NCERT Class 4 Mathematics Math-Mela: Chapter 1 — Shapes Around Us
This chapter, 'Shapes Around Us,' from NCERT's Class 4 Mathematics Math-Mela, introduces students to identifying and using shapes in real-world contexts. It begins with a narrative about Diksha visiting Delhi and seeing monuments, inspiring her to build a model of India Gate using wooden blocks. The chapter prompts students to think about the parts of a building (roof, pillars, base), the shapes that best represent these parts, and how their models compare to real structures. It also includes a project to model buildings on a street and discusses the Qutub Minar, highlighting its historical significance and construction. The text touches upon various building materials like clay bricks, stone, wood, and concrete, encouraging observation and creative modeling. This chapter helps students develop spatial reasoning and connect mathematical concepts to their surroundings, crucial for CBSE learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Math-Mela |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — Shapes Around Us |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 303 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify different shapes used in buildings and monuments.
- Relate 3D shapes to real-world objects and structures.
- Understand the concept of modeling and representation.
- Observe and describe the parts of buildings.
- Engage in creative model-making activities.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| monuments | Buildings or structures that are preserved because of their historical or architectural importance. |
| model | A representation of an object or structure, often smaller than the original. |
| roof | The top covering of a building. |
| pillars | Upright structures, typically cylindrical or rectangular, used to support a building or other structure. |
| base | The lowest part or edge of something, especially the part on which it rests or is supported. |
| shapes | The form of objects in geometrical terms, such as square, circle, triangle. |
| bricks | A rectangular block of baked clay, used in building. |
| concrete | A building material made from a mixture of broken stone or gravel, sand, cement, and water. |
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Practice questions
- What are some examples of buildings or monuments mentioned in the chapter? Answer: India Gate, Qutub Minar, Safdarjung Tomb, Akshardham, National Museum, Jantar Mantar, and Sansad Bhawan.
- What materials were used to make buildings earlier, according to the chapter? Answer: Clay bricks, stone blocks, or wood.
- What shape might you use to model the Qutub Minar? Answer: A cylinder or a cone shape, as it is tall and tapering.
- What is the Qutub Minar described as? Answer: A World Heritage site and the tallest building made up of bricks, with 5 storeys and 379 stairs.
- What is the main activity suggested for students in the chapter? Answer: To make a model of buildings using blocks or other materials.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 4 Mathematics Chapter 1?
The chapter focuses on 'Shapes Around Us,' encouraging students to identify and use geometric shapes in real-world contexts, particularly in buildings and monuments.
What activity does the chapter suggest for students?
Students are encouraged to make models of buildings using blocks or other materials, like Diksha did with India Gate.
What are some examples of monuments mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions India Gate, Qutub Minar, Safdarjung Tomb, Akshardham, National Museum, Jantar Mantar, and Sansad Bhawan.
What facts are given about the Qutub Minar?
It is a World Heritage site, the tallest building made of bricks, has 5 storeys, and 379 stairs.
What building materials are discussed in the chapter?
The chapter mentions traditional materials like clay bricks, stone blocks, and wood, as well as modern materials like concrete blocks and hollow blocks.
How does this chapter help students in Mathematics?
It helps students develop spatial reasoning, recognize geometric shapes in their environment, and understand the concept of scale and representation through model making.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Mathematics — Math-Mela — Chapter 1 — Shapes Around Us. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.