. Question – Asking “Why?”, “How?”, or “What if?”
3. Hypothesis – Making a guess based on observation.
4. Experiment – Testing the guess.
5. Analysis – Interpreting the results to draw conclusions.

5. Who is a Scientist?

• Anyone who uses the scientific method to solve problems or discover new things.
• Examples: A cook figuring out why dal overflowed, an electrician testing a faulty bulb.
• Science is not limited to professionals; every curious mind is a potential scientist.

6. Importance of Curiosity

• Questions like “Why does it rain?” or “Why do stars shine?” open the door to scientific thinking.
• Being observant and curious is more important than memorizing facts.
• Science helps develop logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently asked concepts:

• What is science?
• What is the scientific method?
• Examples of science in daily life.
• Role of curiosity and observation.

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC (CSAT): Logical reasoning and observation-based questions.
• SSC/State Exams: Everyday science.
• Olympiads & School Quizzes: Scientific method, experiments, real-life examples.

👉 Download Chapter 1: The Wonderful World of Science Summary PDF

Chapter 2: Diversity in the Living World

This chapter introduces the fundamental concept of the vast diversity of life on Earth and how scientists categorize living organisms. It serves as a foundational chapter for biology, which is a key subject for the General Science section of competitive exams.

1. What is Diversity?

• Diversity means the existence of a wide variety of organisms on Earth.
• Found in all environments — land, water, air, deserts, forests, polar regions.
• Examples: Ants, birds, whales, trees, fungi, microbes.

2. Why is Diversity Important?

• Enables balance in ecosystems — plants produce oxygen, animals maintain food chains, microbes recycle nutrients.
• More diversity = more resilience to environmental changes.

3. Classification of Living Organisms

• Grouping helps to organize and study organisms effectively.
• Basis for classification:
  • Habitat (e.g., land, water)
  • Structure (e.g., with/without backbone)
  • Number of cells (unicellular/multicellular)
  • Mode of nutrition (autotroph/heterotroph)

4. Categories of Living Organisms

🔹 Animals

• Move, eat other organisms, most have sensory organs.
• Includes mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, insects.

🔹 Plants

• Green plants make food via photosynthesis.
• Cannot move, have roots, stems, leaves.

🔹 Fungi

• Do not make their own food.
• Example: Mushrooms, bread mold.

🔹 Algae

• Aquatic plants; green, slippery growth on wet surfaces.

🔹 Microorganisms

• Too small to see without a microscope.
• Include bacteria, protozoa — can be helpful or harmful.

5. Habitat and Adaptation

• Habitat: Natural home of an organism.
• Adaptation: Features that help an organism survive in its habitat.
• Examples:
  • Fish have gills, fins for swimming.
  • Camels store water in humps to survive deserts.
  • Cactus has spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss.

6. Characteristics of Living Beings

All living things:

• Grow and develop.
• Reproduce (have offspring).
• Respond to stimuli (touch, light, sound).
• Move, though not always from place to place.
• Breathe and use energy (respiration).
• Excrete waste.
• Die after completing their life span.

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently asked concepts:

• Grouping organisms based on habitat or structure.
• Identifying adaptations (e.g., fins in fish, spines in cactus).
• Classifying organisms (plant, animal, fungi, microbe).
• Recognizing characteristics of living beings.

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC (CSAT): Observation-based reasoning, biology basics
• SSC/RRB/TNPSC: General science – living world, classification
• Olympiads & School Exams: MCQs on features, habitats, adaptations

👉 Download Chapter 2: Diversity in the Living World Summary PDF

Chapter 3: Mindful Eating: A Path to a Healthy Body

This chapter highlights the importance of eating the right types and amounts of food for good health. It covers nutrients, balanced diets, malnutrition, and food-related habits — all crucial for exam sections on health, nutrition, and general awareness.

1. What is Food?

• Food provides energy, supports growth, and keeps the body healthy.
• Includes cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, etc.
• The body needs variety, not just quantity.

2. Major Nutrients in Food

🔹 Carbohydrates

• Give energy.
• Sources: rice, wheat, sugar, potatoes.

🔹 Proteins

• Help build and repair the body.
• Sources: pulses, milk, meat, eggs.

🔹 Fats

• Provide energy and help absorb vitamins.
• Sources: oils, ghee, butter, nuts.

🔹 Vitamins

• Support immunity, eyesight, growth.
• Types: A, B, C, D, E, K.
• Sources: fruits, vegetables, milk.

🔹 Minerals

• Build bones, make blood, keep body functions normal.
• Examples: calcium, iron, iodine.

🔹 Water

• Essential for digestion, circulation, excretion.
• Makes up about 70% of body weight.

🔹 Roughage (Dietary Fibre)

• Helps bowel movement and prevents constipation.
• Found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains.

3. Balanced Diet

• Contains all nutrients, water, and roughage in right proportion
• Varies based on age, gender, activity level
• Avoids processed/junk food and excess oil/sugar
• Promotes healthy growth and immunity

4. Malnutrition

• Caused by too little or too much of nutrients
• Undernutrition: Thin body, stunted growth
• Overnutrition: Obesity, diabetes
• Common signs: fatigue, weak immunity, poor growth

5. Mindful Eating Habits

• Eat at regular times
• Chew food properly and avoid distractions
• Avoid overeating, processed food, and sugar-loaded drinks
• Wash hands before eating; drink clean water
• Avoid food wastage

6. Common Food Deficiency Diseases

7. Food Safety & Regulation in India

• FSSAI – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
• A government agency that ensures food safety and quality
• Regulates food labels, hygiene standards, and additives
• Responsible for issuing FSSAI license numbers on packaged foods

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently Asked Concepts:

• Identify nutrients and their sources
• Match diseases with deficiency nutrients
• Elements of a balanced diet
• Importance of food safety and habits

✅ Useful For:

• UPSC (CSAT): Health & Nutrition, Public Awareness
• SSC, TNPSC, RRB: General Science – Food & Health
• School Exams, Olympiads: MCQs on food types, FSSAI, deficiency diseases

👉 Download Chapter 3: Mindful Eating: A Path to a Healthy Body Summary PDF

Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets

This chapter, a key part of the NCERT Class 6 Science PDF, explores the types, properties, and uses of magnets—fascinating tools that have helped humans navigate, explore, and invent. It explains how magnets interact with different materials and highlights their significance in real-life applications.

1. What Are Magnets?

• Magnets are materials that can attract certain metals like iron.
• Ancient natural magnets were called lodestones.
• Today, magnets are artificial and come in many shapes: bar, U-shaped, ring, disc, cylindrical, etc.
• Common items with magnets: pencil boxes, stickers, toys, and fridge doors.

2. Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials

• Magnetic materials: Attracted by magnets (e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt).
• Non-magnetic materials: Not attracted (e.g., plastic, wood, glass).
• Activity-based observation helps identify which items are magnetic.

3. Poles of a Magnet

• Magnets have two poles – North and South.
• Poles are the strongest points of attraction.
• Even if a magnet is broken into smaller pieces, both poles always exist.
• A monopole (single pole) does not exist.

4. Finding Directions

• A freely suspended magnet always rests in the north-south direction.
• This property led to the invention of the magnetic compass, used for navigation.
• The compass needle itself is a small magnet.

5. Making a Simple Compass

• A magnetised sewing needle, floated on cork in water, aligns north-south.
• This DIY compass mimics ancient Indian navigation tools like the matsya-yantra.

6. Attraction and Repulsion

• Unlike poles attract (North–South).
• Like poles repel (North–North or South–South).
• A unique property: repulsion only occurs between magnets, so it’s used to identify if an object is truly a magnet.

7. Magnetic Force through Non-Magnetic Materials

• Magnetic fields can pass through materials like wood, cardboard, plastic, or glass.
• Example: A magnet placed behind a cardboard still affects a compass needle.

8. Fun with Magnets

• Magnets can move steel balls in a maze or attract paper clips in water without touching.
• Magnetic toys and experiments make learning fun and practical.

9. Magnetic Safety Tips

• Avoid heating, hammering, or dropping magnets.
• Store in pairs with opposite poles facing and wood in between.
• Keep away from electronics like mobile phones and remotes.

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Key concepts often asked:

• Magnetic vs Non-magnetic materials
• Poles and their interactions
• Direction finding using magnets
• Attraction vs Repulsion logic

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC/CSAT: Principles of direction and observation
• SSC & RRB: Science-based general awareness
• TNPSC/School Exams: Concepts of magnetism and classification
• Olympiads/Quizzes: Logical reasoning and applications

👉 Download Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets Summary PDF

Chapter 5: Measurement of Length and Motion

This chapter introduces how to measure length and understand different types of motion. It builds foundational knowledge required in Physics and is commonly tested in competitive exams and real-life problem-solving.

1. What is Measurement?

• Measurement = Finding the size, length, or quantity of something.
• Early units like handspan, cubit, and foot were unreliable.
• Scientific methods use standard units (SI units) for consistency.

2. Standard Units of Length

• SI Unit of Length = metre (m)

Unit Conversion Formulas:

🔹 1 kilometre (km) = 1000 metres (m)
🔹 1 metre (m) = 100 centimetres (cm)
🔹 1 centimetre (cm) = 10 millimetres (mm)
🔹 1 millimetre (mm) = 0.1 centimetres (cm)

These conversions are often used in speed, distance, and motion-related numerical problems.

3. Tools & Rules for Accurate Measurement

• Use a ruler or measuring tape aligned correctly with the object.
• Always start from zero or note the error if starting from a different point.
• Keep your eye directly above the scale to avoid parallax error.

4. Measuring Curved Lines

• Use a thread or string to follow the curve.
• Then measure the string against a ruler to get the length.

5. Position and Motion

• Position = Location of an object.
• Reference Point = Needed to describe motion or rest.
• Motion: If the position of an object changes with time.
• Rest: If the object stays in the same position.

6. Types of Motion

• Rectilinear Motion: Straight line (e.g., train on a track)
• Curvilinear Motion: Along a curved path (e.g., throwing a ball)
• Circular Motion: Around a fixed point (e.g., fan, merry-go-round)
• Periodic Motion: Repeats at intervals (e.g., pendulum, swing)
• Rotational Motion: Object spins on its axis (e.g., wheel, Earth)
• Mixed Motion: More than one type (e.g., bicycle: rectilinear + rotational)

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently Asked Concepts:

• Convert units of length (cm ↔ m, km ↔ m, etc.)
• Identify types of motion with real-life examples.
• Practical measuring tools and error prevention.
• Using reference points to explain motion/rest.

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC (CSAT): Scientific reasoning, observation
• SSC, TNPSC, RRB: General Awareness – Physics basics
• School Exams, Olympiads: Measurement tools, unit conversion, motion types

👉 Download Chapter 5: Measurement of Length and Motion Summary PDF

Chapter 6: Materials Around Us

This chapter explores the types and properties of materials that make up the world around us. It helps learners understand how materials are classified, their physical properties, and how this knowledge is useful in real life and competitive exams.

1. What Are Materials?

• Everything around us is made up of materials like wood, glass, plastic, metal, cloth, etc.
• A material is any substance used to make an object.
• One object can be made from different materials (e.g., a chair can be wood, plastic, or metal).

2. Classification of Materials

• Classification = Grouping materials based on common properties.
• Helps in understanding patterns and making decisions (e.g., shopkeepers, doctors, scientists use classification daily).

3. Properties of Materials

🔹 Appearance

• Lustrous (shiny): metals like iron, copper, aluminium.
• Non-lustrous: wood, paper, rubber, etc.
• Not all shiny things are metals (some are polished or coated).

🔹 Hardness and Softness

• Hard: Difficult to compress or scratch (e.g., iron, stone).
• Soft: Easily compressed/scratched (e.g., rubber, sponge).
• These properties are relative (rubber is harder than sponge but softer than iron).

🔹 Transparency

• Transparent: Can see clearly through (e.g., glass, water, air).
• Translucent: Can see, but not clearly (e.g., frosted glass, butter paper).
• Opaque: Cannot see through (e.g., wood, metal, cardboard).

🔹 Solubility in Water

• Soluble: Materials like sugar, salt dissolve in water.
• Insoluble: Materials like sand, sawdust, chalk powder don’t dissolve.
• Water is a “universal solvent” — dissolves many substances.

🔹 Mixing with Water (Liquids & Gases)

• Some liquids (e.g., vinegar) mix well with water.
• Others (e.g., oil) form separate layers.
• Gases like oxygen dissolve in water – essential for aquatic life.

🔹 Mass (Heaviness)

• Mass = amount of matter in an object (measured in g/kg).
• More mass = heavier object.

🔹 Volume (Space Occupied)

• Volume = space occupied (measured in mL/L).
• All matter has mass and volume, including gases like air.

4. What is Matter?

• Anything that has mass and occupies space is called matter.
• Units:
  • Mass: gram (g), kilogram (kg)
  • Volume: litre (L), millilitre (mL), cubic metre (m³)

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently asked concepts:

• Which materials are transparent/opaque?
• Which are hard/soft?
• What is soluble in water?
• Identify lustrous vs non-lustrous items.
• Examples of classification in daily life (kitchen, shop, school).

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC (CSAT): Logical classification, observation skills
• SSC: General Awareness – Everyday science
• TNPSC/RRB/School exams: Application of material properties
• Olympiads & Quizzes: Concept clarity and identification

👉 Download Chapter 6: Materials Around Us Summary PDF

Chapter 7: Temperature and Its Measurement

Understanding temperature and how it is measured is vital in science and daily life. This chapter introduces different thermometers, temperature scales, and proper usage — essential for competitive exams and general awareness.

1. What is Temperature?

• Temperature tells how hot or cold something is.
• It helps us compare heat levels between two objects.
• Touch is unreliable — actual measurement is needed for accuracy.

2. What is a Thermometer?

• A thermometer is a tool used to measure temperature accurately.
• It shows readings in Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F) or Kelvin (K).

3. Types of Thermometers

🔹 Clinical Thermometer

• Measures body temperature
• Typical range: 35°C to 42°C
• Mercury expands with heat; a kink prevents mercury from falling instantly

🔹 Digital Thermometer

• Shows temperature on a digital display
• Safer than mercury-based thermometers

🔹 Infrared Thermometer

• Measures temperature without contact
• Useful for scanning body/room temp quickly

🔹 Laboratory Thermometer

• Measures temperature of liquids or objects in labs
• Wider range: –10°C to 110°C
• No constriction, mercury moves freely

🔹 Room Thermometer

• Measures surrounding air temperature

4. Temperature Units Table: Celsius, Fahrenheit & Kelvin Explained

💡 Normal body temperature is approximately 37.0°C or 98.6°F

5. Key Temperature Facts

• Clinical thermometers are not used for hot liquids or ice
• Always read thermometers at eye level
• Clean thermometers before and after use
• Body temp should be measured under the tongue (for clinical)
• Lab thermometers are held vertically and not allowed to touch beaker sides

6. How to Use Thermometers Properly

✅ Clinical Thermometer:

1. Shake to bring mercury below 35°C
2. Place under the tongue
3. Wait for a beep or 1-2 minutes
4. Read the value at eye level
5. Clean before storing

✅ Laboratory Thermometer:

1. Hold vertically
2. Immerse bulb in liquid (don’t touch the container)
3. Read while immersed to avoid inaccurate readings

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently Asked Concepts:

• Differences in thermometer types
• Converting Celsius ↔ Fahrenheit
• Safety & usage steps
• Real-life applications (body temp, water temp, air temp)

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC (CSAT): Everyday Science & Logical Reasoning
• SSC, TNPSC: General Awareness – Physics Basics
• RRB, Police, State Exams: Measurement & Instruments
• Olympiads, School Quizzes: Conceptual MCQs

🧠 Quick Recap Table

👉 Download Chapter 7: Temperature and Its Measurement Summary PDF

Chapter 8: A Journey through States of Water

This chapter explores the three states of water — solid, liquid, and gas — and how water changes state. These transformations are explained with real-life examples, helping students understand evaporation, condensation, and water conservation.

1. States of Water

• Water exists in three physical states: solid (ice), liquid (water), gas (steam/vapour).
• Each state changes depending on temperature (heating or cooling).
• These changes are seen in daily life — like snow (ice), rivers (water), steam (vapour).

2. Changing States of Water

🔹 Melting

• Ice changes to water when heated.
• Melting point = 0°C

🔹 Boiling

• Water changes to steam rapidly at 100°C.
• Fast conversion from liquid to gas.

🔹 Evaporation

• Slow change from liquid to vapour at normal temperature.
• Faster if there’s more heat, air flow, or surface area.
• Seen when clothes dry or puddles vanish.

🔹 Condensation

• Vapour turns into liquid when cooled.
• Example: water droplets forming on a cold glass.

🔹 Freezing

• Water becomes ice at 0°C.
• Opposite of melting (liquid ➝ solid).

3. Water Cycle in Nature

• Continuous movement of water is called the water cycle.
• Includes: Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation (rain).
• Keeps Earth’s water moving and supports all life.

4. Importance of Water Conservation

• Most water on Earth is not usable (salty or frozen).
• We must save and use water wisely.
• Rainwater harvesting and stopping pollution are vital methods.

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently Asked Concepts:

• What are the 3 states of water?
• Difference between evaporation and boiling
• Define melting, condensation, freezing
• How temperature changes water state
• Real-life examples of the water cycle

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC (CSAT): Everyday science, natural cycles
• SSC, TNPSC: General awareness – water topics
• RRB, Police, State Exams: Water cycle, measurement basics
• Olympiads & Quizzes: Conceptual clarity + applications

👉 Download Chapter 8: A Journey through States of Water Summary PDF

Chapter 9: Methods of Separation in Everyday Life

This chapter explains how mixtures are separated in everyday life using techniques like filtration, decantation, sieving, and more. These methods are commonly used in cooking, cleaning, farming, and laboratories, and are often asked in school and competitive exams.

What is Separation of Substances?

Separation is done to:

• Remove harmful or unwanted substances
• Separate two useful components
• Improve the quality or usability of a product
  (e.g., removing stones from rice)

Common Methods of Separation

🔹 Handpicking

Used When:

• Unwanted substances differ in size, shape, or color
• The amount of impurity is small

Examples:

• Removing stones from pulses
• Picking chillies out of poha

🔹 Threshing

Used To:

• Separate grains from stalks
• Done by beating the harvested crop

Examples:

• Separating wheat or rice grains from stalks after harvesting

🔹 Winnowing

Principle:

• Uses air or wind to separate lighter and heavier substances

Examples:

• Husks are blown away while heavier grains fall down
• Farmers use winnowing to clean harvested grains

🔹 Sieving

Used To Separate:

• Particles of different sizes

Examples:

• Sieving flour to remove bran
• Removing small stones from sand or rice

🔹 Evaporation

Used To:

• Separate dissolved solids from liquids

Examples:

• Getting salt from seawater
• Making jaggery by evaporating sugarcane juice

🔹 Sedimentation and Decantation

Sedimentation:

• Heavier particles settle at the bottom

Decantation:

• Clear liquid is poured out from the top

Examples:

• Cleaning muddy water by allowing mud to settle
• Pouring tea carefully to leave tea leaves behind

🔹 Filtration

Used To:

• Separate insoluble solids from liquids
• Uses filter paper, cloth, or mesh

Examples:

• Filtering tea using a strainer
• Filtering muddy water using cloth or filter paper

🔹 Churning

Used To:

• Separate butter from curd
• Based on difference in density

Examples:

• Making butter from curd in rural households
• Used in dairy industries

🔹 Magnetic Separation

Used When:

• One substance is magnetic and the other is non-magnetic

Examples:

• Separating iron nails from sand
• Separating iron filings from a mixture with sulfur

Keywords to Remember

• Mixture
• Sedimentation
• Decantation
• Filtration
• Sieving
• Evaporation
• Threshing
• Winnowing
• Churning
• Magnetic Separation
• Handpicking

Application-Based Questions (Exam-Oriented)

✅ Commonly Asked Concepts:

• Match separation methods with correct mixtures
• Identify physical properties used (e.g., size, weight, magnetic)
• Give real-life examples (from kitchen, farm, lab, etc.)

✅ Useful for Competitive Exams:

• UPSC / CSAT – Real-life application of science
• SSC / RRB / TNPSC – General science and logical reasoning
• Olympiads / School Quizzes – Concept understanding with examples

👉 Download Chapter 9: Methods of Separation in Everyday Life Summary PDF

Chapter 10: Living Creatures: Exploring Their Characteristics

This chapter helps learners identify the fundamental traits that make living organisms unique. From movement and breathing to nutrition and reproduction, understanding these characteristics is vital for mastering general science topics in competitive exams.

1. What Makes Something “Living”?

• Living things move, grow, breathe, eat, feel, and reproduce.
• They show response to stimuli, require energy, and have a lifespan.
• Non-living things (like chairs, rocks) do not show these features.

2. Key Characteristics of Living Beings

🔹 Movement

• Animals move to find food or escape danger.
• Plants show slow movements (e.g., sunflower turning to light).

🔹 Growth

• Living things grow in size and weight over time.
• Example: A seed becomes a plant; a baby grows into an adult.

🔹 Nutrition (Food Intake)

• All living beings need food to survive and grow.
• Plants make their own food (photosynthesis); animals consume plants/other animals.

🔹 Respiration (Breathing)

• Living things use oxygen to release energy from food.
• Humans and most animals breathe through lungs; fish use gills; plants exchange gases via tiny pores.

🔹 Excretion

• Removal of waste from the body.
• Plants also get rid of gases and excess water.

🔹 Response to Stimuli

• Living beings respond to changes in their surroundings.
• Example:
  • Humans withdraw their hands when touching a hot object, and plants bend toward the sunlight.

🔹 Reproduction

• Living organisms produce offspring.
• Humans, animals, and plants all have ways to reproduce (seeds, eggs, babies, etc.).

3. Difference Between Living and Non-Living Things

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently Asked Concepts:

• Identify whether an object is living or non-living
• Match body parts (lungs, gills, leaves) with respiration types
• Classify movement (plants vs animals)
• Examples of reproduction in nature
• Concepts of growth, response, nutrition

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC/CSAT: Conceptual understanding in General Science
• SSC, TNPSC, RRB: Quick facts about plant/animal biology
• Olympiads & School Quizzes: Characteristic-based MCQs
• Police/State Level Exams: Everyday science reasoning

👉 Download Chapter 10: Living Creatures: Exploring Their Characteristics Summary PDF

Chapter 11: Nature’s Treasures

This chapter introduces the concept of biodiversity — the variety of plants, animals, and habitats around us. It emphasises the importance of observing nature, understanding ecosystems, and appreciating the interdependence between living beings and their surroundings — a useful perspective for general science and environmental awareness sections in exams.

1. Observing Nature Around Us

• Nature includes trees, birds, insects, animals, clouds, water bodies, soil, and more.
• Observation is the first step in developing scientific thinking and environmental sensitivity.
• Activities like nature walks help us connect with biodiversity.

2. Plant Diversity

🔹 Variety of Plants

• Plants can be small (moss), medium-sized (shrubs), or tall (trees).
• Leaves vary in shape, size, and color — key to identifying plant types.

🔹 Parts of a Plant

• Roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits — each part plays a specific role.
• Leaves are the “kitchen” of plants (photosynthesis).

3. Animal Diversity

🔹 Different Types of Animals

• Wild (lion, elephant), domestic (cow, goat), pet (dog, cat), aquatic (fish, turtle), aerial (birds, bats).
• Insects like ants, butterflies, and bees are small but vital to ecosystems.

🔹 Unique Features

• Movement, feeding habits, size, and habitats vary widely.
• Some animals live in water, some on land, others in the air or underground.

4. Habitat and Adaptations

• Habitat = Place where a living being thrives (forest, desert, pond, etc.).
• Animals/plants are adapted to their habitats.
• Example: Fish have fins and gills for swimming; camels store water for desert life.

5. Why Biodiversity Matters

• A diverse natural world provides:
  • Clean air and water
  • Food and medicine
  • Climate control and pollination
• Every organism, even the smallest insect, plays a role in the balance of nature.

6. Protecting Nature’s Treasures

• Humans often destroy habitats through pollution, deforestation, and overuse.
• We must:
  • Plant more trees
  • Conserve water
  • Avoid plastic
  • Respect animal habitats

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently Asked Concepts:

• Identifying different plant and animal types
• Recognising habitats and adaptations
• Role of biodiversity in ecosystem balance
• Basic leaf and plant part functions
• Human impact on nature

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC (GS/CSAT): Environmental awareness, biodiversity questions
• SSC, TNPSC, RRB: General science – plant/animal biology
• State Boards & Olympiads: Observation-based questions
• School Quizzes: Daily life science and nature

👉 Download Chapter 11: Nature’s Treasures Summary PDF

Chapter 12: Beyond Earth

This chapter takes students on a journey into space, introducing the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. Understanding basic astronomy helps build scientific curiosity and is useful in general science sections of competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, TNPSC, and school-level Olympiads.

1. The Sky Above Us

• The sky appears blue due to sunlight scattering.
• Sunrise and sunset timings vary throughout the year.
• At night, we see stars, planets, and the Moon.

2. The Sun – Our Nearest Star

• The Sun is a huge ball of hot gases and is the closest star to Earth.
• It gives us light and heat, enabling life on Earth.
• It rises in the east and sets in the west.
• The Sun causes day and night by Earth’s rotation.

3. The Moon – Earth’s Natural Satellite

• The Moon reflects sunlight — it doesn’t have its own light.
• It changes shape every night: New Moon → Full Moon cycle (approx. 29.5 days).
• The Moon has no air or water, so no life exists there.
• Craters and dust cover its surface.

4. The Stars

• Stars are hot glowing gases, very far away.
• They appear tiny because of distance.
• They twinkle due to atmospheric disturbance.
• Our Sun is a star — the only one close enough to appear big and bright.

5. The Planets

• Planets revolve around the Sun in fixed paths called orbits.
• Planets do not emit light — they reflect the Sun’s light.
• Our solar system has 8 planets:
  1. Mercury
  2. Venus
  3. Earth
  4. Mars
  5. Jupiter
  6. Saturn
  7. Uranus
  8. Neptune

Mnemonic: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles

6. Other Celestial Objects

• Comets: Made of ice and dust, have glowing tails, appear occasionally.
• Asteroids: Rocky bodies mainly between Mars and Jupiter.
• Meteors: Also called “shooting stars”, they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.

7. Earth – Our Unique Planet

• Earth supports life due to water, air, and ideal temperature.
• It rotates on its axis (causes day and night) and revolves around the Sun (causes seasons).
• Has one Moon.

8. Space Exploration

• Scientists use rockets, satellites, and telescopes to study space.
• India’s space agency: ISRO
• Famous Indian astronauts: Rakesh Sharma, Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams

Application-Based Questions – Competitive Exams Focus

✅ Frequently Asked Concepts:

• Moon phases and revolution cycle
• Sun’s role in day/night and life
• Order of planets in the solar system
• Differences: stars vs planets vs moons
• Space science basics (ISRO, astronauts, satellites)

✅ Useful for:

• UPSC/CSAT: General science (space & astronomy)
• SSC, TNPSC, RRB: Solar system and celestial bodies
• Olympiads & School Quizzes: Space facts and planetary order
• State Exams: Basics of astronomy and space missions

👉 Download Chapter 12: Beyond Earth Summary PDF

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)