NCERT Class 6 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond: Chapter 2 — Oceans and Continents
This chapter, "Oceans and Continents," from NCERT's Class 6 Social Science book "Exploring Society India and Beyond," introduces students to the Earth's major geographical features. It explains that oceans are the vast bodies of water covering about three-fourths of the Earth's surface, making our planet appear blue from space, earning it the nickname 'blue planet.' Continents are defined as large landmasses covering the remaining one-fourth of the globe. The chapter highlights the crucial role both oceans and continents play in shaping Earth's climate and influencing all life, including human existence, culture, and daily activities. It also touches upon the historical and cultural significance, referencing the Indian Navy's motto invoking the Vedic deity Varuna.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Oceans and Continents |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 221 |
Learning outcomes
- Define oceans and continents.
- Identify the distribution of water and land on Earth.
- Understand the significance of oceans and continents in shaping climate.
- Recognize the impact of geographical features on life on Earth, including human life.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Oceans | The largest water bodies on the globe. |
| Continents | Large continuous expanses of land. |
| Landmass | A large body of land. |
| Blue planet | A nickname for Earth due to its predominantly blue appearance from space caused by water. |
| Varuna | A Vedic deity associated with oceans, sky, and water. |
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Practice questions
- What covers most of the Earth's surface? Answer: Water covers most of the Earth's surface.
- What is a large body of land called? Answer: A large body of land is called a landmass.
- Why is Earth called the 'blue planet'? Answer: Earth is called the 'blue planet' because most of its surface is covered with water, making it appear blue from space.
- What is the meaning of the Indian Navy's motto 'Sam noh Varunah'? Answer: The motto 'Sam noh Varunah' means 'Be auspicious to us, O Varuna,' invoking the Vedic deity of water.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main geographical features discussed in Chapter 1?
Chapter 1 discusses oceans and continents as the main geographical features of Earth.
What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?
Almost three-fourths of the Earth's surface is covered with water.
What is a continent?
A continent is a large continuous expanse of land.
Why is Earth called the 'blue planet'?
Earth is called the 'blue planet' because its surface is predominantly covered by water, giving it a blue appearance from space.
How do oceans and continents affect life on Earth?
Oceans and continents play a vital role in shaping Earth's climate and affect all aspects of life, including plants, animals, and human life.
Who is Varuna in the context of the chapter?
Varuna is a Vedic deity associated with oceans, the sky, and water, invoked in the Indian Navy's motto.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond — Chapter 2 — Oceans and Continents. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.