NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 11 — Sunita in Space
This chapter, "Sunita in Space," from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book "Looking Around," introduces students to the concept of Earth's shape and our place in space. Through a conversation between Uzaira and Shahmir playing with a globe, students explore questions about the Earth's roundness, why people don't fall off, and the existence of space. The chapter highlights Sunita Williams' experience in space, emphasizing that from there, Earth appears like a globe. It encourages children to think critically about gravity and perspective, noting that 'up' and 'down' are relative. The teacher's notes suggest discussing Kalpana Chawla and the historical understanding of Earth's shape, aiding young learners in grasping these complex ideas.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — Sunita in Space |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 509 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that the Earth is round like a globe.
- Question why people and objects do not fall off the Earth.
- Grasp the concept of 'up' and 'down' being relative.
- Develop curiosity about space and astronauts.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Globe | A spherical model of the Earth. |
| Space | The area beyond the Earth's atmosphere where stars, planets, and moons are located. |
| Spaceship | A vehicle designed to travel in space. |
| America | A continent and a country in the Western Hemisphere. |
| Africa | A continent in the Eastern Hemisphere. |
| India | A country in South Asia. |
| Brazil | A country in South America. |
| Argentina | A country in South America. |
| Seas | Large bodies of saltwater. |
| Oceans | Very large bodies of saltwater that cover most of the Earth's surface. |
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Practice questions
- What did Uzaira and Shahmir use to talk about the Earth's shape? Answer: They used a globe.
- According to Uzaira, what does the Earth look like from space? Answer: From space, the Earth looks like a globe.
- Why did Shahmir think people in Argentina would fall off? Answer: Because he thought they were standing upside down relative to people in India.
- What is the teacher's note about the concept of 'up' and 'down' on Earth? Answer: The teacher's note explains that 'up' and 'down' are relative and there is no absolute 'up' or 'down' on Earth.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Sunita Williams?
Sunita Williams is an astronaut who has spent significant time in space and visited schools to share her experiences.
What is a globe?
A globe is a spherical model of the Earth, showing its continents, oceans, and countries.
Why don't people fall off the Earth?
The chapter suggests that the Earth's round shape and gravity keep people from falling off, though it poses this as a question for students to ponder.
What does the Earth look like from space?
From space, the Earth looks like a globe.
Are people in different parts of the world standing upside down relative to each other?
While it may look that way on a globe, the concept of 'up' and 'down' is relative, and people are held to the Earth by gravity.
Which countries are mentioned as being on the 'lower part' of the globe?
Brazil and Argentina are mentioned as being on the 'lower part' of the globe.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 11 — Sunita in Space. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.