NCERT Class 5 Mathematics Math-Magic: Chapter 1 — The Fish Tale
This chapter, "The Fish Tale," introduces students to the fascinating world of fish and their characteristics. It begins with a Haiku poem about fish, a popular Japanese poetic form. The chapter encourages students to observe and draw fish, exploring different shapes and designs found in art and clothing. It introduces the concept of fish size, comparing the smallest fish (1 cm) to imagined large fish and calculating length differences. Key distinctions between whales and fish are highlighted, including breathing mechanisms, reproduction, and the harmless nature of the whale shark, which can be up to 18 meters long and weigh around 16000 kg. This chapter aims to spark curiosity about marine life and basic measurement concepts.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Math-Magic |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — The Fish Tale |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 337 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify and appreciate Haiku poetry related to nature.
- Observe and draw fish, recognizing different shapes and designs.
- Understand and compare lengths of objects, including fish.
- Differentiate between whales and fish based on biological characteristics.
- Appreciate the diversity of marine life and their sizes.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Haiku | A Japanese poem of seventeen syllables, in three phrases of five, seven, and five. |
| Meen | Means 'fish' in Hindi. |
| Meenakshi | A girl whose eyes are said to resemble fish. |
| Whale shark | A very large species of fish, known for its immense size. |
| Whales | Marine mammals that are distinct from fish. |
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Practice questions
- What is a Haiku? Answer: A special poem in three lines, often about nature, popular in Japan.
- What does 'Meen' mean? Answer: 'Meen' means 'fish'.
- What is the main difference between whales and fish regarding breathing? Answer: Whales breathe through their noses, while fish take in water.
- How long can a whale shark be? Answer: One whale shark was as long as 18 meters.
- What is the weight of a large whale shark? Answer: About 16000 kg.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Haiku poem?
A Haiku is a special three-line poem, popular in Japan, often about nature.
What does the word 'Meenakshi' mean?
Meenakshi refers to a girl whose eyes are shaped like a fish.
Are whales fish?
No, whales are mammals, not fish. They breathe air through noses, give birth to babies, and nurse them, unlike fish which take in water, lay eggs, and don't nurse.
What is the whale shark?
The whale shark is the biggest fish, which looks big and dangerous but is harmless to humans.
How long can a whale shark be?
A whale shark can be as long as 18 meters.
What is the approximate weight of a whale shark?
A whale shark can weigh about 16000 kg.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Mathematics — Math-Magic — Chapter 1 — The Fish Tale. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.