Science Resource Book

Grade 5

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 Grade 5 Science Resource

Content curated by Ekya Learning Centre

This resource book includes learning resources applicable for the entire duration of the
academic year. The resource book has been curated using a combination of books, published
articles and digital resources. The major portion of our social science learning happens in the
classroom through research, activities, conscious learning and investigations.

How this resource will be used?

❖ Every Unit has a cover page which indicates the intent of the unit.

❖ Selected portions from this resource will be used in class to discuss concepts. In
addition to this, students will also engage in notebooking and completing assignments
and worksheets aligned to the objectives of the concepts being taught.

❖ In order to equip students with critical thinking and reasoning skills, we give students
multiple opportunities to evaluate and connect information from various sources.

❖ Some of these resources will be used during classroom interactions by our educators.
Others may be experiences students may engage in outside of the classroom to gain
relevant learning about the topics being dealt with.

How not to use this resource?

❖ Students will not be expected to memorise content from the resource books.
Summarising key ideas, using the experiences they have explored or engaged with may
be more relevant to answer open-ended questions in their assessments.

❖ Relevant portions applicable to the written review and/or term-end exam if applicable will
be called out to students. Students will use learnings from all their experiences and
apply the same in their assessments.

❖ Copying or sharing this resource is not a useful practice for anyone other than students
of the Ekya and CMR Group of Institutions since the syllabus and curriculum are
exclusive and aligned to specific standards.

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 Table of Contents

Unit Page Number

Unit: Skills in Science 04

Unit 1.0: What are things made of? 16

Unit 1.1: It began with the sun! 27

Unit 1.2: May the Force be with You! 34

Unit 2.0: Organization in Systems 44

Unit 2.1: Transportation Systems in Living Things 53

Unit 2.2: Making Waves - Light and Sound 66

Unit 3.0: Earth’s System 88

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Unit: Skills in Science

Overview:
This unit helps students clarify their ideas about the Nature of Science (NOS) and what
scientists and engineers do. Students engage in activities to understand that science consists
of observing the world by watching, listening, and recording. They deepen their understanding
of key scientific practices: making observations, asking questions & constructing scientific
explanations. Students “train their brains” by making a scientific sketch and asking questions
like a scientist would.

Enduring Understanding: Essential Questions:

● Science is curiosity in thoughtful ● Who is a scientist?
action about the world and how it ● What does it mean to be curious?
behaves. ● How do scientists know so much?
● Careful observation is a foundation of ● What can we do to be good
all science researchers?
● Asking questions is an important part ● How do we become problem solvers?
of being a great scientist. ● How can we learn from our failures?
● Scientists ask questions to show their
curiosity about the world.
● Engineers often try many designs
before they find one that works best.
● Failures give engineers a chance to go
back and improve on their original
idea until they solve the problem.

Topic/Content
In this unit we will learn about:
● Nature of Science
● Scientific Sketching
● Observation and Asking Questions
● Engineering Design Process
● Claim, Evidence and Reasoning Framework

Essential Vocabulary:
● observation, claim, evidence, reason, scientific argument, curious, scientific data

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Scientists are curious individuals who love exploring the world around us. They ask questions,
make observations, and conduct experiments to understand how things work.

Who Are Scientists?

● Scientists are people from various backgrounds who
study different fields of science.
● They can be biologists, chemists, physicists,
geologists, astronomers, and more.
● Some scientists work in labs, while others conduct
fieldwork in natural environments.

What Do Scientists Do?

● Ask Questions: Scientists are always curious and ask questions about the natural world.
For example, they might wonder, "How do plants grow?"
● Make Observations: They carefully observe and gather information about the things they
are studying. Scientists use their senses and tools like microscopes or telescopes.
● Form Hypotheses: A hypothesis is an educated guess about
how something works. Scientists use their observations to
create hypotheses.
● Conduct Experiments: To test their hypotheses, scientists
design experiments. They change one thing at a time (called
variables) to see how it affects the outcome.
● Collect Data: During experiments, scientists collect data,
which are facts, figures, and other information.
● Analyse Data: Scientists examine the data to see what it tells
them. They look for patterns and draw conclusions.
● Communicate Findings: Scientists share their discoveries with others through reports,
articles, presentations, or even videos.

Science is an ongoing process. Scientists continue to

learn and share their findings to improve our
understanding of the world.

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Why Are Scientists Important?

● Scientists help solve problems, make new discoveries, and improve our lives.
● They develop new technologies, medicines, and solutions to environmental challenges.
● Scientists play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and addressing global issues like
climate change and disease outbreaks.

Anyone Can Be a Scientist:

● You don't need a lab coat to be a scientist! Curiosity and a willingness to explore are
the keys.
● Whether you're studying plants in your backyard or conducting experiments in a lab,
you can think like a scientist.

The importance of observations

Observation is the act of closely watching or examining something

to gather information about it. In science, observations are crucial
because they are the foundation of understanding the natural
world. Here's why observations are essential in scientific inquiry:

1. Gathering Information: Observations involve using our senses,

tools, or instruments to collect data or information about a specific
phenomenon, object, or process. This information forms the basis
of scientific investigation.

2. Building Knowledge: Observations help scientists build a body

of knowledge about the world. By recording what they see, hear,
touch, taste, or smell, scientists accumulate data that can be used to answer questions and
make discoveries.

3. Asking Questions: Observations often lead to questions. When scientists notice something
unusual or intriguing during their observations, it sparks their curiosity and prompts them to ask
questions about why or how things happen.

4. Testing Hypothesis: In the scientific method, observations are used to test hypotheses.
Hypotheses are educated guesses about how things work, and observations provide evidence to
either support or refute these guesses.

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5. Making Predictions: Observations help scientists make predictions about future events or
outcomes. By understanding patterns and trends in their observations, scientists can anticipate
what might happen next.

6. Verifying Theories: Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations of natural

phenomena. Observations are used to gather evidence that either supports or challenges these
theories. If observations consistently support a theory, it gains more credibility.

Types of Observations

1.Qualitative Observations:

Definition: Qualitative observations are descriptions that involve characteristics or qualities.

They are often related to sensory perceptions,
such as colour, texture, shape, and size.
Examples of Qualitative Observations:
● Colour: The rose petals are deep red.
● Texture: The surface of the rock feels
rough to the touch.
● Shape: The leaves of the plant are oval.
● Size: The bird has a small, pointed beak.
● Odour: The freshly baked bread smells
delicious.
● Sound: The waves crashing on the shore
produce a soothing sound.

2. Quantitative Observations:

Definition: Quantitative observations involve measurements

and numerical data. These observations provide precise and
objective information about the quantity or amount of a
characteristic. Quantitative observations are often expressed
using units of measurement.
Examples of Quantitative Observations:
● Length: The rope is 5 metres long.
● Mass: The bag of flour weighs 2 kilograms.
● Temperature: The water temperature is 25 degrees
Celsius.
● Time: It took 10 seconds for the pendulum to complete one swing.
● Volume: The container can hold 500 millilitres of liquid.
● Density: The substance has a density of 1.2 grams per cubic centimetre.

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Asking Questions in Science:

Asking questions in science is a fundamental process

that involves curiosity, inquiry, and a desire to
understand the natural world. It is the act of posing
queries or seeking explanations about various
phenomena, processes, or observations.

1. Curiosity and Inquiry: Scientists are inherently curious individuals who wonder about the
world around them. They ask questions to satisfy their curiosity and delve deeper into the
mysteries of nature.

2. Problem Identification: Asking questions helps

scientists identify problems or unexplained
observations. When they notice something unusual
or intriguing, they formulate questions to better
understand what they've observed. This
problem-solving approach is a crucial aspect of
science.

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3. Hypothesis Formulation: Questions often lead to the creation of hypotheses—educated
guesses about how something works or why it occurs. Hypotheses serve as a starting point for
scientific investigations, guiding experiments, and research.

4. Focus and Direction: Questions provide focus and direction for scientific research. They set
the agenda for what scientists aim to discover or explore. Well-formulated questions ensure that
scientific efforts are purposeful and systematic.

5. Testing and Experimentation: Once questions are posed, scientists design experiments and
studies to test these questions. The results of these tests provide valuable data that can lead to
answers and insights.

6. Continuous Learning: Asking questions is a hallmark of continuous learning and intellectual

growth. Scientists are committed to expanding their knowledge and pushing the boundaries of
understanding. They recognize that there is always more to discover.

Asking questions is a defining characteristic of a scientist. It reflects their innate curiosity,

critical thinking, and dedication to uncovering truths about the world. Scientists embrace
uncertainty and recognize that asking the right questions is often as important as finding the
answers. They are persistent in their pursuit of knowledge and use questions as tools to explore,
discover, and innovate. This inquisitive nature distinguishes scientists and is crucial for the
growth and development of science as a whole.

Observe this image and generate 4 questions:

1.

2.

3.

4.

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Exceptional Observers Who Led to Discoveries.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723):

Discovery: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was a Dutch scientist who is

often called the "Father of Microbiology." He developed a powerful
microscope and made meticulous observations of tiny living
organisms in pond water and other samples.

Impact: His observations revealed the existence of

microorganisms, which were previously unknown. This discovery
laid the foundation for the field of microbiology and transformed
our understanding of the invisible world of bacteria and single-celled organisms.

2. Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727):

Discovery: Sir Isaac Newton was an English physicist and

mathematician. He made groundbreaking observations about the
force of gravity by carefully observing a falling apple.

Impact: Newton's observations of the apple falling from a tree led him
to formulate the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation.
These laws revolutionised our understanding of how objects move and
interact with each other, laying the groundwork for modern physics.

3. Charles Darwin (1809-1882):

Discovery: Charles Darwin, an English naturalist, embarked on a

voyage aboard the HMS Beagle. During his travels, he made detailed
observations of various species, particularly finches on the Galápagos
Islands.

Impact: Darwin's observations and subsequent insights into the

diversity of species and their adaptations led to the development of
the theory of evolution by natural selection. This theory revolutionised
biology and our understanding of the origin of species.

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4. Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958):

Discovery: Rosalind Franklin, a British chemist, used a technique called

X-ray crystallography to study the structure of DNA. She produced
high-quality images of DNA fibres.

Impact: Franklin's observations provided critical data that contributed

to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA by James Watson
and Francis Crick. Her work was instrumental in unravelling the genetic
code.

5. Jane Goodall (Born 1934):

● Discovery: Jane Goodall, a British primatologist, conducted extensive

observations of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. Her observations
included behaviours, social interactions, and tool use among
chimpanzees.
● Impact: Goodall's long-term observations transformed our understanding
of chimpanzee behaviour and provided insights into the similarities
between chimpanzees and humans. Her work has also raised awareness
about wildlife conservation.

Which Scientist inspires you and Why ?

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Engineering Design Process

The engineering design process is a systematic and structured approach used by engineers and
designers to solve problems, create new products, or improve existing ones. It provides a clear
framework for developing innovative solutions and involves several sequential steps. Here is a
simplified explanation of the engineering design process:

1. Identify the Problem or Need: The process begins with recognizing and defining a problem or
a need that requires a solution. This can be a new product idea, an issue that needs fixing, or an
improvement on an existing system.

2. Research and Gather Information: Engineers gather information related to the problem, which
may include studying existing solutions, conducting surveys, researching materials, or
understanding user requirements. This step is crucial for making informed decisions.

3. Brainstorm and Generate Ideas: Engineers

brainstorm and generate a wide range of ideas and
potential solutions to address the problem.
Creativity is encouraged, and no idea is considered
too outlandish at this stage.

4. Select the Best Solution: After generating

multiple ideas, engineers evaluate and compare
them based on factors like feasibility, cost,
efficiency, and safety. They choose the most promising solution that aligns with the project's
goals.

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5. Create a Design: Engineers create detailed designs and plans for the selected solution. This
step involves sketching, modelling, and specifying dimensions,
materials, and components.

6. Build a Prototype: A prototype is a physical or digital model of

the proposed solution. Engineers create a prototype to test and
validate their design. This step helps identify any issues or areas
for improvement.

7. Test and Evaluate: Engineers rigorously test the prototype to

ensure it functions as intended. They may conduct simulations, experiments, or real-world
testing to gather data and evaluate the design's performance.

8. Refine and Improve: Based on the test results, engineers refine and make necessary
improvements to the design. This may involve tweaking the design, adjusting materials, or
addressing any issues that arose during testing.

9. Finalise the Design: Once the design meets all requirements and has been thoroughly tested,
engineers finalise the design, preparing it for production or implementation.

10. Implementation and Production: The final design is put into action. It can involve
manufacturing the product, constructing a building, or implementing a system, depending on the
nature of the project.

Claim, Evidence, and Reason in Science

In the world of science, making sense of complex phenomena and answering questions often
requires a structured approach. One such approach is using Claim, Evidence, and Reason (CER)
to communicate and support scientific explanations.

Claim, Evidence, and Reason (CER) is a framework used by scientists to present their findings
and conclusions clearly and logically. Each component plays a specific role in constructing a
well-supported scientific explanation:
● Claim: The claim is a concise statement that directly answers a scientific question or
addresses a problem. It is the main point or conclusion you want to make based on your
observations or research.
● Evidence: Evidence consists of facts, data, observations, or research findings that
support the claim. It provides a solid foundation for the claim by offering concrete,
relevant information.
● Reasoning: Reasoning is the logical explanation that connects the evidence to the claim.
It explains why the evidence supports the claim and outlines the underlying scientific
principles or mechanisms.

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Example 1: Melting Ice

Claim: Ice cubes melt when they are left out

at room temperature.
Evidence: I placed an ice cube on the table,
and after some time, it turned into water.
Reasoning: The evidence supports the
claim because it shows that the ice
changed into water when it got warmer.
This happens because ice melts when it
gets warm.

Example 2: Plant Growth

Claim: Plants need sunlight to grow.

Evidence: I put one plant in the sun and another plant in the dark. The
plant in the sun grew taller and had more leaves.
Reasoning: The evidence supports the claim because it shows that the
plants in the sun grew better, proving that plants need sunlight for their
growth.

Example 3: Magnet Attraction

Claim: Magnets can attract certain objects,

like paper clips.
Evidence: I used a magnet to pick up paper
clips from the table. The paper clips stuck
to the magnet.
Reasoning: The evidence supports the
claim because it demonstrates that
magnets can make things like paper clips
stick to them. This is why we say magnets
can attract certain objects.

Reading : The Apple that Unlocked the Universe

Legend has it that Isaac Newton, the renowned physicist and mathematician, had an encounter
with an apple that led to a momentous discovery.

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 It's said that Newton, contemplating the nature of gravity, was
resting under an apple tree in his garden at Woolsthorpe Manor,
Lincolnshire. As he gazed up at the sky, an apple fell from the
tree and struck him on the head. This seemingly innocuous event
sparked a chain of thought that ultimately led Newton to
formulate his theory of universal gravitation.
Inspired by the falling apple, Newton wondered why objects fall
straight down to Earth rather than veering off in other
directions. This simple observation led him to ponder the forces
that govern the motion of objects, eventually culminating in his
groundbreaking law of universal gravitation.

Newton's curiosity about the natural world, coupled with his

relentless pursuit of understanding, turned a moment of
happenstance into one of the most significant discoveries in
the history of science. This incident showcases how a curious
mind can find inspiration in the simplest of observations,
leading to monumental breakthroughs in our understanding of
the universe.

My important takeaways from the unit:

1.

2.

3.

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Unit 1.0: What are things made of?

Overview:
Students will be able to describe matter as being made up of smaller particles called
molecules. They will also learn about the nature of matter and understand key vocabulary
used in this unit like volume, mass and weight. Students understand that matter can exist in
different forms and has different properties that makes them unique and useful in different
ways. Students explore physical and chemical changes in matter and learn how to identify a
chemical change.

Enduring Understanding: Essential Questions:

● Matter exists in several states and can ● What are things made of?
change state through heating and ● How do models help to explain that
cooling matter is made of small particles?
● Atoms are the smallest structure of ● How do we identify different
matter materials?
● Objects and substances have ● How can characteristic properties be
characteristic physical properties. used to distinguish one form of matter
● Substances combine with one another from another?
in various ways. ● In what ways can matter be changed
and conserved?

Topic/Content
In this unit we will learn about
● Molecules/atoms
● The arrangement of molecules in solid, liquid, and gas.
● Properties of Matter
● Physical and Chemical properties of matter
● Mass /weight

Essential Vocabulary:
● matter, molecules, atoms, spaces, solids, liquids, gases, properties, changes, states,
energy, temperature, pressure, effects, volume, mass , weight

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What is an Atom?

An atom is the smallest unit of matter. Imagine it as a

tiny, invisible building block. Everything you see, touch,
or smell is made up of atoms! Even you, your pencil,
and the air you breathe are all made of atoms.

Parts of an Atom:

Atoms have three main

parts:

Protons: These are positively charged particles found in the nucleus,

which is at the centre of an atom.
Neutrons: These are particles with no charge (neutral) also found in
the nucleus.
Electrons: These are negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus in orbits or
shells.

The Nucleus:
Think of the nucleus as the atom's core. It contains protons and neutrons, which are tightly
packed together. It's like the centre of an atom.

Electron Shells:
Electrons are organised into different energy levels or shells, like the layers of an onion. The
innermost shell can hold only 2 electrons, while the next shells can hold more. Electrons prefer
to fill the innermost shell first before moving to the outer shells.

Atomic Number and Atomic Mass:

Each element on the periodic table has a unique atomic number and atomic mass. The atomic
number tells you the number of protons in an atom, while the atomic mass is the total number
of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Investigate the three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. What are their
charges, masses, and roles within an atom?

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What is a Molecule?

A molecule is a group of atoms joined together. Think of molecules as teams of atoms working
together to create different substances. Just like how letters make words and words make
sentences, atoms make molecules, and molecules make everything around us.

How Molecules Form:

Molecules form when two or more atoms bond together. They can be the same type of atoms
(like two oxygen atoms) or different types (like one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms). Let's
explore two common molecules:
​
Water Molecule: A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen
atoms and one oxygen atom (H₂O). They bond together, and this
molecule is responsible for making water, which we need to drink
and for many other things.
​
​
Oxygen Molecule: An oxygen molecule is made up of two oxygen
atoms (O₂). This is the molecule we breathe in to stay alive. It's
essential for us and many other living things.

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Why Molecules Matter:

Molecules are crucial because they determine what substances are like. Different combinations
of atoms in molecules create different things. For example:
● Water molecules make water.
● Carbon dioxide molecules make the bubbles in soda.
● Glucose molecules make sugar, which gives us energy.
● DNA molecules carry the instructions for our bodies to grow and work.

Element Scavenger Hunt

1. You can find this element in many things made of metal, like nails
and cutlery.
Element: ________
2. This element is often used to make pencils and can be found in
anything that's burned.
Element: ________
3. It's in the air you breathe, and it helps keep fires going.
Element: ________
4. You can find this element in your bones and teeth, making them strong.
Element: ________

What is a Chemical Bond?

Chemical bonds are like invisible connections that hold atoms together to form molecules.
Think of atoms as puzzle pieces, and chemical bonds are what links them together to create
new substances.

What is Matter?
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. It can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as
massive as a mountain. Matter comes in different forms, and scientists have categorised it into
three main states:
​ Solid: Solids have a fixed shape and volume. Think of your
books, toys, or the ground beneath your feet. These are
examples of solid matter.
​ Liquid: Liquids have a definite volume, but they take the
shape of their container. Water, milk, and juice are examples
of liquid matter.
​ Gas: Gases have no fixed shape or volume. The air you
breathe is a mixture of different gases like oxygen and
nitrogen. They fill any space they occupy.

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Properties of Matter

Every type of matter has its unique properties,

like colour, texture, size, and more. Scientists
use these properties to identify and study
different substances. Here are a few essential
properties of matter:

1. Mass: Mass is the amount of matter in

an object. It's what makes something heavy or light. You can measure mass with a scale.
2. Volume: Volume is the amount of space an object takes up. You can measure volume
with a ruler or by pouring a liquid into a container.
3. Density: Density tells you how closely packed the particles in an object are. An object
with high density has particles packed tightly together, making it heavy for its size.
4. State: As mentioned earlier, matter can be solid, liquid, or gas, depending on its
temperature and pressure.

Which type of matter, solid, liquid, or gas, according to you, is the most important? Give
reasons and justify your answer.

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Changes in Matter

Matter can change from one form to another through physical or chemical changes. For
example, when you melt an ice cube (solid) to get water (liquid), it's a physical change. But when
you burn paper to ashes, it's a chemical change because the substance itself changes into
something new.

Mass and Weight: Understanding the Difference

Mass and weight are two important concepts in the world of science, and while
they might seem similar, they are distinct from each other. Let's explore what mass
and weight are and why they matter.

Mass:

Mass is the amount of matter an object contains. Think of it as the "stuff" an object is made of.
Mass is measured in units like kilograms (kg) or grams (g). It's a fundamental property of an
object and doesn't change, no matter where you are in the universe. For example, a 1-kilogram
bag of apples will have the same mass whether you're on Earth or in space.

Weight:

Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting on an object's mass. Weight depends on
both the mass of an object and the strength of the gravitational pull in the location where the
object is found. Weight is measured in units like newtons (N) or pounds (lb). Since gravity varies
on different celestial bodies, your weight will be different on the moon compared to Earth.

Here's a key distinction:

● Mass is constant and is a measure of the amount of matter an object has. It's the same
everywhere in the universe.
● Weight changes depending on the strength of gravity. Your weight on Earth will be
different from your weight on the moon or Mars because the gravitational force differs
on each of these planets.

Calculating Weight:

To calculate an object's weight, you can use the following formula:

Weight (W) = Mass (m) × Acceleration due to Gravity (g)
● The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s².
● On the moon, the acceleration due to gravity is much weaker, about 1.6 m/s².

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Why It Matters:

Understanding the difference between mass and weight is crucial for various reasons,
especially in science and everyday life:
● In science, knowing the mass of objects helps scientists understand their properties and
behaviours.
● Weight is essential in engineering and construction to ensure structures can support
loads.
● In space exploration, astronauts experience weightlessness because the gravitational
pull in space is weaker than on Earth.
● In daily life, we use measurements of mass and weight for cooking, shipping, and
countless other activities.

Can you think of activities which involve the use of mass and weights?

Mixtures:

A mixture is made when two or more

substances are combined physically, but they do
not chemically react. In a mixture, you can
usually see the different parts, and they can be
separated using physical methods like filtering,
picking, or using a magnet.

Types of Mixtures:

Homogeneous Mixture: In a homogeneous mixture, the

substances are evenly spread out, and it looks the same
throughout. For example, if you dissolve sugar in water, you
get a homogeneous mixture because you can't see the sugar
anymore, and the solution looks the same everywhere.

Heterogeneous Mixture: In a heterogeneous mixture, you

can see the different substances or parts. A classic example
is a bowl of cereal with milk. You can see the cereal and milk
separately.

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Solutions:

A solution is a type of mixture where one

substance dissolves into another to create a
uniform mixture. The substance that gets
dissolved is called the solute, and the one that
does the dissolving is called the solvent.
Solutions are always homogeneous, meaning
they look the same throughout.

Example of a Solution:

When you mix salt (solute) in water (solvent), the salt particles spread out evenly in the water,
and you get a saltwater solution. You can't see the salt particles because they are dissolved, and
the solution looks the same no matter where you look in the container.

Why It Matters:

Understanding mixtures and solutions is important because they are part of our daily lives and
have many practical uses:
● Cooking involves mixing various ingredients to create delicious meals.
● Cleaning products are often solutions designed to remove dirt and stains.
● Medicine often comes in the form of solutions or mixtures for easy consumption.
● Science experiments and research rely on the principles of mixtures and solutions.

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Physical Changes:

Physical changes are transformations that do not result in the formation of new substances.
Instead, they change the appearance or state of matter, but the
substances involved remain the same. Here are some examples of
physical changes:

Melting Ice: When you heat an ice cube, it melts and turns into water.
It's still H₂O; it just changed from a solid to a liquid.

Breaking a Pencil: If you snap a pencil in half, you haven't changed

the pencil's identity; it's still made of wood and graphite.

Cutting Paper: When you cut a piece of paper into smaller pieces,
you've physically changed its shape, but it's still paper.

Boiling Water: Water boils and turns into steam when heated. It's still
water; it just changed from a liquid to a gas.

Chemical Changes:

Chemical changes, on the other hand, involve the creation of new substances with different
properties. Chemical changes usually occur when substances react with one another. Here are
some examples of chemical changes:
Rusting Iron: When iron rusts, it combines with oxygen from the air
to form a new substance called iron oxide. This is a chemical
change.

Baking Bread: The process of baking bread involves a chemical

change. The dough ingredients react, and new substances form,
giving the bread it's delicious flavour and texture.

Burning Wood: When wood burns, it combines with oxygen and

turns into ash and smoke. This is a chemical change that produces
heat and light.

Digesting Food: Inside your body, the food you eat undergoes
chemical changes as it's broken down into nutrients that your body
can use. This helps you grow and stay healthy.

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Key Differences:

● Physical changes do not create new substances, while chemical changes result in the
formation of new substances.
● Physical changes are often reversible, while chemical changes are usually not.

"Think about cooking an egg. Describe the physical and chemical changes that occur when
you fry an egg in a hot pan. How do these changes affect the egg's appearance, texture, and
taste?"

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Unit 1.1: It began with the sun!

Overview:
Students will learn about the system of planets that orbit our sun. This unit introduces gravity
as a pull “downward” toward the centre of Earth and engages students to think about the
shape of the Earth. They will explore how planets of our solar system orbit the sun due to the
sun’s gravitational force. They will consider the relative distances that cause apparent
brightness; the sun appears to be the brightest star, but that is only because it is the closest
from our perspective on our planet’s surface.

Enduring Understanding: Essential Questions:

● Earth is one object in a system of ● What is our place in the universe?
objects in space. ● How do the components of our solar
● Earth operates as a set of complex, system move and interact with one
dynamic, and interconnected systems, another?
and is a part of the all-encompassing ● How do the motions of Earth and the
system of the universe. Moon affect our lives?
● The solar system consists of the Sun, ● How does Earth compare to other
our closest star, and eight planets. planets in our solar system?
The sun is at the centre and is the ● Why is the power of gravity so
primary energy source for Earth. important to the solar system?
● Observations of objects in space
reveal predictable patterns of motion

Topic/Content
In this unit we will learn about:
● The Sun and planets - Solar system
● Planets- Relative size and distance from the sun
● Rotation of the earth and its effects

Essential Vocabulary:
● sun, incandescent, gases, glowing, flares, solar, relative, size, distance, planets, solar
system,
● day, night, cycle, rotate, rotation, axis, apparent, movement, Equator, prime meridian,
counter-clockwise, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere,

26
What is the Sun?

The Sun is a massive, glowing ball of hot, glowing gas that sits at the centre of
our solar system. It's not just a bright spot in the sky; it's a star, and it's
incredibly important to our planet and the entire solar system.

Composition of the Sun:

1. Hydrogen: The Sun is primarily composed of hydrogen,

making up about 72%-74% of its mass. This hydrogen is incredibly
hot and dense in the Sun's core.
2. Helium: Helium is the second most abundant element in the
Sun, making up about 24%- 26% of its mass. Helium is created
through a process called nuclear fusion, which occurs in the Sun's
core.
3. Trace Elements: Besides hydrogen and helium, the Sun
contains trace amounts of other elements like carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and more. These
elements play a role in the Sun's energy production.

The Sun's Energy Source:

The Sun's incredible brightness and heat come from a process called nuclear fusion. In the Sun's
core, hydrogen atoms fuse together to form helium. This fusion process releases an enormous
amount of energy in the form of heat and light.

The Sun's Importance:

The Sun is vital to the entire solar system for several reasons:
1. Energy Source: The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth and all the planets in
our solar system. It provides the heat and light necessary for life to exist.
2. Photosynthesis: Plants on Earth use the Sun's energy in a process called photosynthesis
to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose. This process is the basis
of the food chain and provides oxygen for us to breathe.
3. Weather and Climate: The Sun's energy drives weather patterns, ocean currents, and the
water cycle on Earth. It influences our planet's climate and seasons.
4. Solar System Stability: The Sun's gravity keeps all the planets, moons, and other objects
in our solar system in orbit. It maintains the stability of our cosmic neighbourhood.
5. Understanding the Universe: Studying the Sun helps scientists understand the behaviour
of other stars in the universe and the fundamental processes that power them.

27
 Predict what will happen if the Sun is not present in our solar system.

What Are Stars?

Stars are incredible celestial objects that fill our night sky with light and
wonder. They are not just twinkling dots; they are massive balls of burning
gas that play a fundamental role in the universe. Let's explore what stars are,
how they form, and why they are so fascinating.

Characteristics of Stars:

1. Glowing Balls of Gas: Stars are luminous spheres primarily made of hydrogen and
helium gas. These gases are incredibly hot and emit light and heat due to nuclear
reactions in their cores.
2. Diverse Sizes: Stars come in various sizes, from tiny ones that are only a few kilometres
in diameter to giants that are hundreds of times larger than our Sun.
3. Different Colours: Stars emit light in various colours, with their colour indicating their
temperature. Hotter stars appear bluish-white, while cooler ones
appear reddish-orange.
Stars appear to be different brightness levels because they change as
they get older and grow. They all start as clouds of gas and dust but
transform over billions of years. When we see a star from Earth, it
might look bright, but stars can actually give off different amounts of
light based on their age, size, and temperature. Some stars are
naturally brighter than others. Scientists use something called
absolute brightness to measure how bright stars are when we look at
them from the same distance.

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 What will happen if there are no stars in the universe?

What is the solar system?

The solar system consists of the Sun and all the objects that move around it. These objects
include the eight planets and their moons. Planets are large spherical bodies composed of rock
and gases.

Moons are objects that orbit planets, and planets can have one or more moons or none at all.
Telescopes are tools used to observe these objects. Telescopes are placed on mountains or
sent into space to capture images. Space vehicles have explored all eight planets.

The renowned scientist Galileo Galilei used a telescope in 1610 to observe planets and their
moons

What else is in the solar system?

Apart from planets and their moons, there are other celestial objects in the solar system. Not all
planets have moons, but some have one or several. These moons come in various sizes, with
Jupiter's Ganymede being the largest moon in the solar system. Moons are referred to as
natural satellites, and satellites are objects in space that revolve around another object. In
addition to natural moons, there are human-made satellites that orbit Earth. These artificial
satellites serve various purposes, including communication and Earth observation.
Earth's Moon, for example, is covered in craters, which are marks left by objects from space
impacting its surface. Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks an atmosphere, which would cause small
objects to burn up during entry.

29
Small Objects: In addition to planets and moons, the solar system contains
smaller objects:

Asteroids: Thousands of asteroids, which are rocky bodies, travel

around the Sun. Most of them are located between Mars and Jupiter
and can vary in size from one mile to 500 miles wide.

Comets: Comets are composed of rock, frozen gases, ice, and dust.
They follow paths that bring them close to the Sun, and as they
approach, a tail of gas and dust forms. This tail points away from
the Sun and fades as the comet moves farther from the Sun.

Meteors: These small space objects enter Earth's atmosphere.

Research and provide information on the Indian agency responsible for studying asteroids,
meteors, and comets.

Earth's Gravity Is a Downward Force

Have you ever wondered why things fall to the ground when you drop them? It's because of a
force called gravity!

1. What is Gravity?
● Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward the centre of the Earth.
● It's the reason things fall when you drop them.

2. Downward Direction:
● When we talk about "down," it means going towards the centre of the Earth.
● Even though the ground looks flat, Earth is actually shaped like a sphere (a round ball).

3. Universal Force:
● Gravity is not just on Earth; it's everywhere in the universe.
● It's a force that makes objects attract each other.

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4. Gravitational Attraction:
● When two objects are close to each other, they both have a gravitational pull on each
other.
● For example, the moon and Earth are always pulling on each other with gravity.

Fun Fact:
● The reason you don't float away into space is because of Earth's gravity! It
keeps you and everything else on the ground.

Activity: Explore Gravity

● To feel gravity's pull, try dropping a pencil or a small object and watch it fall.
● Think about how the Earth's shape affects which way things fall.

Gravity is a force that keeps us on Earth and governs the motion of objects in space. It's what
makes everything fall towards the ground. So, the next time you drop something, remember that
it's Earth's gravity at work!

Can you think of other examples where gravity is at play in our everyday lives?

Sun, Moon and Earth

Without the Sun, Earth would be a cold, dark place where life as we know it couldn't survive. The
Sun is truly unique in our solar system because it's the largest object, and it's shaped like a
sphere. One of the Sun's incredible superpowers is making light, and its light is so intense that
looking directly at it can damage your eyes, so be careful!

Now, let's talk about the Moon, which is the second brightest object in the sky after the Sun.
When we look at the Moon from Earth, it seems to glow, but it doesn't make its own light like the
Sun. Instead, the Moon shines because it reflects the Sun's light. This is why moonlight is

31
actually sunshine bouncing off the Moon's surface. The same thing happens with Earth; if you
were on the Moon looking back at our planet, you'd see the Sun's light reflecting off Earth.

When we look at Earth from space, we can see its appearance is quite different from the Moon.
Earth has land, water, and clouds in its atmosphere. The Moon, on the other hand, has a rough
surface with craters, mountains, and flat areas. It looks light gray because it has no water or air.
However, they share one similarity—they're both spheres.

Now, have you ever noticed that the Sun seems to move across the sky? It rises in the morning,
sets in the evening, and travels across the sky during the
day. This apparent motion isn't because the Sun is moving;
it's because of Earth's rotation. Earth is like a spinning
top—it rotates or spins around an imaginary line called an
axis. This rotation brings different parts of Earth into the
Sun's light, causing day and night. It takes Earth 24 hours,
or one day, to make a full rotation.
During the night, when the Sun is out of view, we see stars and planets in the sky. These celestial
objects are visible because of Earth's rotation, which brings different parts of the sky into our
view as it turns.

Remember

Rotation is the spinning or turning of an object around its own axis. On Earth, our planet
rotates, or spins, on its axis. This rotation is what gives us day and night

Revolution: Revolution, on the other hand, refers to the motion of an object as it moves in an
orbit or path around another object. Earth doesn't just rotate; it also revolves, or orbits, around
the Sun. This revolution is what gives us our seasons.

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Unit 1.2: May the Force be with You!

Overview:
This unit introduces students to forces, work and simple machines including gravity and
friction, and provides a foundation for upcoming lessons about net and balanced forces.
Students will understand that objects are pulled towards Earth by gravity. They will carry out
experiments to demonstrate that gravity is a force by applying scientific processes.

Enduring Understanding: Essential Questions:

● Scientific inquiry provides ● How do objects move?
opportunities to make observations, ● How do objects change direction?
pose questions, develop hypotheses, ● What keeps people and things from
design and conduct investigations, falling off the earth?
and analyse data to draw conclusions ● What would happen if there was no
● The amount of change in the gravity on earth?
movement of an object is based on
the mass of the object and the
amount of force exerted.
● Earth pulls down on all objects with a
gravitational force.
● Weight is a measure of the
gravitational force between an object
and the Earth.
● Any change in speed or direction of an
object requires a force and is affected
by the mass of the object and the
amount of force applied.

Topic/Content
In this unit we will learn about:
● Force and Friction
● Balanced and Unbalanced Force
● Gravity
● Work and Simple Machines

Essential Vocabulary:
● Force, Balanced and Unbalanced forces, Gravitational force, Gravity, Inertia, Movement,
Weight, Friction, Motion, Work, Simple Machines

33
Force: A Powerful Influence on Motion

In the world around us, many things move, and these movements are often influenced by a
fascinating concept called force. Force is a fundamental concept in physics that you'll explore in
this lesson.

What is Force?
● Force is a push or a pull that can make an object move,
stop, or change its direction.
● It can be applied by contact, like pushing a book, or at a
distance, like the pull of Earth's gravity.

Types of Forces:
There are various types of forces, including:

○ Gravity: The force that pulls objects

toward the centre of the Earth. It's
what keeps us on the ground and
planets in orbit.

○ Friction: A force that opposes motion

when two surfaces rub against each
other, like the resistance when sliding
a book across a table.

○ Applied Force: When you push or pull an object.

○ Tension Force: The force exerted when an object is pulled in opposite directions,
like stretching a rubber band.

Balanced and Unbalanced Forces:

● Forces can be balanced or unbalanced.
● Balanced forces don't change an object's motion; they cancel each other out.
● Unbalanced forces cause motion; they result in acceleration or changes in speed.

Measuring Force:
● Force is measured in units called newtons (N).
● The greater the force applied, the greater the change in motion (acceleration).

34
Force in Everyday Life:
Forces are all around us, affecting our daily activities:

○ When you push a swing, you apply force to make it move.

○ When you jump off a diving board, gravity pulls you down.
○ When you walk, friction between your shoes and the
ground helps you stay balanced.

Engineering and Force:

● Engineers use their understanding of forces to
design and build structures, machines, and vehicles.
● For example, they design bridges to withstand the
forces of gravity and wind.

Friction: The Force that Opposes Motion

Friction is a fundamental force that affects objects in our

everyday lives. It's the force that resists the motion of one
object sliding or rubbing against another.
What Causes Friction?

● Friction occurs when the surface of one object makes contact with the surface of
another. It's caused by the roughness or irregularities on these surfaces.
● The rougher the surfaces, the stronger the friction.

Types of Friction:

● Static Friction: This type of friction prevents objects from starting to move when they are
at rest. For example, it's what keeps a book from sliding off a table.
● Kinetic (or Sliding) Friction: This friction opposes the motion of objects already in
motion. It's what slows down a sliding sled on a snowy hill.

35
Effects of Friction:

● Friction can be helpful or challenging, depending on the situation. It helps us walk, grip
objects, and drive cars safely by providing necessary traction.
● However, too much friction can be a problem. It can slow down machines, wear out
moving parts, and generate heat.

Reducing Friction:
● Lubrication: To reduce friction, we often use lubricants like oil or grease between moving
parts. These substances create a smooth layer, reducing the roughness of surfaces and
allowing objects to slide more easily.
● Smoother Surfaces: Polishing or using smoother materials can minimise friction. This is
why we have smooth roads and polished floors.

Importance in Everyday Life:

● Friction plays a crucial role in many aspects of our lives, from the grip on our shoes to
the brakes in our cars.
● It's essential in sports like soccer, where friction between the ball and the field affects its
movement.

Imagine you are playing a game of mini-golf. Your ball is rolling towards the hole, but it's
moving too fast. How could you use friction to slow down the ball and make it stop closer to
the hole? Think about different surfaces or materials you could use to create friction and
control the ball's speed.

36
Balanced and Unbalanced Forces: A Forceful Duo

Forces are everywhere in the world around us, and they affect how objects move and interact.
Two fundamental types of forces are balanced and unbalanced forces, and they play crucial
roles in shaping the dynamics of our physical world.

Balanced Forces: When two forces

acting on an object are equal in size and
opposite in direction, they are balanced
forces. When balanced forces act on an
object, several things happen:

1. No Change in Motion: If an object is at rest, balanced forces will keep it stationary. If it's
already in motion, balanced forces will maintain its constant velocity (speed and
direction).
2. Net Force Equals Zero: The net force, which is the overall force acting on the object, is
zero in the presence of balanced forces. This means there's no acceleration (change in
motion) occurring.

Examples of Balanced Forces:

● A car cruising down the highway at a constant speed has balanced forces acting on it.
The forward force from the engine is balanced by the backward force of air resistance
and friction.
● A book sitting on a table remains at rest because the downward force of gravity is
balanced by the upward force exerted by the table's surface.

Unbalanced Forces: Unbalanced forces, on the other hand, occur when two forces acting on an
object are not equal in size or are in different directions. Unbalanced forces have a significant
impact:

1. Change in Motion: Unbalanced forces

cause objects to accelerate, either
speeding up, slowing down, or
changing direction.
2. Net Force Is Not Zero: The net force in
the presence of unbalanced forces is
not zero, indicating that there is a
change in motion.

37
Examples of Unbalanced Forces:

● When you push a bicycle, it accelerates. The forward force applied by your push is
greater than the backward forces of friction and air resistance, creating an unbalanced
force.
● If you kick a soccer ball, it accelerates in the direction of your kick because the force you
applied overcomes any opposing forces like friction.

What is Gravity?
Gravity represents the attraction between objects. Gravity acts like a
magnet — pulling objects together. The Earth has gravity. Gravity
holds everything close to this planet. Trees, water, animals, buildings,
and the air we breathe are all held here by gravity. All of the planets,
their moons, and the stars in the universe have gravity. Even our own
bodies have gravity.
Gravity is the force by which a planet or other body draws objects
toward its centre. The force of gravity keeps all of the planets in orbit
around the sun.

What else does gravity do?

Why do you land on the ground when you jump up instead of floating
off into space? Why do things fall down when you throw them or drop them?
The answer is gravity: an invisible force that pulls objects toward each other. Earth's gravity is
what keeps you on the ground and what makes things fall.

Mass or Weight?
Mass is a fundamental physical property of matter that represents
the amount of substance an object contains. People often confuse
mass with weight. But weight is actually the result of gravity pulling
on the mass.
Anything that has mass also has gravity. Objects with more mass
have more gravity. Gravity also gets weaker with distance. So, the
closer objects are to each other, the stronger their gravitational pull is.

Earth's gravity comes from all its mass. All its mass makes a combined gravitational pull on all
the mass in your body. That's what gives you weight. And if you were on a planet with less mass
than Earth, you would weigh less than you do here.
Your mass would stay the same if you could travel from planet to planet, but your weight would
vary depending on how the gravity of that planet pulls on you.

38
Gravity in our universe
When one space object revolves around another, it is referred to as an orbit. The earth orbits the
sun. Our moon orbits the earth. Many of the other planets in our solar system also have moons
that orbit them.
Gravity is what holds the planets in orbit around the sun and what keeps the moon in orbit
around Earth. The gravitational pull of the moon pulls the seas towards it, causing the ocean
tides. Gravity creates stars and planets by pulling together the material from which they are
made.

Read the story:

Lily's Marvellous Machines
Once upon a time in a small town, there lived a curious young inventor named
Lily. Lily was fascinated by how simple machines made everyday tasks easier
and more efficient. She believed that understanding these machines was the
key to solving many problems.

One sunny morning, Lily decided to embark on a journey of discovery. Armed

with her notebook and a backpack filled with tools, she set off to explore her
town and see how simple machines were being used in everyday life.
Her first stop was the local playground, where children
were playing on a seesaw. Lily observed the seesaw
carefully and realised it was a lever—a simple machine!
With one person sitting on each side, they could easily
balance and play. Lily marvelled at how this simple
contraption allowed kids to have so much fun while demonstrating the
power of the lever.

Next, Lily ventured to the nearby grocery store. As she watched the
automatic doors glide open effortlessly, she realised they used a
wheel and axle system. Pushing a cart filled with groceries was a
breeze, thanks to the clever design. Lily couldn't help but smile,
knowing that even shopping was an adventure of simple machines.

On her way home, Lily noticed a construction

site where workers were hoisting heavy materials to the top of a building.
She approached a friendly construction worker who explained that they
were using a pulley—a simple machine—to make the job easier. Lily was
amazed at how a single pulley could help lift heavy loads with less effort.

39
The following day, Lily decided to visit her grandparents, who lived on a hill. She noticed her
grandpa using a wheelchair to get up the steep driveway. It was then that Lily understood the
power of the inclined plane. The gently sloping driveway made it possible for her grandpa to
reach their house comfortably.

On the weekend, Lily joined her dad in the garage as he fixed a wobbly
table. He used a screwdriver to tighten a loose screw. Lily was excited to
realise that screws were simple machines too! They allowed her dad to
fasten things securely, making their lives more convenient.
During a visit to her cousin's bike shop, Lily was shown the intricate gears
on a bicycle. She learned that gears were simple machines that allowed
riders to change speed and climb steep hills effortlessly. She couldn't wait
to share this discovery with her friends who loved biking.

Lily returned home, bursting with excitement and a newfound appreciation for
simple machines. She realised that these machines were all around her,
making everyday life easier and more interesting. Inspired by her adventure,
Lily began to dream up her own inventions, hoping to someday make the world
an even better place using the magic of simple machines.
And so, the young inventor continued her journey of discovery, eager to unlock the endless
possibilities that simple machines offered to solve problems, create solutions, and make life a
little more extraordinary.

1. How did Lily's curiosity and determination contribute to her growth as a person?

2. Why is it important to appreciate the simple machines that make our lives easier?

3. Identify and explain one simple machine that Lily encountered during her journey.

4. Discuss the significance of gears in a bicycle and how they affect the bike's
performance.

40
 Simple Machines

What Are Simple Machines?

Simple machines are basic tools that help us do work. They are called "simple" because they
have only one or two parts, but they can do incredible things! There are six main types of simple
machines, and we're going to get to know each of them.

1. The Mighty Lever

Let's start with the lever. A lever is like a see-saw or a crowbar. It's a long
stick that pivots on a point called a fulcrum. When you push or pull one end of
the lever, it helps you lift or move something heavy on the other end.
Seesaws at the playground are a perfect example of levers in action!

2. The Fantastic Wheel and Axle

Next up, we have the wheel and axle. Think about a bicycle's wheels or
the doorknob on your front door. The wheel and axle make it easier to
turn things or move them in a circular motion. They're like a dynamic
duo, working together to reduce the effort needed.

3. The Incredible Pulley

Now, let's talk about the pulley. A pulley is like a simple machine with a rope
wrapped around it. It helps you lift heavy things by changing the direction of
your force. You've probably seen pulleys in action when lifting garage doors or
even window blinds.

4. The Unstoppable Inclined Plane

Ever tried to push a heavy box up a hill? That's where the inclined plane
comes in. It's like a ramp that makes it easier to move objects uphill.
Wheelchair ramps and slides at the playground are perfect examples of
inclined planes.

41
5. The Amazing Screw
Screws might seem ordinary, but they are incredible simple machines. They're
like inclined planes wrapped around a cylinder. Screws help us hold things
together tightly. You can find them in everything from jars with lids to building
structures.

6. The Enchanting Gears

Last but not least, let's explore gears. Gears are wheels with teeth that fit together. When you
turn one gear, it makes another one turn. Gears help us control speed and change direction.
You'll find gears inside watches, bicycles, and even car engines!

Why Are Simple Machines Important?

Simple machines are essential because they make our lives easier. They help us do work with
less effort and more efficiency. Understanding how these machines work can inspire you to
invent new things and solve everyday problems.

Discuss the importance of safety when using simple machines. Provide an example of a
safety precaution one should take when operating a machine.

42
Unit 2.0: Organization in Systems

Overview:
Through this unit, students will learn that all systems are made up of parts, and that structure
and function are related terms used while learning about a system. In this unit they learn that
living things demonstrate a hierarchy of structure from cells to tissues to organs to organ
systems to organisms. They understand how structure and function are related in living
organisms.

Enduring Understanding: Essential Questions:

● Systems can be broken down into ● How do we identify and use systems
individual components which have around us?
specialised functions. ● How do things work?
● Systems can be described based on ● How do the structures of organisms
their structure and functions. contribute to life’s functions?
● Organisms are composed of cells, ● How can one explain the ways in
tissues, organs, and systems that which cells contribute to the function
work together to allow survival of living organisms?

Topic/Content
In this unit we will learn about:
● Systems and parts of systems
● Organisation of living things ( Living things are organised structurally from
microscopic cells to tissues, organs, and organ systems )
● Structure and function ( living things demonstrate a structure function relationship in
which the way something is designed and built contributes to its ability to perform
specific functions)
● Cells - Structure and function

Essential Vocabulary:
● Hierarchy, Organization, Structure, Function, Cell, Tissue, Organ, Respiratory system,
Circulatory system, Digestive system, Excretory system, Photosynthesis, Phloem,
Roots

43
What is an Organism?

An organism is a living thing that can carry out life processes independently. Organisms are the
building blocks of life on Earth and can be found in various shapes and sizes. They are
classified into two main categories based on their cellular structure: one-celled and many celled
organisms.

One-Celled Organisms:

One-celled organisms, also known as unicellular organisms, are made up of only one single cell.
Despite their microscopic size, these tiny creatures are complete and self-sufficient living
entities. Examples of one-celled organisms include bacteria, some types of algae, and certain
protists.

These organisms perform all essential life functions within a single cell, including feeding,
reproducing, and eliminating waste. They may have specialised structures within their cell to
help them carry out these functions efficiently.

Many Celled Organisms:

In contrast, multi-celled organisms are made up of multiple cells that work together as a team.
These cells are organised into tissues, organs, and organ systems, each with specific functions.
Multi-celled organisms are much larger and more complex than their one-celled counterparts.

Examples of multi-celled organisms abound in the natural world and include plants, animals,
and most fungi.

44
Cells are the basic building blocks of life, and they come in various forms. Two main types of
cells are plant cells and animal cells. Although they share some similarities, they also have
significant differences that reflect their unique functions and roles in living organisms.

Microscopes

Microscopes are remarkable tools that enable us to peer into the

invisible worlds of the very small. These instruments have
revolutionised science by allowing us to see and study objects that are
too tiny to be observed with the naked eye. Microscopes are optical
devices designed to magnify small objects and reveal their fine details.
They work by bending and focusing light, or in some cases, electrons,
to create enlarged images of tiny specimens. There are several types of
microscopes, each with unique capabilities.

What is the most recent and advanced microscope currently in

use for scientific research?

45
Components of a cell

1. Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane):

The cell membrane is like the cell's security guard and border
control all rolled into one. It surrounds the cell, acting as a
protective barrier that controls what goes in and out. It's also
responsible for communication between the cell and its
environment.

2. Nucleus:

Think of the nucleus as the cell's control centre. Inside this spherical organelle lies the cell's
genetic material, DNA. The nucleus manages all the cell's activities, from growth and
reproduction to carrying out its specific functions.

46
3. Cytoplasm:

The cytoplasm is the cell's jelly-like substance that fills the space between the nucleus and the
cell membrane. It's like the cell's soup, containing various organelles and supporting their
activities.

4. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):

The endoplasmic reticulum is like a manufacturing plant within the cell. It comes in two types:
rough ER, studded with ribosomes, and smooth ER, lacking ribosomes. Rough ER is involved in
protein synthesis, while smooth ER helps with lipid metabolism and detoxification.

5. Ribosomes:

Ribosomes are the cell's protein factories. They're found either floating in the cytoplasm or
attached to the rough ER. Ribosomes read the instructions from the DNA and assemble proteins
accordingly.

6. Golgi Apparatus:

The Golgi apparatus is the cell's post office. It packages and processes proteins and lipids made
by the ER and prepares them for transport to their respective destinations within or outside the
cell.

7. Mitochondria:

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. They produce energy in the form of adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) through a process called cellular respiration. Think of them as the cell's
generators.

8. Vacuoles:

Vacuoles are like the cell's storage units. They can store water, nutrients, or waste products.
Plant cells often have a large central vacuole that helps maintain cell turgor pressure.

9. Lysosomes:

Lysosomes are the cell's recycling centres. They contain enzymes that break down waste
materials and cellular debris. Lysosomes help maintain cellular cleanliness and functionality.

10. Cytoskeleton:

The cytoskeleton is like the cell's scaffold or internal skeleton. It consists of microfilaments and
microtubules that provide structural support, help with cell movement, and facilitate intracellular
transport.

47
11. Centrioles (in Animal Cells):

Centrioles are found in animal cells and play a crucial role in cell division. They organise the
microtubules during mitosis and meiosis.

12. Chloroplasts (in Plant Cells):

Chloroplasts are exclusive to plant cells. They

contain chlorophyll, which enables
photosynthesis—the process by which plants
convert sunlight into energy.

These are the fundamental parts of a typical

eukaryotic cell. While each organelle has a
specific role, they work together harmoniously,
allowing cells to carry out their functions efficiently.

48
How Do Cells Work Together?

In multicellular organisms, cells come together and collaborate to perform specific functions
necessary for the organism's survival. Each type of cell has a unique role in the body, and cells
of the same kind work together to carry out their designated tasks. This harmonious
cooperation is essential for the overall well-being of the organism.

Tissues: Cells in Harmony

When cells of the same kind join forces to perform a particular function, they create what is
known as a tissue (pronounced TISH•ew). Tissues are specialised groups of cells that work
together seamlessly. In both animals and plants, different tissues have distinct roles:

● Animal Tissues: Examples include muscle tissue (enabling movement), blood

(transporting vital substances), nerves (transmitting signals), bone (providing support),
and skin (protecting the body).
● Plant Tissues: In plants, tissues carry out tasks like transporting water from roots to
stems to leaves and forming the fleshy parts of fruits.

49
Organs:

Tissues with different functions come together to create even more complex structures called
organs. Organs are remarkable entities with specific roles within the organism. Examples of
organs include:

● Animal Organs: Brain (controlling body functions), lungs (enabling breathing), heart
(pumping blood), and stomach (digesting food).
● Plant Organs: Stems (support and transportation) and fruits (reproductive structures).

Organ Systems:

While organs play critical roles, they do not work in isolation. Multiple organs, each contributing
its unique capabilities, unite to form an organ system. Organ systems are the ultimate team
players in the body, working collectively to carry out vital functions. Examples of organ systems
include:

● Animal Organ Systems: Digestive system (breaking down food for energy), circulatory
system (transporting nutrients and oxygen), skeletal system (providing structure and
support).
● Plant Organ Systems: Root system (anchoring the plant and absorbing nutrients) and
shoot system (comprising stems and leaves, responsible for photosynthesis).

In both animals and plants, the synergy between cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems is
essential for maintaining life and ensuring the smooth operation of various physiological
processes. This collaborative effort among the different levels of organisation allows organisms
to thrive and adapt to their environments.

50
Structure and Function in Cells: A Perfect Partnership

In the microscopic world of cells, form follows function in a remarkable dance of harmony. The
structure of a cell is intricately linked to its function, and this close relationship is fundamental
to the survival and operation of all living organisms.

● Red Blood Cells: These are biconcave disks that maximise surface area for oxygen
absorption and transport.
● Neurons: Nerve cells have long extensions called axons and dendrites, facilitating rapid
communication.
● Muscle Cells: Elongated and packed with contractile proteins, allowing for muscle
contraction.
● White Blood Cells: These cells have flexible, amoeba-like structures to squeeze through
blood vessel walls and reach infection sites.

A short note about cancer:

Cancer is a word that you may have heard before, but what does it really mean? Imagine our
body as a city with billions of tiny workers called cells. These cells have important jobs to do,
like building and repairing our body's parts. But sometimes, something goes wrong, and these
cells start to behave strangely, growing and multiplying too quickly. This is what we call cancer.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that happens when our body's cells start to grow out of control. Normally,
our cells follow a set of rules, like when to grow, when to rest, and when to stop growing. But in
cancer, these cells stop following the rules.

How Does Cancer Start?

Cancer usually starts when something damages our cells' DNA. DNA is like a tiny instruction
book inside every cell, telling it what to do. When the DNA is damaged, the instructions can get
mixed up, and the cell may start growing uncontrollably. This can happen because of things like
smoking, too much sun, or even some things we inherit from our parents.

51
Unit 2.1: Transportation Systems in Living Things

Overview:
The overarching idea of structure and function of parts in plant systems is seen throughout
this unit. Students unpack concepts about the structures of plants, transport systems (water
and nutrients), and photosynthesis in plants. The unit also addresses the structure and
function of three different transport systems (digestion, respiration and circulation) found in
animals.

Enduring Understanding: Essential Questions:

● Living things have structures to ● How does studying cycles help us to
transport materials. understand natural processes?
● All organ systems of the human body ● How does studying interactions
are interdependent upon one another between and within systems help us
and perform specific functions. to understand natural processes?
● Interactions between cells, tissues, ● How do humans and plants transport
organs, and organ systems are the nutrients to all their cells?
reason animals/humans, and plants
stay healthy and function normally.
● All living things need food to satisfy
basic energy requirements.

Topic/Content
In this unit we will learn about:
● Structures and functions of organ systems in animals and plants
● Transportation systems in plants: roots and stems.
● Transportation systems in animals:
● Respiratory system-Structure and function of the lungs
● Circulatory system - Blood as a transport system.
● Digestive system
● Systems work together

Essential Vocabulary:
● Xylem, Phloem, Diaphragm, Inhale, Exhale, Carbon dioxide, Respiratory system,
Trachea, Alveoli, Bronchi, Circulatory system, Blood, Arteries, Veins, Capillaries, Heart,
Oxygenate, Blood vessels, Digestion, Enzymes

52
How do materials move in plants?

A tree may look still. However, materials are moving inside a tree. Vascular plants have tubes
running through the roots, stems, and leaves. These tubes bring materials up to the leaves. The
leaves make food (sugar). The sugar then is carried to the rest of the plant.

53
Roots

Inside a root, there are tiny tubes made of vascular tissue. Toward the centre, xylem moves
water and minerals up from the ground through the root to the stem. Around the centre, phloem
carries sugar from the leaves down the stem and into the root. Roots come in many sizes and
shapes. Carrots and beets have thick taproots that grow deep into the soil. Grasses have thin,
fibrous roots. Corn plants have finger-like prop roots.

What is the transport system made of?

You saw that a root has two kinds of tubes made from vascular tissue, xylem and phloem. They
continue up from the root all the way through the stem. In different kinds of stems, the xylem
and phloem are arranged differently. There is a layer of cells called cambium in both stems.
Cambium is where new cells of xylem and phloem are made.

Tree Rings

A tree stump gives you a view of the outside and inside of a

woody stem, a tree trunk. Bark along the outside is a layer of
bark. Bark protects the trunk. Just inside the bark is a layer of
phloem. Inside the phloem are rings. The rings are layers of
xylem. A ring of xylem grows every year. So by counting the rings
you can tell the age of the tree. Start from the inside, the oldest
part. Each ring has two parts. The lighter part grows in the spring
when water is usually plentiful. The dark part grows in the fall
when there is less rain.

54
What do leaves do?

A leaf is a factory that makes food (sugar). To make food, a leaf needs two raw materials: water
and carbon dioxide. Look at the diagram to see how a leaf gets these two raw materials. Veins
are narrow tubes that carry water from the soil, up through the roots and stem, and into the leaf.
Stomata are tiny holes in the bottom of a leaf or stem. The word for one hole is stoma. The
stomata are surrounded by guard cells. When the guard cells open the stomata, carbon dioxide
comes in. Guard cells can close the stomata to keep a plant from drying up.

55
Food Making

Food is made in cells just under the epidermis , which is the

outermost layer of a leaf. It is also made in cells of some stems.
Food is made in chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are cell parts with a green
substance that traps sunlight. Carbon dioxide and water enter the
chloroplasts. In the presence of sunlight, these two raw materials
combine to form sugar and oxygen. The Phloem carries the food to
all parts of the plant, and oxygen goes out of the stomata.

Respiratory System

Even when you are at rest, a lot of activities are occurring inside your body. For example, your
body is sending messages, transporting nutrients, and creating new cells. The cells in your body
need a lot of energy to perform these activities. Where does this energy come from? If you
answered food, you are only partly right.

Cells also need oxygen to release the energy that is stored in food molecules such as glucose.
They do this through cellular respiration. Each time you breathe in, the respiratory system takes
in the oxygen that your cells require to carry out cellular respiration. Carbon dioxide and water
are also produced when cells carry out cellular respiration. Your body gets rid of carbon dioxide
every time you breathe out. The process of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide is
called gas exchange . Gas exchange occurs in your lungs.

56
Components of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system includes many different organs that work together for gas exchange to
take place.

Gas Exchange Takes Place in the Alveoli

Once air reaches the lungs, the

actual exchange of gases occurs
between the blood and the alveoli.
Alveoli are clusters of tiny air sacs in
the lungs. The wall of each alveolus
is a single layer of cells. Alveoli are
surrounded by a network of tiny
blood vessels called capillaries. The
wall of each capillary also is a single
layer of cells. The ultra-thin walls of
both the alveoli and the capillaries
allow the exchange of gases
between the air and the blood. Once the air enters the capillaries, oxygen from the air is taken up
by the red blood cells. The red blood cells are responsible for transporting gases in the
bloodstream. Oxygen diffuses through the walls of the alveoli, through the capillary walls, and
into the red blood cells. The blood also releases carbon dioxide into the lungs. The path that
carbon dioxide follows is the reverse of the path that oxygen follows. Carbon dioxide diffuses
from the blood through the capillary walls, through the walls of the alveoli, and into the alveoli.
Once in the lungs, the carbon dioxide is exhaled with the next breath.

The respiratory system carries oxygen to and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. The
system that transports these gases between the lungs and the cells is the circulatory system.

Can you analyse the impact of air pollution on respiratory health, and what measures can be
taken to mitigate its effects?

57
How the Circulatory System Works

The cells in the body require a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. They also require the
removal of carbon dioxide and other wastes. The circulatory system ensures that both delivery
and clean-up occur by transporting blood through the body. The blood carries oxygen and
nutrients to the cells. It also carries carbon dioxide and other wastes away from the cells. Blood
is pumped through the circulatory system by the heart and travels to and from the cells in the
blood vessels.

The Heart: The Pump of the Circulatory System

The heart is the muscular organ that drives the circulatory system. It pumps blood to the cells
and then back to the heart. The arrows and numbers in Figures 1.21 show the path that the
blood takes as it moves through the body, heart, and lungs.

Figure 1.21 Blood flows through the human heart. The arrows show the direction of blood flow.

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Blood Vessels: The Branches of the Circulatory System

There are many different blood vessels in the human body. The main blood
vessels are arteries and veins. These blood vessels branch out from the heart as
shown in Figure 1.22. As they move toward the cells, they branch out and grow
smaller and smaller. This allows them to bring blood to all the cells in the body.
As they move away from the cells, they combine and grow larger again. The
changes in the size of the blood vessels are shown.

Figure 1.22 The arteries and veins in the circulatory system branch out from the
heart. Oxygen-rich blood is shown in red. Carbon dioxide-rich blood is shown in
blue.

​
​ List two functions of the circulatory system.
​ Agree or disagree with this statement and give your reasons: “The heart, arteries, and
veins exist to get the blood to the capillaries and from the capillaries.”
​ Why do you think that the muscle around the left ventricle is larger than the one around
the right ventricle? (Hint: How far does each ventricle have to pump blood?)

59
The Digestive System Breaks Down Food, Absorbs Nutrients, and Eliminates Solid
Waste

The digestive system is a 10 m long coil of churning muscle. Here are a few facts about the
digestive system that you may find surprising:
● The stomach contains chemicals that are as powerful as battery acid.
● Saliva glands near the mouth create an entire litre of saliva each day.
● The digestive system is home to bacteria that produce over 100 L of gas each year. This
gas passes from the digestive system about 14 times a day!

Processes Carried Out by the Digestive System

The digestive system completes the following four tasks

in the body:
● Ingestion: Food is taken into the body.
● Digestion: Food is broken down into nutrients
physically (through dissolving and breaking it into
smaller bits) and chemically (through chemical
reactions).
● Absorption: During absorption, nutrients diffuse or
are moved into the blood. Energy from these
nutrients is made available to cells through cellular
respiration.
● Elimination: Solid waste passes from the digestive
system out of the body.

The Coordination of Organ Systems

Most tasks in the body need the support of two or more organ systems working together. Taking
cellular respiration, for instance, requires oxygen and food. The respiratory system brings
oxygen into the lungs when you breathe. The digestive system breaks food down into nutrients
such as glucose.

60
Now the circulatory system enters the picture. It transports glucose and other nutrients from the
digestive system to the cells. The circulatory system also transports oxygen from the lungs to
the cells. Now the cells have what they need for cellular respiration: oxygen and glucose.

The teamwork doesn’t end there, however. The circulatory system also transports carbon
dioxide waste from the cells to the lungs of the respiratory system. Through gas exchange in the
lungs, the carbon dioxide waste is removed from your body when you breathe out.

How the Organ Systems Work Together

All the systems have to perform their role for the overall task to be completed successfully. In
this way, the organ systems are like the runners in a relay race. Each runner needs to pick up the
baton from another runner, run with it, and then pass it to the next runner to complete the race.
In your body, organ systems work together in a similar way to complete tasks such as cellular
respiration.

Analyse the impact of a balanced diet on digestive health. What happens when we consume
excessive amounts of unhealthy foods, and how can this lead to digestive disorders?

61
62
Unit 2.2: Making Waves - Light and Sound

Overview:
In this unit, students use a model of waves to describe patterns of waves in terms of
amplitude and wavelength and to show that waves can cause objects to move. Students
experience the phenomenon of waves through videos, simulations, and readings. Through
these experiences, they learn that waves are repeating patterns of motion that transfer energy
from place to place. They analyse compression waves (sound waves) to learn the general
properties of waves—amplitude, wavelength, and frequency.

Enduring Understanding: Essential Questions:

● Waves are a repeating pattern of ● What is a wave?
motion that transfer energy from ● What do waves have to do with
place to place. energy?
● Energy can be transmitted from a ● How are waves used to transfer
source as waves. energy and information?
● Waves carry energy from one place to ● How does the behaviour of light affect
another our everyday lives?
● Some electromagnetic waves can be
detected by humans (light); others can
be detected by designed technologies
(radio waves, cell phones).

Topic/Content
In this unit we will learn about:
● Introducing Waves , Properties of Waves
● Amplitude and Wavelength
● Longitudinal and Transverse Wave
● Electromagnetic Waves
● Wavelength and Energy
● Visible Spectrum
● Telescopes
● Sound Energy
● Sound Waves and Matter

Essential Vocabulary:
● Longitudinal Waves, Transverse Waves, Amplitude, Frequency, Wavelength, Crest,
Trough, Electromagnetic Radiation, Electromagnetic Waves, Visible Spectrum, Prism,
Sound, Pitch, Loud , Quiet, Intensity, Decibel, Vibrate, Medium, Density

63
Waves are fundamental phenomena that play a crucial role in the propagation of various forms
of energy, including sound and light. Waves are disturbances that travel through space or a
medium, carrying energy without displacing matter itself. They are essential to understanding
the behaviour of both sound and light.

Sound Waves:

Sound waves are mechanical waves, which means they require

a medium to travel through, such as air, water, or solids. When
you speak, play a musical instrument, or make any noise, you
create vibrations in the air molecules around you. These
vibrations travel as compressions (regions of higher pressure)
and rarefactions (regions of lower pressure) through the
medium, creating a sound wave.

Key characteristics of sound waves:

● Frequency: This refers to the number of vibrations

or cycles that occur in one second and is
measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequencies
correspond to higher-pitched sounds, while lower
frequencies result in lower-pitched sounds.
● Amplitude: Amplitude represents the maximum
displacement of air particles from their resting
position during a wave. It determines the loudness
or volume of a sound. Greater amplitude means a
louder sound.
● Wavelength: Wavelength is the distance between
two consecutive points in a sound wave that are
in phase, such as two successive compressions or rarefactions.

Close your eyes and list three sounds in this box. Are they high pitched or low pitched?
Observe and record.

1.

2.

3.

64
Light Waves:

Light waves, on the other hand, are electromagnetic

waves, which do not require a medium to propagate
and can travel through a vacuum (like space). They
are a form of radiant energy that consists of electric
and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to
each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

Key characteristics of light waves:

● Frequency: Light waves also have a frequency, but the range is much broader than that
of sound waves. Visible light, which humans can perceive, spans a narrow range of
frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum.
● Wavelength: Different colours of light correspond to different wavelengths within the
visible spectrum. For example, red light has a longer wavelength than blue light.
● Speed: Light waves travel at an incredible speed, approximately 299,792,458 metres per
second (in a vacuum).

The Anatomy of a Wave

● Crest and Trough: Let's start by looking at the highest and lowest points of a wave. The
highest part of a wave is called the crest, while the lowest part is known as the trough.
Imagine riding the gentle waves at the beach—the crest is the exciting peak you reach
before going down into the trough.
● Wavelength: Now, imagine a line connecting two consecutive crests or two consecutive
troughs. The length of this line is called the wavelength. It's like measuring the distance
between the tops of the waves in the ocean.
● Amplitude: But what about the distance from the very top of a crest to the very bottom of
a trough? That's called the amplitude or wave height. It's like measuring how tall the
waves are from the highest point to the lowest point. The bigger the amplitude, the taller
the waves!

65
Understanding Frequency

Now that we know the parts of a wave, let's explore

frequency. Frequency tells us how many waves pass a
particular point in just one second. We measure
frequency in units called hertz (Hz). It's like counting
how many waves reach the shore in a single second at
the beach.

● Amplitude and Wavelength Connection: Have you ever

wondered why some waves at the beach are small and
others are big and powerful? It's all about amplitude!
When a wave has a high amplitude, it means the
particles in the wave are moving over a large distance.
Think of it as the particles doing more work (force and
distance). The more work they do, the more energy the
wave has. So, waves with large amplitudes have more
energy than those with small amplitudes.

● Real-World Examples: Imagine you're at the ocean.

Small, gentle waves may not have the energy to knock you
over, but larger ones can. In sound waves, the amplitude
determines how loud the sound is. Louder sounds have
greater amplitudes. In light waves, the amplitude decides how
bright the light appears. Bright lights have larger amplitudes.

Energy from the Sun

● Radiation from the Sun: the energy we receive

from the Sun is known as radiation. This radiant energy is
a fundamental part of our existence on Earth.

Electromagnetic Waves

● They are a specific type of wave

responsible for carrying radiation
or energy.

66
Electromagnetic waves:

Electromagnetic waves, often referred to as electromagnetic radiation, are a form of energy that
propagates through space in the form of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. These waves
do not require a medium (substance) to travel through and can travel through a vacuum, such as
outer space. Electromagnetic waves are diverse and span a broad spectrum of frequencies and
wavelengths.

Here are some key characteristics of electromagnetic waves:

Spectrum: Electromagnetic waves are classified based on their frequency (or wavelength) on
the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum includes various types of waves, ranging from
low-frequency radio waves to high-frequency gamma rays.

Types of Waves: Common types of electromagnetic waves, in order of increasing frequency and
decreasing wavelength, include:

● Radio Waves
● Microwaves
● Infrared Waves
● Visible Light
● Ultraviolet Waves
● X-rays
● Gamma Rays

​ Speed: Electromagnetic waves all travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, which is
approximately 186,000 miles per second (or about 300,000 kilometers per second).

​ Wave-particle Duality: Electromagnetic waves exhibit both wave-like and particle-like

behaviour. When considered as waves, they have properties like wavelength and
frequency, while when considered as particles, they are referred to as photons.

​ Energy Transfer: Electromagnetic waves transport energy from one place to another.
The energy carried by these waves depends on their frequency, with higher-frequency
waves carrying more energy.

​ Interaction with Matter: Electromagnetic waves can interact with matter in various ways,
including absorption, reflection, refraction, and transmission. The interactions depend on
the properties of the material and the wavelength of the wave.

​ Applications: Electromagnetic waves have numerous practical applications in our daily

lives. For example, radio waves are used for communication, microwaves for cooking,

67
 infrared waves for remote sensing, visible light for vision, and X-rays for medical
imaging.

Visible Spectrum

Visible light is a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the
human eye. It is the range of electromagnetic waves that our eyes are sensitive to, allowing us
to perceive and see various colours in our environment. Visible light spans a range of
wavelengths, typically between approximately 400 nanometers (nm), corresponding to violet
light, and 700 nanometers, corresponding to red light.

The colours of the visible light spectrum, in order of increasing wavelength, include violet, blue,
green, yellow, orange, and red. When all these colours are combined, they create what we
perceive as white light. Objects appear to have different colours because they absorb certain
wavelengths of light while reflecting others. For example, a red apple appears red because it
reflects red wavelengths of light and absorbs other colours.

Visible light is an essential part of our daily experience, allowing us to see and appreciate the
colours, shapes, and details of the world around us. It plays a crucial role in our perception of
the environment and is fundamental to human vision

68
Think and answer!
How are microwaves and the Sun’s light alike?

69
Sound

Sound is a fascinating and fundamental aspect

of our lives. It surrounds us every day, providing
a means of communication, entertainment, and
a way to perceive the world. But what exactly is
sound, and how does it work? Let's dive into the
world of sound waves and discover their
properties and significance.

What is Sound?

Sound is a form of energy that travels through a medium, such as air, water, or solids, in the form
of mechanical waves. These waves consist of compressions (areas of high pressure) and
rarefactions (areas of low pressure) that propagate through the medium.

Properties of Sound Waves:

Frequency: The frequency of a sound wave refers to the number of oscillations (vibrations) it
makes per second and is measured in hertz (Hz). High-frequency waves have more oscillations
per second and are perceived as high-pitched sounds, like a whistle. Low-frequency waves have
fewer oscillations and result in low-pitched sounds, such as a bass drum.

Amplitude: Amplitude measures the strength or intensity of a sound wave and is related to its
loudness. Greater amplitude corresponds to louder sounds, while smaller amplitude produces
quieter sounds. Think of the difference between a whisper and a shout.

Wavelength: Wavelength represents the distance between two consecutive compressions or

rarefactions in a sound wave. It's inversely proportional to frequency, meaning higher-frequency
sounds have shorter wavelengths, and lower-frequency sounds have longer wavelengths.

Sound waves require a medium for propagation, which means they need a material substance to
travel through. Unlike electromagnetic waves, such as light, which can travel through a vacuum
(empty space), sound waves cannot propagate in a vacuum. Here are some common media
through which sound can propagate:

Air: Sound most commonly travels through air, making it the medium we associate with hearing.
When you speak or clap your hands, you create sound waves that travel through the air to reach
your ears.

70
Water: Sound travels exceptionally well through water, much faster than it does through air. This
is why underwater creatures like whales and dolphins use sound for communication and
navigation.

Solids: Sound can also propagate through solid materials. In fact, sound travels even faster
through solids than through liquids or gases. For example, you can hear sound when you tap on
a solid wooden door or through the rails of a train track.

Liquids: Sound waves can travel through liquids, like water, although not as quickly as through
solids. This property is exploited in applications such as sonar technology for underwater
navigation and exploration.

Gases: As mentioned earlier, sound waves travel through gases like air. However, the speed of
sound in different gases may vary due to differences in density and compressibility.

How Sound is Produced:

Sound is generated when an object vibrates. These

vibrations disturb the molecules in the surrounding
medium, causing them to compress and rarefy in a
wave-like pattern. Here's how sound is produced in some
common scenarios:

71
 ● In musical instruments, like a guitar or piano, strings or air columns vibrate when played,
producing musical notes.
● The vocal cords in your throat vibrate when you speak or sing, creating a range of
sounds for communication and expression.
● When an object is struck, like a bell or drum, it vibrates, emitting sound waves that we
hear as a ringing or drumming sound.

The Speed of Sound:

The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels. In dry air at room
temperature, sound travels at approximately 343 metres per second (m/s) or around 1235
kilometres per hour (km/h). However, sound travels faster in denser materials like water
(approximately 1,480 m/s) and even faster in solids.

The Human Ear:

Our ears are remarkable sensory organs that detect and process sound waves. The outer ear
captures sound waves and funnels them into the ear canal. These waves then strike the
eardrum, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations are transferred to tiny bones in the middle ear,
which amplify the sound before passing it to the inner ear. In the inner ear, hair cells convert the
mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.

Applications of Sound:

Sound has numerous practical applications, including:

● Communication: Speech and language are essential forms of human communication,
made possible by sound waves.
● Music: The art of music relies on sound waves to create melodies, harmonies, and
rhythms.
● Medicine: Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to visualise the inside of the body,
aiding in diagnostics and monitoring pregnancies.
● Sonar: Sound navigation and ranging (sonar) systems use sound waves to map the
ocean floor, locate underwater objects, and study marine life.

72
Investigate the impact of sound on marine life, particularly underwater noise pollution. How
does excessive underwater noise affect aquatic ecosystems and the behaviour of marine
animals?

73
Unit 3.0: Earth’s System

Overview:
Students will investigate Earth systems by making observations in nature and identifying
systems in the natural world. The students will understand how the four spheres/systems on
Earth (biosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and atmosphere) are interconnected. The unit will
also explain how humans are impacting the Earth through farming, mining, pollution and
climate change but measures can be taken by people and communities to save our natural
resources and environment.

Enduring Understanding: Essential Questions:

● Systems interact and influence each ● How are Earth’s systems connected?
other. ● Why is it important to understand
● Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and life Earth’s systems?
are constantly changing due to ● What makes our planet unique?
internal ● What role does Earth’s atmosphere
● and external forces. play in supporting life on Earth?
● Humans depend on and modify ● What influence do humans have on
Earth’s resources and systems. Earth’s environment?

Topic/Content
In this unit we will learn about:
● Earth Systems
● Earth System Interactions
● Human Impact on Earth Systems
● Recycling

Essential Vocabulary:
● System, Geosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Terrarium, Event,
Interaction, Pollution, Global Warming, Recycle

74
Earth system

The Earth system refers to the complex and interconnected set of physical, chemical, biological,
and geological processes and components that make up the Earth as a whole. It encompasses
all aspects of the Earth, including its atmosphere, hydrosphere (water bodies), lithosphere (solid
Earth), and biosphere (living organisms). The Earth system is a dynamic and interactive system
where various components and processes influence and regulate one another.

Key components of the Earth system include:

​ Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth. It includes the troposphere
(where weather occurs), stratosphere (contains the ozone layer), mesosphere,
thermosphere, and exosphere.
​ Hydrosphere: All the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and ice.
Water is constantly cycling through various processes like evaporation, condensation,
and precipitation.
​ Lithosphere: The solid Earth, including the Earth's crust, mantle, and core. It contains
geological features such as mountains, continents, and tectonic plate boundaries.
​ Biosphere: The part of the Earth where living organisms exist. This includes all forms of
life, from microorganisms to plants, animals, and humans. The biosphere interacts with
the other components, and life on Earth has a profound impact on the planet's systems.

75
The Earth system operates through a series of feedback loops and interactions. Changes in one
component can have far-reaching effects on others. For example, alterations in the
atmosphere's composition (e.g., increased greenhouse gases) can impact global temperatures
and climate patterns, which, in turn, affect ecosystems and sea levels.

Studying Earth systems is crucial for several reasons:

Understanding Our Home: Earth is our planet, and studying its systems helps us gain a deeper
understanding of the environment we live in, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility
toward it.

Predicting Natural Hazards: Earth system science allows us to monitor and forecast natural
disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, saving lives and minimising damage through
early warnings and preparedness.

Addressing Climate Change: It is essential for comprehending climate change, its causes, and
effects. This knowledge informs strategies to mitigate climate change, reduce emissions, and
adapt to its impacts.

Conservation of Biodiversity: It plays a critical role in preserving biodiversity by identifying

endangered species, protecting ecosystems, and making informed decisions about
conservation efforts.

Environmental Protection: Understanding Earth systems helps monitor and address

environmental issues such as pollution, habitat loss, and ecosystem health, supporting efforts
to protect and restore our environment.

Human Health: It contributes to our knowledge of how environmental factors affect human
health, enabling us to identify and mitigate health risks associated with pollutants, pathogens,
and natural disasters.

Geosphere:

● The Geosphere refers to the solid part of the Earth, including the
rocks, minerals, and landforms that make up the planet's surface.
● It extends from the Earth's surface down to its core,
encompassing the crust, mantle, and inner core.
● Geologists study the Geosphere to understand Earth's history,
the formation of mountains, continents, and the movement of tectonic
plates.
● It plays a crucial role in providing a habitat for life, as it supports
the growth of plants and provides a foundation for terrestrial ecosystems.

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Hydrosphere:

● The Hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth, whether it's found in
oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, underground aquifers, or even in the
form of water vapour in the atmosphere.
● It is a dynamic system where water continually cycles through
processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
● The Hydrosphere is essential for supporting life, as water is a
fundamental requirement for all living organisms.
● It influences climate patterns, shapes landscapes through erosion,
and provides transportation routes for trade and travel.

Biosphere:

● The Biosphere encompasses all living organisms on Earth

and their interactions with each other and their environment.
● It includes everything from microorganisms to plants,
animals, and humans, living in various ecosystems such as forests,
deserts, oceans, and grasslands.
● The Biosphere relies on the other Earth spheres for essential
resources like water, minerals, and gases.
● It plays a crucial role in regulating the composition of the
atmosphere and influencing global biogeochemical cycles.

Atmosphere:

● The Atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds Earth,

held in place by gravity. It consists of a mixture of gases,
primarily nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%),
along with trace amounts of other gases like carbon dioxide
and argon.
● It is divided into different layers, including the troposphere
(where weather occurs), stratosphere (home to the ozone
layer), mesosphere, and thermosphere.
● The Atmosphere plays a critical role in regulating Earth's
climate by trapping heat through the greenhouse effect and shielding the planet from
harmful solar radiation.
● Weather patterns, climate, and atmospheric conditions are studied in this sphere by
meteorologists and climatologists.

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Layers of the Earth

The Earth consists of four main layers, each with distinct characteristics and properties. These
layers, from the innermost to the outermost, are the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust.
Let's explore each of these layers in detail:

1. Inner Core:
● The inner core is the Earth's innermost layer, located at the very center of our planet.
● It is primarily composed of solid iron and nickel, with temperatures reaching up to 5,700
degrees Celsius (10,300 degrees Fahrenheit) due to immense pressure.
● Despite the extreme heat, the inner core remains solid because of the immense pressure
at this depth.
● This layer plays a crucial role in Earth's magnetic field generation, as the movement of
the molten outer core around the solid inner core generates the planet's magnetic field.

2. Outer Core:
● The outer core surrounds the inner core and is a layer of molten, liquid iron and nickel.
● Temperatures in the outer core range from about 4,300 to 5,700 degrees Celsius (7,800
to 10,300 degrees Fahrenheit).
● The movement of the molten material in the outer core generates electric currents,
which, in turn, generate the Earth's magnetic field through the geodynamo process.
● This layer is responsible for Earth's magnetic field, which protects our planet from
harmful solar radiation.

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3. Mantle:
● The mantle is the thickest layer of the Earth, extending from the outer core to just
beneath the Earth's crust.
● It consists of solid rock, but the rock can flow slowly over geological timescales due to
high temperatures and pressure.
● Temperatures in the upper mantle range from about 500 to 900 degrees Celsius (932 to
1,652 degrees Fahrenheit), while deeper in the mantle, temperatures increase
significantly.
● Convection currents within the mantle are responsible for the movement of tectonic
plates at the Earth's surface, leading to processes like plate tectonics, volcanism, and
mountain formation.

4. Crust:
● The Earth's crust is the outermost layer and the one we directly interact with. It is also
the thinnest layer of the Earth.
● The crust is composed of solid rock, and it varies in thickness, with oceanic crust being
thinner (around 5-10 kilometres or 3-6 miles) and continental crust being thicker
(averaging about 30-50 kilometres or 18-31 miles).
● The Earth's crust is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that float on the
semi-fluid asthenosphere below.
● This layer is where all landforms, continents, and oceans are located. It is also where we
find a wide variety of geological features, including mountains, valleys, and plains.

Water Distribution on Earth

Water is the lifeblood of our planet, covering

approximately 71% of Earth's surface. Understanding
the distribution of water on Earth is essential for
appreciating the unique balance that sustains life.
Here's a breakdown of how Earth's water is
distributed:
​
Oceans:
● Oceans account for the vast majority of Earth's water, covering about 97.5% of
the planet's surface.
● The world's five major oceans are the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and
Arctic Oceans.
● These immense bodies of saltwater are essential for regulating Earth's climate,
storing heat, and supporting a diverse range of marine life.
​

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 Freshwater:

​
● While water is abundant on Earth, freshwater suitable for human consumption
and agriculture is relatively scarce, making up only about 2.5% of the total water.
● Most freshwater exists in the form of ice, primarily in glaciers and polar ice caps,
accounting for approximately 68.7% of the world's freshwater.
● Groundwater, found underground in aquifers, constitutes another significant
portion of freshwater, making up about 30.1%.
● Surface water, including lakes, rivers, and swamps, represents a smaller fraction,
approximately 0.3%.
● Only a minuscule portion of Earth's freshwater, around 0.3%, is readily accessible
for human use.
​
​ Glaciers and Ice Caps:

​
● Glaciers and ice caps are Earth's largest freshwater reservoirs. They are found in
polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland.
● These icy giants store freshwater in the form of ice, slowly releasing it into the
oceans over time.
● Glacier meltwater contributes to the flow of rivers and sustains ecosystems in
many parts of the world.
​

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​
​ Groundwater:

● Groundwater is the water stored beneath the Earth's surface, in rock layers known
as aquifers.
● It serves as a crucial source of freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
● Proper management of groundwater is essential to prevent over-extraction and
depletion.
​
​ Lakes and Rivers:
​

​
​
● Lakes and rivers are visible sources of freshwater on Earth's surface.
● They play a vital role in local ecosystems, providing habitats for diverse species
of plants and animals.
● Humans use these freshwater bodies for drinking water, transportation,
recreation, and irrigation.
​
​
​ Atmosphere:
● A small fraction of Earth's water, about 0.001%, exists in the form of water vapour
in the atmosphere.

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 ● This water vapour is crucial for weather patterns, cloud formation, and
precipitation.
Saline Lakes and Inland Seas:

● Some lakes, like the Caspian Sea and the

Great Salt Lake, have a high salinity level due to minimal
outflows, causing them to be categorised as saline lakes
or inland seas.
● While not suitable for drinking, these
water bodies support unique ecosystems and industries
like salt production.

Over six billion people live on planet Earth. As the population grows, we are taking more and
more land to live and using more of the world’s natural resources. Many human activities also
produce pollution, which is damaging the Earth’s environment.

HOW DOES FARMING CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT?

● Since farming began, 10,000 years ago, many wild landscapes have been transformed to
create fields for crops and raising animals.
● Swamps and coastal marshes have been drained.
● Forests have been felled and grasslands have been ploughed.
● However, removing tree and plant roots that help to bind the soil can make the soil loose
and crumbly.
● High winds may then blow it away, or heavy rain may wash it into rivers.
● In some areas, soil erosion has turned fertile farmland into barren wastes.

HOW DOES INDUSTRY AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT?

● With the start of industrial revolution in 1700’s factories have been built all over the
world.
● Factories consume huge amounts of natural resources and energy, and many give off
chemical waste.
● This creates problems such as air and water pollution, and global warming.

POLLUTION
All over the world, factories, power plants, farms, businesses, and homes produce huge
amounts of pollution by releasing chemicals and other substances that pollute, or dirty, the
natural environment. As people’s use of energy and other resources grows, the Earth is
becoming more polluted.

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WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF POLLUTION?
● Industrial waste, sewage, and chemical pesticides from farms seep into streams and
rivers.
● Cars, factories, and power plants burning fossil fuels give off fumes that pollute the air.
● Chemicals called CFCs (short for chlorofluorocarbons), used to make refrigerators and
aerosol sprays, destroy the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful sunlight.
● Household and other waste buried underground pollutes the land.

Water Pollution

How is water polluted?

As water runs over land, it soaks up substances that pollute the water. To pollute means to be
“dirty.” Water soaks up

• chemicals used to help crops to grow

• chemicals used to kill harmful insects

• waste products from farms and factories

• spilt motor oils and trash.

Polluted water flows into rivers. It soaks into groundwater. Water can be unsafe to use.

HOW LONG DOES POLLUTION LAST?

● Some kinds of pollution quickly disperse on the wind or are diluted by water.
● Other types, such as radioactive waste, stay poisonous for thousands of years.
● Plastics and other domestic garbage that are buried underground in landfill sites may
take many years to rot away completely.

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WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE POLLUTION?

● Around the world, scientists are investigating the damage caused by pollution.
● Governments have introduced controls that curb the pollution produced by industry and
farms, and restrict the development of land, especially in rural areas.
● Everyone can help to reduce pollution by using energy carefully, and by recycling glass
bottles, cans, plastic, and paper so that they can be reused.
● This helps to save precious natural resources and cuts down on waste and litter.

GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming is the slow and steady rise in Earth’s

temperature caused by a buildup of “greenhouse gases” in
the air due to pollution.

WHAT IS CAUSING GLOBAL WARMING?

● Global warming is caused by the increased level of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere.
● These gases are released from car exhausts and when fossil fuels are burned in
factories and power plants.
● Greenhouse gases also include CFCs from aerosols and old refrigerators, and methane
from swamps, gas pipes, and rotting garbage.

HOW IS GLOBAL WARMING AFFECT EVERYDAY LIFE?

● Global warming melts the polar ice caps, bringing greater risk of floods to low-lying and
coastal regions worldwide.
● Heat waves, droughts, hurricanes, and torrential rain have become more common.
● To prevent global warming, many countries are now trying to reduce their output of
carbon dioxide and use renewable energy sources.

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 Scientific Reading

Water Pollution Sources and Impacts

Water pollution can originate from various sources, posing significant threats to ecosystems
and human health. Understanding the origins and consequences of water pollution is essential
for addressing this global concern. Here are some key sources and impacts of water pollution:
​
​ Industrial Pollution:
● Source: Industries release various chemical wastes and pollutants into water
bodies, including lakes and rivers, through both direct discharges and
groundwater contamination.
● Impact: These chemical pollutants can contaminate aquatic environments,
harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. They may also render water
unsafe for human consumption.
​
​ Acid Rain:
● Source: Airborne pollutants from factories and vehicles can combine with
rainwater, forming weak acids that fall to the Earth's surface.
● Impact: Acid rain can damage plants, aquatic life, buildings, and statues. It
affects the pH levels of water bodies, making them less hospitable to certain
species.
​
​ Oil Spills:
● Source: Oil spills often result from accidents involving ships carrying oil. These
spills release large amounts of oil into the ocean.
● Impact: Oil coats the fur and feathers of wildlife, causing harm to mammals and
birds. It can also lead to shoreline contamination, affecting coastal ecosystems.
​
​ Agricultural Runoff:
● Source: Farmers use fertilisers and pesticides to boost crop growth, and these
chemicals can wash into water bodies during rainfall.
● Impact: Excessive nutrients from fertilisers can trigger algal blooms, which
deplete oxygen levels in water bodies, leading to fish kills and disruptions in
aquatic ecosystems.

​ Sewage and Human Wastes:

● Source: Sewage systems and inadequate sanitation in many regions allow
human and animal wastes to enter water sources.
● Impact: These wastes carry disease-causing pathogens and contaminants,
posing health risks and contributing to the pollution of water supplies.

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Addressing Water Pollution:

While industries and human activities are essential for societal well-being, managing water
pollution is critical. Scientists and experts worldwide are continually researching ways to
minimise and mitigate the impacts of water pollution. Sustainable practices, improved waste
management, and stricter regulations play key roles in safeguarding water quality for future
generations.

Think and answer:

1. Explain the concept of the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' hierarchy. How do these three
principles work together to minimise waste?
2. What are the environmental benefits of recycling paper and cardboard products? How
can consumers contribute to paper recycling efforts?

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