NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 7 — Experiments with Water
This chapter, "Experiments with Water" from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around', explores the concepts of floating and sinking. Through relatable scenarios like Ayesha's experience with puri and soap, students are encouraged to observe and predict what happens when different objects are placed in water. The chapter introduces a poem that poses questions about why some objects float (like wooden boats and steel plates) while others sink (like needles), even if they are heavy. It prompts hands-on experimentation in groups to discover these principles. This chapter aims to develop scientific inquiry skills and an understanding of buoyancy in young learners, aligning with the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Experiments with Water |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 417 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concepts of floating and sinking.
- Predict whether an object will float or sink in water.
- Conduct simple experiments to test observations.
- Develop scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills.
- Appreciate the principles of buoyancy through observation and experimentation.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| floats | stays on the surface of a liquid without sinking |
| sinks | goes down to the bottom of a liquid |
| dough | a mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients, made into a soft mass for baking |
| puffed up | swollen or expanded, often with air |
| steel plate | a flat piece of metal made from steel |
| spoon | an implement consisting of a small shallow bowl on a handle, used for eating, stirring, and serving food |
| cap | a lid or cover for a container |
| soap case | a container for holding soap |
| needle | a very thin, small piece of metal with a sharp point at one end and a hole or eye at the other for threading a thread |
| pin | a small, thin piece of metal with a sharp point and a small head, used for fastening or attaching things |
| ship | a large boat for transporting people or goods by sea |
| boat | a vessel propelled on water by oars, sails, or an engine, typically smaller than a ship |
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Practice questions
- What happened to the puri when it was first put in hot oil, and why did it float later? Answer: Initially, the puri sank because it was dense. It floated later when it puffed up, likely due to trapped air making it less dense than the oil.
- Would a steel plate sink or float in water? What about a spoon? Answer: A steel plate would likely float initially, but if filled with water or submerged, it might sink. A steel spoon would likely sink.
- Why does a wooden boat float while a needle sinks, even though a needle is lighter than a boat? Answer: A wooden boat floats because its overall density (including the air inside) is less than water. A needle, despite being light, is denser than water and sinks.
- What did Ayesha observe about the soap case when it fell into the water? Answer: Ayesha observed that the soap case floated on water.
- Did the soap case continue to float when Ayesha put the soap back into it? What does this suggest? Answer: Yes, the soap case continued to float even with the soap in it. This suggests that the combined density of the soap and case was still less than water.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 5 EVS Chapter 7?
The main topic is 'Experiments with Water', focusing on why some objects float and others sink.
What everyday examples are used in the chapter to explain floating and sinking?
The chapter uses examples like puri in hot oil, a steel plate, a spoon, a plastic bottle cap, soap, and a soap case.
What is the purpose of the poem in this chapter?
The poem 'Why, Oh Why?' raises questions about why objects like wooden boats float while needles sink, prompting further thought and investigation.
What activity is suggested for students in this chapter?
Students are encouraged to conduct experiments in groups with a pot of water and various objects to observe what floats and what sinks.
What scientific concepts are introduced in 'Experiments with Water'?
The chapter introduces basic concepts of buoyancy, density, and the properties of materials that determine whether they float or sink.
Which book is this chapter from?
This chapter is from the NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around'.
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NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 7 — Experiments with Water. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.