Nature's Treasures - Class 6 Science - New St. Mery English School
Nature has gifted us many wonderful things that help us to live and grow. These valuable gifts are called Nature’s Treasures. Air, water, soil, sunlight, forests, animals, minerals, and fuels are all important natural resources that support life on Earth. Without these treasures, survival would not be possible.
In this chapter, students of Class 6 – New St. Mery English School will learn about different types of natural resources, how they are used in our daily life, and why we must protect them. We will also understand the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources and how careless use can harm our environment.
Let us explore Nature’s Treasures and learn how to use them wisely to keep our planet healthy for future generations 🌍
Nature's Treasures - Class 6 Science - New St. Mery English School
What are Natural Resources?
Ans:- The sources which are obtained from nature are called Natural Resources.
How many types of Natural Resources?
Ans:- There are two types of Natural Resources.
1- Renewable Resources
2- Non-renewable Resources
What are Renewable Resources?
Ans:- Renewable Resources are natural resources that can be replaced naturally in a short period of time. They do not get exhausted easily if used wisely.
Ex:- Sunlight, wind, water, air, plants and forest etc
What are Non-Renewable Resources?
Ans:- Non-Renewable Resources are natural resources that cannot be replaced quickly once they are used up. They take millions of years to form, so if they finish, nature cannot make them again in a short time.
Ex:- coal, petroleum, natural gas, minerals etc
Air
What is Air?
Ans:- Air is a mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and is essential for all living beings. It is invisible but can feel it when it blows.
What is Air Made Of?
Ans:- Air is the mixture of gases. It contains 78.084% of Nitrogen, 20.946% of Oxygen, 0.934% of argon, 0.033% of Carbon dioxide, many other gases like hydrogen, helium, neon, methane etc. It also contains water vapour, dust and smoke particles.
Write about the history of composition of air.
Ans:- In earlier times, it was believed that air was an element. In 1674, Mayow showed that air consisted of one active and another inactive constituent. In 1775, Lavoisier proved that air is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen gases. Later on, It was proved that air is a mixture of several gases. Near the surface of earth, air contains mainly two gases- nitrogen and oxygen.
Write an experiment that shows the presence of carbon dioxide in exhale air.
Experiment to Show the Presence of Carbon Dioxide in Exhaled Air (Using Lime Water)
Aim
To show that exhaled air contains carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Materials Required
A test tube or glass
Fresh lime water
A straw
Procedure
Take a test tube or glass and fill it halfway with fresh lime water.
Put a clean straw into the lime water.
Now blow gently through the straw into the lime water for a few seconds.
Observe the change in the lime water.
Observation
The clear lime water turns milky.
Conclusion
The milkiness of lime water shows the presence of carbon dioxide in exhaled air.
Explanation
When carbon dioxide from our breath passes into lime water, it reacts with calcium hydroxide in lime water to form calcium carbonate, which is white and makes the solution milky.
Result
This proves that carbon dioxide is present in exhaled air
Write an experiment that Show That an Empty Glass Is Filled with Air
Experiment: To Show That an Empty Glass Is Filled with Air
Aim:
To show that an empty glass is actually filled with air.
Materials Required:
A glass
A bowl or bucket filled with water
A tissue paper (optional, for better understanding)
Procedure:
Take a dry glass and push a small piece of tissue paper firmly into the bottom of the glass.
Hold the glass upside down (mouth facing downward).
Slowly lower the inverted glass straight into the bowl of water.
Do not tilt the glass while lowering it into the water.
Take the glass out of the water and observe the tissue paper.
Observation:
The tissue paper inside the glass remains dry even after the glass is immersed in water.
Conclusion:
The tissue paper does not get wet because the glass was already filled with air. The air inside the glass occupies space and prevents water from entering the glass.
Hence, this experiment proves that an empty glass is actually filled with air.
Result:
Air occupies space.
Write an experiment to Show That air is present in water in dissolved form
Experiment: To Show That Air Is Present in Water in Dissolved Form
Aim:
To show that air is present in water in dissolved form.
Materials Required:
A beaker or glass
Water
A burner or stove (adult supervision required)
A tripod stand and wire gauze (optional)
Procedure:
Take some water in a beaker or glass.
Heat the water slowly on a burner or stove.
Observe the inner sides and bottom of the beaker carefully while heating.
Continue heating until the water is about to boil.
Observation:
Before the water starts boiling, tiny bubbles appear on the sides and bottom of the beaker and rise to the surface.
Explanation:
These tiny bubbles are not steam. They are bubbles of air that were dissolved in water. When water is heated, the dissolved air escapes in the form of bubbles.
Conclusion:
This experiment shows that air is present in water in dissolved form.
Result:
Water contains dissolved air.
Write an experiment to show that soil contains air.
Experiment: To Show That Soil Contains Air
Aim:
To show that soil contains air.
Materials Required:
A beaker or glass
Dry soil
Water
Procedure:
Take some dry soil in a beaker or transparent glass.
Slowly pour water into the beaker containing soil.
Observe the soil carefully.
Observation:
Small air bubbles are seen coming out of the soil and rising to the surface of the water.
Explanation:
The air present in the spaces between soil particles escapes in the form of bubbles when water is poured into the soil.
Conclusion:
This experiment proves that soil contains air.
Result:
Soil has air in the spaces between its particles.
Write an experiment to Show That Oxygen in Air Is Needed for Combustion
Aim
To show that oxygen in air is necessary for burning (combustion).
Materials Required
A small candle
A glass jar or tumbler
A plate
Some water
Matchstick
Procedure
Fix the candle on the plate using some melted wax.
Pour a little water into the plate around the candle.
Light the candle with a matchstick.
Now cover the burning candle with a glass jar.
Observe what happens.
Observation
The candle flame burns for a few seconds and then goes out.
Conclusion
The flame goes out because the oxygen inside the jar is used up.
This shows that oxygen is needed for combustion.
Explanation
Air contains oxygen which supports burning.
When the candle is covered with a jar, no fresh air can enter.
The oxygen inside the jar gets used up, so the candle stops burning.
Result
This proves that oxygen in air is necessary for combustion.
How is the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide maintained in the air?
The balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air is maintained by the continuous cycle of photosynthesis (plants use CO2, release O2) and respiration.
Oxygen is used by living organisms for respiration. During respiration, oxygen breaks down the food to give energy. During this process, carbon dioxide and water vapour are produced and released. Carbon dioxide, along with water, is used by green plants in the presence of sunlight to make their own food. This process is called photosynthesis. In nature, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is thus maintained.
Uses of Air
1. Air is required by human beings for respiration.
2. Air supports burning. No substance can burn in the absence of oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for the burning of all substances like wood, coal, paper, etc.
3. While winnowing, the breeze or the moving air helps to blow away the lighter husk thus helping to separate it from the grains.
4. Air helps in drying agricultural products such as grains, pulses, dry fruits, etc. Things dry faster in the wind.
5. Air helps in the pollination of flowers. Air helps in the dispersal of seeds and fruits.
6. Air helps in the movement of sailboats, gliders, parachutes and aircraft.
7. Air is filled in the tube of a bicycle tyre to inflate it. This makes it easier for the wheels of the bicycle to go faster.
8. Compressed air is used in the brake system for stopping trains.
9. Compressed air is used in machines for digging, mining and breaking stones.
10. Air makes the windmills move windmill are used to draw water from tubewells and run flour mills. Along the coast, windmills are also used to generate electricity
Water
Water is essential for the survival of all living things. About three-fourths of the Earth's surface is covered with water. Water is also present underground and in glaciers in the form of ice and it exists in the air in the form of water vapour. Most of the water on Earth (about 97%) is in the seas and oceans and is saltywhich is unsuitable for drinking and irrigation. Only 3% of water is available as fresh water. Only 0.01% of fresh water is easily available to us as surface water.
Importance of Water
Water is essential for life. While a person can survive without food for several weeks, they cannot last more than a few days without water. All plants and animals have a high water content in their bodies.
About 70 percent of the human body consists of water. We take in water through food and drink, and lose it in the form of urine, sweat and exhaled air.
Water also helps regulate temperature. In hot weather, we drink more water to maintain a stable body temperature. Sweat, which evaporates from the surface of our skin, absorbs heat and thus cools the body.
In plants, water is essential for germination of seed and their growth as well. It also helps to transport nutrients from the soil, and food from the leaves to different parts of the plants. Plants use water, along with carbon dioxide from the air, to make food in the presence of sunlight.
It is essential for cooking and washing.
It is used in dams to generate electricity.
Large amounts of water are used in agriculture and industries.
Water is also used as a medium of transport.
Water serves as a habitat for many plants and animals. water heats up or cools down more slowly which helps to control its temperature and allows aquatic life to survive extreme hot or cold conditions.
