Chapter 7 of 12
Chapter 7: Water — A Precious Gift
Water Cycle, Sources of Fresh Water, Scarcity, Conservation Techniques, and Rainwater Harvesting | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Natural freshwater sources: Rain, rivers, lakes, ponds, springs, and underground wells.
- States of water: Solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor) in the continuous water cycle.
- Everyday water wastage vs water conservation: Turning off running taps, bucket baths.
- Traditional and modern rainwater harvesting: Rooftop collection, baolis (stepwells), and percolation pits.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (17 Questions)
100% Complete Ingestion
Q1
Water Science & The Water Cycle
Describe the three key stages of the water cycle: Evaporation, Condensation, and Precipitation.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The continuous movement of water on Earth is governed by three primary stages:
1. Evaporation: Solar heat warms up surface water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, converting liquid water into invisible water vapor that rises into the atmosphere.
2. Condensation: As water vapor climbs higher into cooler atmospheric regions, it cools down and condenses into microscopic water droplets that cluster together to form fluffy clouds.
3. Precipitation: When clouds grow heavy and cool, the accumulated water droplets fall back to the ground as rain, hail, or snow, replenishing water bodies.
1. Evaporation: Solar heat warms up surface water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, converting liquid water into invisible water vapor that rises into the atmosphere.
2. Condensation: As water vapor climbs higher into cooler atmospheric regions, it cools down and condenses into microscopic water droplets that cluster together to form fluffy clouds.
3. Precipitation: When clouds grow heavy and cool, the accumulated water droplets fall back to the ground as rain, hail, or snow, replenishing water bodies.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear physical explanation of evaporation and condensation
2 Marks
Description of precipitation completing the hydrological cycle
1 Mark
Q2
Water Conservation Habits
Suggest four practical habits that can save liters of clean water in a school every day.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
1. Fix Leaking Taps: Report dripping taps to school maintenance immediately; a slow drip wastes over 20 liters of water daily.
2. Turn Off Taps While Soap-Washing: Shut the tap while lathering hands with soap or brushing teeth instead of letting water run continuously.
3. Repurpose Leftover Drinking Water: Empty unused water from student water bottles into flowerbeds or potted plants rather than dumping it down the sink drain.
4. Install Aerators / Push-Taps: Use push-button taps that automatically stop flow after 5 seconds in restrooms.
2. Turn Off Taps While Soap-Washing: Shut the tap while lathering hands with soap or brushing teeth instead of letting water run continuously.
3. Repurpose Leftover Drinking Water: Empty unused water from student water bottles into flowerbeds or potted plants rather than dumping it down the sink drain.
4. Install Aerators / Push-Taps: Use push-button taps that automatically stop flow after 5 seconds in restrooms.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Four distinct, actionable water-saving habits
2 Marks
Practical applicability to school routines
1 Mark
Q3
Rainwater Harvesting
What is rooftop rainwater harvesting and why is it essential in cities?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the technique of capturing clean rainwater that falls on building roofs, passing it through sand-gravel filters, and diverting it into underground storage tanks or percolation recharge pits.
It is essential because it recharges declining groundwater levels, prevents city waterlogging during heavy monsoon downpours, and provides fresh water during drought seasons.
It is essential because it recharges declining groundwater levels, prevents city waterlogging during heavy monsoon downpours, and provides fresh water during drought seasons.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Definition of rooftop rainwater collection and filtration
1 Mark
Benefits of groundwater recharge and flood prevention
1 Mark
Q4
Water Sources • Natural vs Man-Made
Classify the following sources of water into 'Natural Sources' and 'Man-Made Sources':
Rain, Tube well, River, Overhead water tank, Lake, Hand pump, Ocean, Dam.
[4 Marks]
Rain, Tube well, River, Overhead water tank, Lake, Hand pump, Ocean, Dam.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Classification:
• Natural Sources: Rain, River, Lake, Ocean.
• Man-Made Sources: Tube well, Overhead water tank, Hand pump, Dam.
• Natural Sources: Rain, River, Lake, Ocean.
• Man-Made Sources: Tube well, Overhead water tank, Hand pump, Dam.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 natural sources correctly identified
2.0 M
All 4 man-made sources correctly identified
2.0 M
Q5
Rainwater Harvesting • Conservation Technique
What is Rainwater Harvesting, and how does it help a community facing water shortage?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Rainwater Harvesting Explained:
• Rainwater Harvesting is the method of collecting and storing pure rainwater that falls on rooftops and open grounds instead of letting it run off into dirty drains.
• Benefits: The collected water is filtered and stored in underground cisterns (tankas) for drinking, or channeled into recharge pits to raise the groundwater level for dry summer months.
• Rainwater Harvesting is the method of collecting and storing pure rainwater that falls on rooftops and open grounds instead of letting it run off into dirty drains.
• Benefits: The collected water is filtered and stored in underground cisterns (tankas) for drinking, or channeled into recharge pits to raise the groundwater level for dry summer months.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear operational definition of collecting roof runoff
1.5 M
Groundwater recharge and summer storage benefits
1.5 M
Q6
Home Water Audit • Preventing Wastage
Suggest three practical ways in which a Class 3 student can save water at home every day.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Water-Saving Habits:
1. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth and use a mug of water for rinsing instead of running water.
2. Bathe using a bucket and mug instead of taking long overhead showers.
3. Reuse the wastewater from the kitchen water purifier (RO filter) to mop floors and water garden plants.
1. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth and use a mug of water for rinsing instead of running water.
2. Bathe using a bucket and mug instead of taking long overhead showers.
3. Reuse the wastewater from the kitchen water purifier (RO filter) to mop floors and water garden plants.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three actionable, realistic daily water conservation habits
3.0 M
Q7
Water Slogan • Creative Expression
Create a catchy slogan to encourage people to save water.
[1 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Catchy Water Slogan:
• 'Save Every Drop Today, To Keep Drought Away!' (or 'जल है तो कल है — पानी की हर बूँद अनमोल है!')
• 'Save Every Drop Today, To Keep Drought Away!' (or 'जल है तो कल है — पानी की हर बूँद अनमोल है!')
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Catchy, meaningful, and original slogan
1.0 M
Q8
Find Out & Write • Environmental Observation
In Chapter 7 ('Water — A Precious Gift'), what key natural elements or community roles are highlighted? List three observations.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Observations:
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Interdependence observed
1 M
Community helpers recognized
1 M
Conservation awareness
1 M
Q9
Discuss & Share • Classroom Activity
Discuss with your classmates: How does the change of seasons impact the food we eat, clothes we wear, and activities in 'Water — A Precious Gift'?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Seasonal Impact:
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Summer adaptations
1 M
Winter adaptations
1 M
Monsoon adaptations
1 M
Q10
Think & Reflect • Environmental Care
What simple daily action can you and your family take to reduce waste and protect nature as suggested in 'Water — A Precious Gift'?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Daily Actions:
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Waste segregation explained
1 M
Avoiding single-use plastics
1 M
Q11
Activity • Classification & Grouping
Classify the following items into Living Things and Non-Living Things: Neem tree, School bus, Butterfly, River stone, Honeybee, Wooden table.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Classification:
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Non-living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Q12
Field Exploration • Plants in Neighbourhood
Look closely at leaves of different plants around your school. How do they differ from one another in shape, colour, and texture?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Leaf Observations:
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Difference in shape
1 M
Difference in colour
1 M
Difference in texture
1 M
Q13
Health & Hygiene • Good Habits
Why must we wash our hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet? Describe the correct 6-step method.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Importance & Method:
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Reason for washing hands
1 M
Steps described
1 M
Q14
Water Conservation • Every Drop Counts
List three practical ways to save drinking water at home and in school.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Water Saving Ways:
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid water conservation methods
3 M
Q15
Animal Empathy • Coexistence
How can we help birds and stray animals during the hot summer season?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Helping Summer Animals:
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clay water bowls for birds
1 M
Kind treatment and shade
1 M
Q16
Community Living • Festivals and Food
Name two traditional Indian festivals and describe the special food items prepared and shared during these celebrations.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Festivals and Traditional Foods:
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two festivals named with corresponding special food
2 M
Q17
Review Questions • True or False
State True or False:
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
[3 Marks]
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Answers:
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations
3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Community Drought Mitigation: Reviving a Village Stepwell
A drought-prone village faced acute drinking water shortages during summers because tube wells had dried up. The village panchayat cleaned and restored an ancient 200-year-old stone stepwell (baoli) that had been abandoned and filled with plastic rubbish.
Analytical Task: Analyze why traditional water structures like stepwells (baolis) are scientifically superior to deep borewells in drought-prone areas.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Traditional stepwells (baolis) are architectural masterpieces of natural ecological engineering. Unlike deep borewells that recklessly extract fossil groundwater until aquifers collapse, stepwells rely on seasonal rainwater runoff and shallow seepage. The wide porous stone walls allow rainwater to infiltrate naturally, filter sediment through surrounding sandy soil layers, and maintain a perennial subterranean water pool without electricity or motors. Reviving baolis recharges local aquifers and provides community-controlled water resilience.
Rubric: Traditional water wisdom vs deep borehole depletion, ecological percolation, sustainable community water management (4 Marks).