Chapter 4: Getting to Know Plants
Explore the world of plants with Gopu, Simmi, and Raj!
🌱 Chapter Summary
This chapter introduces children to the amazing variety of plants around us — trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, climbers, and creepers. Through the journey of Gopu, Simmi, and Raj, students learn to observe plant parts like leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits. They also explore how plants grow differently, how smell and touch help us know them, and how to take care of them like friends. Activities like naming plants, making plant friends, leaf and bark observations, and rangoli from fallen leaves make this chapter fun and hands-on. It helps develop curiosity, care, and respect for nature.
Let Us Answer
Page 49
Write the names of trees you can recognise. Where have you seen them?
Ans:
- Mango – in my school garden
- Neem – near my house
- Coconut – at my grandmother’s village
- Banyan – near the temple
- Peepal – beside the main road
Page 50
1. Write the names of some shrubs. Have you seen them?
Ans:
- Rose
- Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- Hibiscus
- Curry Leaf
Yes, I have seen them in home gardens and parks.
2. Do you know what they are called in your mother tongue?
Ans:
- Rose – गुलाब (Hindi/Marathi)
- Tulsi – तुलसी
- Curry Leaf – कढीपत्ता
Page 51
Write the names of some herbs and where you have seen them.
Ans:
- Mint – at home kitchen garden
- Tomato – in our balcony pots
- Coriander – used in cooking
- Mustard – in farms near village
Page 54
1. Is this a creeper or a climber? What do you call it in your language?
Ans: Climber – called "lauki" in Hindi (example: bottle gourd).
2. Write names of climbers/creepers you’ve seen and where.
Ans:
- Money Plant – on house wall
- Pumpkin – in the backyard
- Jasmine – on garden fence
- Watermelon – in farms
Page 57
1. Do leaves change colour as they grow?
Ans: Yes, new leaves are light green; older ones are darker.
2. Do old leaves fall?
Ans: Yes, brown dry leaves fall to the ground.
3. Any flowers or fruits?
Ans: Yes, small yellow flowers sometimes bloom.
4. Other observations?
Ans: Ants crawl on the plant; butterflies visit flowers.
Page 58
What are the parts of a plant?
Ans:
- Roots
- Stem
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Seeds
Activity: Label parts on a diagram of a tomato plant in your notebook.
Activities
Page 56: Plant Observation Table
| Plant Part | Shape | Colour | Many/Few/None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Oval | Green | Many |
| Flowers | Round Petals | Yellow | Few |
| Fruits | Small, oval | Green | None |
Instructions: Observe a plant near you and fill a similar table in your notebook.
Page 59: Bark Activity Observation
Example:
- Tree: Neem
- Bark: Rough texture, brownish grey
- Insects seen: Ants and a spider
- Other: A bird was sitting on a branch
Instructions: Observe a tree’s bark, note its texture and color, and record any insects or animals seen.
Let Us Reflect
Page 60–61: A. Discuss
1. What would happen if there were no plants?
Ans: There would be no oxygen, food, or shade. Animals and humans couldn’t survive.
2. How does the root help a plant to grow?
Ans: Roots hold the plant in the soil and absorb water and nutrients.
3. What is the role of the stem?
Ans: The stem supports the plant and carries water and food to all parts.
Page 60–61: B. Write
1. List names of plants near school/home with type:
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Mango | Tree |
| Tulsi | Shrub |
| Tomato | Herb |
| Grass | Grass |
| Money Plant | Climber |
| Pumpkin | Creeper |
2. Which plant part helped you identify the type?
Ans: The stem helped me identify — whether it is thick, soft, or needs support.
3. Describe your favourite plant.
Ans: My favourite plant is the Mango Tree. It gives sweet fruit, has big green leaves, and thick shade. I love sitting under it.
Page 60–61: C. Draw
Draw different leaves:
- Neem – long, pointed
- Mango – oval
- Tulsi – small, round
- Banana – big and broad
Instructions: Label and colour the leaves in your notebook.
Page 60–61: D. Rangoli Activity
Instructions: Collect fallen leaves and flowers, and use them to make a rangoli or shapes of animals and flowers. Display in class with teacher guidance.
Concepts Covered
- Types of plants: Trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, climbers, creepers
- Plant parts: Roots, stem, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds
- Observing plants: Shape, color, texture, smell
- Plant growth and changes (leaf color, falling leaves)
- Caring for plants: Watering, protecting, respecting
- Importance of plants: Oxygen, food, shade
- Creative activities: Leaf rangoli, bark observation
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