NCERT Class 5 Mathematics Math-Mela: Chapter 14 — 14
This chapter, "Finding Directions," from NCERT's Class 5 Mathematics book "Math-Mela," introduces students to the concept of directions. It begins with an engaging anecdote about Siberian Cranes migrating to India, sparking curiosity about how birds find their way. The chapter explains that humans also use directions, often by facing the rising sun, and prompts students to identify East, West, North, and South based on this. It includes activities like a bird-watching camp where children colour tents based on directional clues and a map of a room where students write the directions of various objects relative to a girl. The chapter aims to build foundational understanding of cardinal directions and spatial reasoning, crucial for map reading and navigation in mathematics and everyday life.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Math-Mela |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — 14 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 381 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, West).
- Understand the relationship between the rising sun and the East direction.
- Determine directions based on given clues and relative positions.
- Interpret simple maps and diagrams to locate objects.
- Apply directional concepts in practical scenarios like bird watching camps.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sanctuary | A place where birds or animals are protected. |
| Migration | The seasonal movement of animals from one region to another. |
| Cardinal Directions | The four main points of the compass: North, South, East, and West. |
| Compass | An instrument used for determining direction. |
| Relative | Considered in relation to something else. |
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Practice questions
- If you are facing the rising sun, which direction are you facing? Answer: East
- Which direction is opposite to North? Answer: South
- In the bird-watching camp, which colour tent is to the west of the road? Answer: Blue
- If the green tent is north of the lake, what direction is the lake from the green tent? Answer: South
Frequently asked questions
What are the four cardinal directions?
The four cardinal directions are North, South, East, and West.
How can we find directions using the sun?
By facing the rising sun, we face East. The opposite direction is West, North is to your left, and South is to your right.
Why is understanding directions important?
Understanding directions is important for navigation, map reading, and understanding our position in space.
What is migration?
Migration is the seasonal movement of animals, like birds, from one place to another.
What is a compass?
A compass is a tool used to find directions, typically showing North, South, East, and West.
In the bird-watching camp activity, what colour is the tent south of the lake?
The tent south of the lake is yellow.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Mathematics — Math-Mela — Chapter 14 — 14. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.