NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 15 — Blow Hot, Blow Cold
This chapter, 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold,' from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' introduces Mian Balishtiye, who observes a woodcutter. The woodcutter blows on his cold hands to warm them and then blows on his fire to make it burn brighter. Later, he blows on a hot potato to cool it before eating. Mian Balishtiye is confused by the woodcutter's actions, initially thinking he blows on his hands for warmth and then on the fire to help it burn. He is further perplexed when the woodcutter blows on the potato, wondering if he intends to burn it. This story, written by Dr. Zakir Hussain, highlights how the same action (blowing) can have different effects depending on the context – warming cold hands, fanning a fire, or cooling hot food. It helps students understand the concept of temperature and the physical properties of air and heat in a relatable narrative, crucial for CBSE learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 15 — Blow Hot, Blow Cold |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 489 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that the same action can have different results based on the situation.
- Learn about the concept of blowing to warm cold hands.
- Learn about blowing to help a fire burn.
- Learn about blowing to cool hot food.
- Appreciate the use of storytelling in understanding scientific concepts.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Woodcutter | A person whose job is to cut down trees or cut wood. |
| Numb | Unable to feel or move. |
| Mian Balishtiye | An imaginary character in the story. |
| Chulha | A traditional Indian stove, often made of mud or clay, used for cooking. |
| Damp | Slightly wet. |
| Handi | A pot, typically made of clay or metal, used for cooking. |
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Practice questions
- Why did the woodcutter blow on his hands? Answer: The woodcutter blew on his hands to warm them because they were cold and numb from the winter.
- Why did the woodcutter blow on the fire? Answer: He blew on the fire to help it burn better because the wood was damp.
- Why did the woodcutter blow on the potato? Answer: He blew on the potato to cool it down so he could eat it, as it was too hot.
- What was Mian Balishtiye's confusion about the woodcutter's actions? Answer: Mian Balishtiye was confused because the woodcutter blew on his hands to warm them and then blew on the potato to cool it, and he wondered if the same action could do opposite things.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote the story 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold'?
The story 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold' was written by Dr. Zakir Hussain, a former President of India.
What is a 'chulha'?
A 'chulha' is a traditional stove, often made of mud or clay, used for cooking.
Why did the woodcutter blow on his hands?
The woodcutter blew on his hands to warm them because they were very cold.
Why did the woodcutter blow on the fire?
He blew on the fire to help it burn better, especially since the wood was damp.
Why did the woodcutter blow on the potato?
He blew on the potato to cool it down before eating it, as it was too hot.
What did Mian Balishtiye wonder about the woodcutter?
Mian Balishtiye wondered why the woodcutter blew on his hands and then on the potato, questioning if he was trying to warm or cool them.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 15 — Blow Hot, Blow Cold. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.