Chapter 13 of 22
Chapter 13: A Shelter so High!
Gaurav Jani's Journey, Leh Cold Desert, Changpas, Pashmina Shawls & Houseboats | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Gaurav Jani travelled on his motorcycle 'Loner' from Mumbai through Delhi and Kashmir up to Ladakh.
- Ladakh is known as a 'Cold Desert': it sits at high altitude, receives very little rainfall, and has snow-covered peaks and barren slopes.
- Houses in Leh: two-storey structures with thick stone walls coated with mud and lime; ground floor has no windows and houses animals and firewood in winter; flat wooden roofs dry vegetables.
- Changpa tribe lives at 5,000 metres on the Changthang plateau with special Changthangi goats that yield ultra-fine Pashmina wool.
- Pashmina shawl: hair is 6 times thinner than human hair; hand-weaving one shawl takes 250 hours and is warm as 6 woollen sweaters.
- Rebo: cone-shaped yak-hair tents of the Changpas; Donga and Shikara: wooden houseboats in Dal Lake, Srinagar.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)
100% Complete Ingestion
Q1
Textbook Exercise
Why is Ladakh called a 'Cold Desert'? Describe the distinctive architectural features of traditional homes in Leh.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Ladakh is called a Cold Desert because it is situated at a high altitude of over 3,000 metres where rainfall is scarce (rain shadow of the Himalayas), winter temperatures plummet far below freezing, and the landscape consists of barren windswept mountains with minimal vegetation.
Features of Leh Houses:
Features of Leh Houses:
- Built with thick stone walls plastered with mud and lime to insulate against severe cold.
- Two storeys: the ground floor has no windows and is used to house livestock and store dry rations during freezing winters. The family lives on the first floor.
- Flat roofs made of sturdy tree trunks are used to sun-dry red chillies, apricots, and corn for winter food reserves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explanation of cold desert geography and high altitude
1.5 Marks
Stone walls and ground floor without windows for livestock
1.5 Marks
Flat roofs utilized for drying winter rations
1 Mark
Q2
Textbook Exercise
Who are the Changpas? Why are their Changthangi goats so special, and how are Pashmina shawls made?
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The Changpas are a nomadic tribe living on the high, frigid Changthang plateau at 5,000 metres in Ladakh.
- Changthangi Goats: The colder and higher the altitude, the softer and warmer the fur these goats grow. In sub-zero temperatures (-40°C), they develop an undercoat of ultra-fine hair, so fine that six goat hairs equal the thickness of a single human hair.
- Pashmina Weaving: Because the hair is too fine for machines, skilled artisans in Kashmir weave it by hand on traditional looms. Weaving a single plain Pashmina shawl requires 250 hours of labour, producing a garment as warm as six woollen sweaters yet light enough to pass through a finger ring.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identification of Changpa nomadic tribe and high-altitude habitat
1 Mark
Ultra-fine goat fur characteristics (6x thinner than human hair)
1.5 Marks
Hand-weaving in Kashmir taking 250 hours per shawl
1.5 Marks
Q3
Textbook Exercise
What is a 'Rebo'? How do the Changpas construct it using yak hair, and how does it protect them in -40°C temperatures?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
A Rebo is the large, conical tent used as a portable shelter by the nomadic Changpa tribe:
- Changpa women weave long strips from coarse, strong yak hair. Nine strips are stitched together and pitched over wooden poles dug into the ground.
- Yak hair is strong, windproof, and traps air pockets, providing exceptional thermal insulation that keeps the interior warm even when outside icy winds howl at 70 km/h in freezing -40°C winter temperatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Definition of Rebo as woven yak hair cone tent
1.5 Marks
Windproof thermal insulation in -40°C weather
1.5 Marks
Q4
Textbook Exercise
Describe the floating houseboats of Kashmir: Shikara, Donga, and the exquisite Khatamband ceiling woodwork.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
In the Dal Lake and Jhelum river of Srinagar, Kashmir:
- Shikara: Sleek, lightweight wooden gondola boats used by tourists for boat rides and by locals for selling flowers, saffron, and vegetables.
- Donga & Houseboats: Massive floating wooden houses up to 80 feet long and 8 feet wide, complete with bedrooms, dining salons, and running water.
- Khatamband: Geometric interlocking ceiling wood carvings made from deodar timber fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle without using nails.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Description of Shikara passenger/market boats
1 Mark
Architecture of 80-foot long floating houseboats/Donga
1.5 Marks
Khatamband jigsaw woodwork without nails
1.5 Marks
Q5
Textbook Exercise
Compare the houses built in the hot desert of Rajasthan with the houses built in the cold desert of Ladakh.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Hot Desert (Rajasthan):
- Walls are very thick, made of mud and plastered with cow dung and clay to prevent scorching solar heat from penetrating indoors.
- Roofs are thatched with thorny bushes (kheep) to allow hot air to escape.
- Cold Desert (Ladakh):
- Walls are made of heavy stone slabs coated with mud and lime to trap body warmth and block freezing sub-zero winds.
- Roofs are flat, constructed from thick deodar and poplar tree trunks, used for sun-drying winter food rations.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Rajasthan mud walls and thatched brushwood roofs
2 Marks
Ladakh thick stone walls and flat wooden storage roofs
2 Marks
Q6
Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 1] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q7
Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 2] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q8
Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 3] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q9
Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 4] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q10
Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 5] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q11
Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 6] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q12
Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 7] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q13
Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 8] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q14
Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 9] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q15
Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 10] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q16
Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 11] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q17
Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 12] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q18
Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 13] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q19
Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 14] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q20
Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 15] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q21
Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 16] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
Q22
Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • A Shelter so High!
[Textbook Activity & Question 17] In 'A Shelter so High!', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In A Shelter so High!, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts
1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes
1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly
1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Changpa Nomads & Pashmina Goat Rearing at 5,000 Metres
Gaurav Jani rode his motorcycle 'Loner' to the high cold desert of Changthang in Ladakh at 5,000 metres. He met the Changpa tribe, who live in yak-hair tents called 'Rebo' alongside their special Changthangi goats that produce world-renowned fine Pashmina wool.
Analytical Task: Why do Pashmina goats produce softer and warmer wool only when grazing at extreme freezing altitudes, and how is authentic Pashmina spun and woven?
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Biological Adaptation to Extreme Cold:
At freezing winter temperatures dipping to -40°C on Ladakh plateaus, Changthangi goats naturally grow an ultra-fine, warm undercoat beneath their coarse outer hair to insulate their bodies from hypothermia. This underfur is six times finer than human hair (approx. 12-15 microns) and cannot be grown in warmer lowlands.
Processing and Weaving:
In summer, the fine underfur is gently combed out from the goats. Because the strands are too delicate for mechanical factory machines, master Kashmiri weavers hand-spin the thread on charkhas and hand-weave it on traditional wooden looms in Srinagar. It takes roughly 250 hours of hand-weaving to produce one plain Pashmina shawl.
Rubric: 2.5 Marks for biological altitude adaptation + 2.5 Marks for hand-combing and 250-hour loom weaving process = 5 Marks