NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us / EVS • Classic CBSE Track

Chapter 15: Blow Hot, Blow Cold

Dr. Zakir Hussain's Story, Thermodynamics of Human Breath, Stethoscope & Wind Instruments | CBSE Session 2026–27

Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
  • Former President Dr. Zakir Hussain authored the famous story of the woodcutter and Mian Balishtiya.
  • Human breath warms cold hands in winter because body breath temperature (~37°C) is higher than winter air.
  • Human breath cools hot potatoes, soup, or tea because blowing air speeds up convection and surface evaporation.
  • Breathing rate and heart rate increase during running and sports because muscles demand more oxygen.
  • Wind instruments (Flute, Shehnai, Been, Whistle) produce musical notes by vibrating air columns.

All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)

100% Complete Ingestion
Q1 Textbook Exercise
Why did the woodcutter blow on his frozen hands, and why did he also blow on his hot boiled potatoes? How can the same breath blow hot and blow cold?
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The woodcutter's breath appeared magical to Mian Balishtiya, but it is pure science:
  • Blowing Hot (Warming hands): In freezing winter, hands are cold (around 10°C-15°C). The air coming from human lungs is body temperature (about 37°C). Because breath is warmer than the hands, heat transfers to the skin, making hands warm.
  • Blowing Cold (Cooling food): Boiled potatoes or tea are steaming hot (around 80°C-90°C). Air blown from the mouth (37°C) is much cooler than the food. Blowing sweeps away hot air and accelerates evaporation, carrying away heat and rapidly cooling the food.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explanation of warming cold hands via 37°C lung air 2 Marks
Explanation of cooling hot food via evaporation and convection 2 Marks
Q2 Textbook Exercise
What happens to your heartbeat and breathing rate when you skip, run, or exercise vigorously? What instrument does a doctor use to hear your heartbeat?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
When you exercise, sprint, or skip rope, your muscle cells work harder and consume oxygen at a much faster rate. To supply this required oxygen, your lungs breathe faster, and your heart pumps blood more rapidly, causing both heart rate and breathing rate to increase sharply.
A doctor uses a stethoscope (equipped with a sensitive diaphragm and earpieces) to listen clearly to heartbeats and chest sounds.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Increase in heart rate and breathing rate due to muscle oxygen demand 2 Marks
Identification of the stethoscope 1 Mark
Q3 Textbook Exercise
Why do spectacles or mirror surfaces turn foggy and misty when we breathe on them on a cold morning?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The air exhaled from human lungs contains a high percentage of warm water vapour (moisture). On a cold morning, glass lenses or mirror surfaces are very cold. When the warm, humid breath hits the cold glass, the water vapour suddenly cools and condenses into millions of microscopic liquid water droplets, forming a foggy, misty layer on the surface.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Presence of warm water vapour in exhaled breath 1.5 Marks
Condensation into tiny droplets upon touching cold glass 1.5 Marks
Q4 Textbook Exercise
Name four traditional musical instruments where melodious tunes are created by blowing air columns. How does a flute produce sound?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Four Wind Instruments:
  1. Flute (बांसुरी)
  2. Shehnai (शहनाई)
  3. Been (बीन)
  4. Harmonium (हार्मोनियम)
How a Flute Produces Sound: When air is blown across the mouth hole of a hollow bamboo pipe, it sets the air column inside the tube into rapid vibration. By opening and closing different finger holes, the length of the vibrating air column changes, producing different musical pitches and melodies.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Listing 4 wind instruments correctly 1.5 Marks
Explanation of vibrating air column and finger hole modulation 1.5 Marks
Q5 Textbook Exercise
How can you make a simple paper whistle or paper blower at home? Describe the steps.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
To make a simple paper whistle:
  1. Cut a strip of paper about 10 cm long and 4 cm wide.
  2. Fold the strip in half lengthwise.
  3. In the middle of the fold, cut a tiny triangular or semi-circular notch.
  4. Fold back the two outer flaps, hold the whistle between your fingers with the hole facing outward, and blow air firmly into the slit. The rapid vibration of the paper edges creates a sharp, loud whistling sound.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Folding and cutting the paper strip with a notch 1.5 Marks
Mechanism of air blowing creating edge vibration 1.5 Marks
Q6 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 1] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 2] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 3] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 4] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 5] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 6] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 7] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 8] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 9] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 10] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 11] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 12] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 13] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 14] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 15] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 16] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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 • Blow Hot, Blow Cold
[Textbook Activity & Question 17] In 'Blow Hot, Blow Cold', 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 Blow Hot, Blow Cold, 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

Dr. Zakir Husain's Fable of the Woodcutter & Miya Balishtiya

In the famous fable written by former President of India Dr. Zakir Husain, a tiny man named Miya Balishtiya was perplexed watching a woodcutter blow on his frozen fingers to warm them, and later blow on a boiling hot potato to cool it down.

Analytical Task: Explain the scientific reason why exhaled breath warms cold hands in winter yet cools down hot food or tea.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
The direction of heat transfer depends on the temperature difference between our breath and the target object:
  • Warming Cold Hands: The normal internal human body temperature is approximately 37°C. On freezing winter mornings when ambient air and finger skin drop to 10°C-15°C, exhaled breath is significantly warmer than our fingers. Heat transfers from the warm breath to cold skin through conduction and convection, providing warmth.
  • Cooling Boiling Potatoes: A boiling hot potato or fresh cup of tea has a temperature of 80°C to 100°C, which is much hotter than our 37°C breath. When we blow air over the potato, our cooler breath rapidly replaces the layer of hot steam above it, accelerating heat dissipation and evaporative cooling, bringing the food down to edible temperature.
Rubric: 2.5 Marks for thermodynamic explanation of warming cold hands + 2.5 Marks for cooling hot food via convective steam replacement = 5 Marks