NCERT Class 6 Science Curiosity (Sanskrit): Chapter 10 — जीवाः: तेषां लक्षणानाम् अन्वेषणम्
This chapter, 'Living Beings - Exploring Their Characteristics' from the NCERT Class 6 Science Curiosity textbook, introduces the fundamental difference between living and non-living things. Through a relatable anecdote about a shell, students are prompted to think about what defines life. The chapter includes an activity where students observe their surroundings and classify objects like pencils, books, pigeons, and plants as either living or non-living, providing reasons for their classifications. It encourages critical thinking about the characteristics that distinguish living organisms from inanimate objects, setting the stage for further exploration of biological concepts in science.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Curiosity (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 10 — जीवाः : तेषां लक्षणानाम् अन्वेषणम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 240 |
Learning outcomes
- Differentiate between living and non-living things.
- Identify characteristics of living organisms.
- Classify objects in the surroundings as living or non-living.
- Understand the importance of observation in science.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| जीवन्तः | Living |
| अजीवः | Non-living |
| लक्षणानाम् | Characteristics |
| अन्वेषणम् | Exploration |
| अवलोक्य | Observing |
| व्याख्यायते | Explains |
| चिन्तयन्ति | Thinking |
| विद्यालये | In school |
| मित्रैः | With friends |
| साझां | Sharing |
| आचार्यस्य | Of the teacher |
| समीपं | Near |
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Practice questions
- What is the main difference between living and non-living things? Answer: Living things exhibit characteristics like growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli, while non-living things do not.
- Give two examples of living things and two examples of non-living things from your surroundings. Answer: Living: Pigeon, Plant. Non-living: Pencil, Book.
- Why is a shell considered a part of a living organism (snail)? Answer: The shell is the protective outer covering of a snail, which is a living organism.
- What activity is suggested in the chapter to understand living and non-living things? Answer: Observing surroundings and classifying objects as living or non-living with reasons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chapter 'जीवन्तः जीवि�नः - तेषां लक्षणानाम् अन्वेषणम्' about?
This chapter introduces the concept of living and non-living things and encourages students to explore their characteristics.
What is the main activity in this chapter?
The main activity involves observing the surroundings and classifying objects as living or non-living, providing reasons for the classification.
What example is used to explain the difference between living and non-living?
The chapter uses the example of a shell found on the beach to explain that it might be a part of a living organism (snail).
What does the chapter aim to teach students?
It aims to teach students to observe their environment critically and understand the basic differences that define living organisms.
Is movement a characteristic of all living things?
Movement is a characteristic of many living things, but not all, and some non-living things can also move (e.g., a rolling stone).
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Science — Curiosity (Sanskrit) — Chapter 10 — जीवाः : तेषां लक्षणानाम् अन्वेषणम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.