CBSE Class 3 EVS Chapter 2: The Plant Fairy NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by · Updated on

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 3 PDF

This chapter, 'The Plant Fairy,' for CBSE Class 3 Environmental Studies, introduces young learners to the diverse world of plants. Through engaging questions and activities, students explore the characteristics of various plants, focusing on leaves, their shapes, colours, smells, and textures. The solutions guide children in identifying plants by their leaves and smells, understanding the concept of leaf rubbings to observe textures, and recognizing patterns inspired by nature in everyday objects. It also encourages observation of trees, their features, and the animals that inhabit them, fostering a connection with the natural environment. These solutions aim to enhance observational skills and build a foundational understanding of botany, making exam revision more interactive and effective.

Home

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 3
SubjectEnvironmental Studies
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter2. The Plant Fairy

Chapter summary

Chapter 2, 'The Plant Fairy,' focuses on introducing Class 3 students to the fascinating world of plants. The NCERT Solutions cover identifying plants by their leaves and smells, understanding leaf textures through rubbings, and recognizing plant-based patterns in art and objects. It also prompts students to observe trees and their associated flora and fauna, encouraging a deeper appreciation for nature.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify different types of plants and trees.
  • Describe the characteristics of leaves, including shape, colour, and smell.
  • Understand how to make leaf rubbings to observe textures.
  • Recognize patterns of leaves and flowers in everyday items.
  • Observe and identify animals and birds that live in trees.
  • Develop observational skills related to the natural environment.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Plant Identification
  • Leaf Characteristics
  • Leaf Shapes
  • Leaf Colours
  • Leaf Smells
  • Leaf Textures
  • Leaf Rubbings
  • Tree Bark Rubbings
  • Patterns in Nature
  • Plants and Animals
  • Friendship with Trees
  • Observation Skills

Important topics

  • Identifying Plants by Leaves and Smells
  • Understanding Leaf Textures through Rubbings
  • Observing Patterns of Leaves and Flowers
  • Appreciating Trees and their Inhabitants
  • Developing Observational Skills

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Can you name the plant on which Didi was sitting?
Solution:

Yes, Didi was sitting on the grass, which is a type of plant.

Question 2

Have you seen a tree with a trunk as thick as the one shown in the picture? Provide an example if you have.
Solution:

Yes, I have seen trees with very thick trunks. For example, a large Banyan tree often has a trunk that is very wide and thick.

Question 3

Do all the leaves have similar colours, shapes, and margins?
Solution:

No, all leaves do not have similar colours, shapes, and margins. Leaves can vary greatly in their appearance; some are broad, some are narrow, some are green, some have other colours, and their edges (margins) can be smooth, toothed, or lobed.

Question 4

Collect a few leaves of plants like lemon, mango, neem, basil (tulsi), mint (pudina), and coriander (dhaniya). Crush the leaves and smell them. Do they all smell alike? Can you identify the leaves just by their smell?
Solution:

No, all the leaves do not smell alike. When crushed, different leaves release distinct aromas. For instance, mint has a strong, fresh smell, while basil has a unique, slightly sweet scent. With practice, one can learn to identify some of these leaves just by their characteristic smell.

Question 5

Look at the rubbings made by the others. Are the rubbings of different plants similar?
Solution:

No, the rubbings of different plants are not similar. Each plant's leaf or bark has a unique texture and pattern, which is captured differently during the rubbing process, resulting in distinct imprints for each plant.

Question 6

Which leaf gave a good rubbing?
Solution:

Leaves that have a rough or prominent surface texture tend to give a good rubbing. The raised veins and uneven surfaces capture the crayon's colour well, creating a clear imprint.

Question 7

In case of which tree was the rubbing of the trunk difficult? Why?
Solution:

Rubbing the trunk of a tree is difficult when the bark has a very smooth or soft surface. A rough and textured bark, however, allows the crayon to pick up the details of the pattern, making the rubbing easier and more distinct.

Question 8

Look at the picture and name the things which have patterns of leaves and flowers on them.
Solution:

Based on typical patterns found in pictures, the things that often have patterns of leaves and flowers on them include:

  • Bedsheets
  • Wall paintings
  • Pillows
  • Books (covers)
  • Clothing (like the girl's pant)
  • Carpets

Question 9

You must have seen many plants and trees. Name some of them.
Solution:

Some common plants and trees that one might see are: Neem, Banyan, Mango, Guava, Blackberry, Ashok, Rose, and Basil.

Question 10

Are there any plants that you have heard of, but never seen? Name them.
Solution:

Yes, there are many plants that one might have heard of but never actually seen. Examples include Saffron, Apple, Almond, Cashew, Cactus, Oak, Spruce, and the unique Pitcher plant.

Question 11

Ask some older people if there were plants which they have seen when they were children but are not seen these days. Name them.
Solution:

Older people might recall seeing plants that are less common now. Some examples could include Harsingar, Kadam, and Semal trees, which might have been more prevalent in their childhood.

Question 12

Also, ask them if there are any plants which can be seen these days, but which were not seen earlier.
Solution:

It is possible that new varieties or types of plants have become common recently. Examples might include specific Bonsai plants, unusual colours of Roses, or exotic flowers like Tulips that might not have been widely seen in earlier times.

Question 1

What tree is it? Ask some elders if you don't know.
Solution:

The tree is a Neem tree. If you don't know the name of the tree near your school or house, you can ask an elder or teacher for help.

Question 2

Will you like to give your friend a special name? What will you name it?
Solution:

Yes, giving a special name to a tree friend makes the bond stronger. A suitable name could be 'Green Friendly Giant', 'Shady Protector', or 'Nature's Buddy', reflecting its presence and role.

Question 3

Does the tree bear flowers or fruits? Which ones?
Solution:

Yes, this tree bears both flowers and fruits. For example, a Neem tree has small, fragrant flowers and produces neem fruits (berries).

Question 4

How do the leaves of the tree look?
Solution:

The leaves of this tree are typically small, narrow, and pointed. Their edges often look like the blade of a saw, meaning they are serrated.

Question 5

Do birds or animals live in the tree? Which ones?
Solution:

Yes, many birds and animals often live in or visit trees. Common examples include monkeys, parrots, squirrels, sparrows, crows, and various insects, finding shelter and food there.

Question 6

Find out more about your tree friend and share it with others.
Solution:

To learn more about your tree friend, you can observe it closely throughout the day and different seasons. Note its size, bark texture, leaf shape, and any flowers or fruits it produces. You can also research its specific type online or in books. Taking photographs or drawing the tree and sharing these observations with your friends and family can be a great way to share what you've learned.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing similar-smelling leaves.
  • Difficulty in identifying leaves solely by smell.
  • Assuming all leaves have similar textures for rubbings.
  • Not observing details of tree bark for rubbings.

Revision tips

  • Actively collect and observe different types of leaves mentioned in the chapter.
  • Practice making leaf rubbings on various textured surfaces.
  • Engage in identifying plants around your home or school by their smell and appearance.
  • Look for leaf and flower patterns on clothes, furniture, and decorations.
  • Spend time observing trees and noting the birds or animals that visit them.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which part of a plant is often used for identification by its smell?

Q2. What technique can be used to observe the texture of a leaf or tree trunk?

Q3. Which type of leaf surface is likely to give a good rubbing?

Q4. Besides leaves, what other natural elements are mentioned as having patterns on everyday objects?

Q5. What activity does the chapter suggest to 'make friends with a tree'?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 2, 'The Plant Fairy', for Class 3 EVS?

Chapter 2 focuses on introducing young students to the diverse world of plants, encouraging them to observe and identify different types of plants, leaves, and trees based on their characteristics like shape, colour, and smell.

How do the NCERT Solutions for 'The Plant Fairy' help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand concepts like leaf rubbings, plant identification by smell, and recognizing nature-inspired patterns, aiding in their learning and revision.

What is a leaf rubbing, and why is it discussed in this chapter?

A leaf rubbing is a technique to capture the texture of a leaf by placing it under paper and rubbing with a crayon. This chapter uses it to help students understand and compare the different textures of leaves and tree bark.

Can students identify plants just by their smell according to the chapter?

Yes, the chapter suggests that students can identify some plants just by smelling their crushed leaves, as different plants have distinct aromas.

What does the chapter suggest about making friends with a tree?

The chapter encourages students to observe a tree closely, learn its name, note its features, and identify the birds or animals that live in it, fostering a connection and appreciation for the tree.

Important links

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.