NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 3 — A Day with Nandu
This chapter, 'Nandu Wakes Up' from NCERT's Class 4 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around', introduces young readers to the life of a baby elephant named Nandu. Nandu wakes up to find himself surrounded by his elephant family, mistaking their legs for tree trunks. The chapter describes the herd's daily routine, including waking up, moving to the jungle to eat leaves and twigs, and playing in the river. It highlights interesting facts about elephants, such as their large appetite, short sleeping hours, and how they use mud and their big ears to stay cool. The chapter also prompts children to compare their own weight to Nandu's, encouraging them to think about the scale of animals. This chapter helps students understand animal behaviour and basic facts about elephants, contributing to their learning in EVS for CBSE.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — A Day with Nandu |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 306 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of an elephant herd and family structure.
- Learn about the daily activities of elephants, including eating and playing.
- Discover interesting facts about elephant physiology and behaviour (e.g., weight, sleep, cooling mechanisms).
- Develop an understanding of animal weights and comparisons.
- Recognize the importance of mother elephants (Amma) and grandmother elephants (Nani ma).
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Herd | A large group of animals, especially hoofed mammals, that live together or are kept together. |
| Trumpeted | Made a loud, deep sound like that of an elephant. |
| Jungle | An area of land overgrown with dense forest and tangled vegetation. |
| Twigs | A small, slender branch, shoot, or twig of a tree or shrub. |
| Mud | Soft, sticky earth or a similar substance. |
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Practice questions
- Who is Nani ma in the elephant herd? Answer: Nani ma is the oldest female elephant in the herd, and she is the grandmother.
- What did Nandu mistake his family members' legs for when he first woke up? Answer: Nandu mistook his family members' legs for big grey tree trunks.
- Why do elephants play in the mud and water? Answer: Elephants play in the mud and water to keep their skin cool.
- How much can an adult elephant eat in one day? Answer: An adult elephant can eat more than 100 kilograms of leaves and twigs in one day.
- How many hours do elephants usually sleep in a day? Answer: Elephants sleep for only two to four hours in a day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chapter 'Nandu Wakes Up' about?
The chapter 'Nandu Wakes Up' is about a baby elephant named Nandu and his herd, describing their daily activities and some interesting facts about elephants.
How old is Nandu?
Nandu is three months old.
What is the weight of a three-month-old elephant like Nandu?
A three-month-old elephant like Nandu weighs 200 kilograms.
What do elephants eat?
Elephants eat leaves and twigs.
How do elephants keep themselves cool?
Elephants keep themselves cool by playing in mud and water, and by flapping their big ears like fans.
Who is Nani ma in the elephant herd?
Nani ma is the oldest member of the elephant herd.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 3 — A Day with Nandu. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.