NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 8 — A Treat for Mosquitoes
Chapter 8, "A Treat for Mosquitoes," from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' discusses malaria and its transmission. The chapter begins with a conversation between students where Rajat recounts his experience with malaria, including a blood test to diagnose the disease. It clarifies that not all mosquito bites cause malaria, but only those from disease-carrying mosquitoes, specifically the female Anopheles mosquito. The text explains that a blood test involves taking a few drops of blood on a glass slide and examining it under a microscope to identify the malaria parasite. The chapter encourages students to find out more about malaria, its symptoms, other mosquito-borne diseases, the season when malaria is more common, and preventive measures against mosquitoes. This chapter helps students understand the cause, diagnosis, and prevention of malaria, promoting health awareness.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — A Treat for Mosquitoes |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 408 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that malaria is diagnosed through a blood test.
- Identify that malaria is spread by specific types of mosquitoes (Anopheles).
- Differentiate between general mosquito bites and those that transmit diseases.
- Learn about the process of a blood test for malaria.
- Recognize other diseases that can be caused by mosquito bites.
- Discuss preventive measures against mosquitoes.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Malaria | A disease caused by mosquitoes, characterized by fever and chills. |
| Blood test | A medical examination of a sample of blood. |
| Microscope | An instrument used to see objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. |
| Mosquito bite | The mark left on the skin after a mosquito has fed on blood. |
| Disease carrying mosquitoes | Mosquitoes that transmit pathogens, causing illness. |
| Anopheles | A genus of mosquitoes that transmit malaria. |
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Practice questions
- How did Rajat find out that he had malaria? Answer: Rajat found out he had malaria through a blood test.
- Which mosquito spreads malaria? Answer: Malaria spreads through female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- What is a microscope used for in relation to blood tests? Answer: A microscope is used to see the details inside the blood, like the malaria parasite, which are too small to be seen otherwise.
- Do all mosquito bites cause malaria? Answer: No, only bites from disease-carrying mosquitoes spread malaria.
- What is one way to protect yourself from mosquitoes? Answer: One way to protect yourself is by using mosquito nets or repellents.
Frequently asked questions
What is malaria?
Malaria is a disease that causes fever and chills, spread by certain mosquitoes.
How is malaria diagnosed?
Malaria is diagnosed through a blood test, where a few drops of blood are examined under a microscope.
Which mosquito spreads malaria?
Malaria is spread by the female Anopheles mosquito.
Do all mosquito bites cause malaria?
No, only bites from disease-carrying mosquitoes, like the Anopheles, can cause malaria.
What is the function of a microscope in a blood test?
A microscope magnifies the blood sample to clearly see tiny details, such as the malaria parasite.
What problems can occur if you have malaria?
Symptoms of malaria include fever and chills, and it requires medical treatment.
When is malaria more common?
The chapter implies malaria might be more common in certain seasons, though it doesn't specify which or why.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 8 — A Treat for Mosquitoes. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.