Part 1: Work with Life Forms
Project 1: Hydroponics: Growing Plants without Soil
Question–Answer Notes
Introduction to Life Forms and Hydroponics
Q1. What are life forms?
A1. Life forms include humans, mammals, birds, fish, plants, insects, reptiles, bacteria, and viruses.
Q2. What types of projects can be done under “Work with Life Forms”?
A2. Projects may include growing plants, recording biodiversity, surveying medicinal plants, caring for animals, and maintaining a nature journal.
Q3. What is hydroponics?
A3. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil.
Q4. From which words is hydroponics derived?
A4. From Greek words ‘hydro’ (water) and ‘ponos’ (labour).
Importance of Hydroponics
Q5. Why is hydroponics important for the future?
A5. Because land is decreasing due to deforestation and soil degradation, hydroponics provides a sustainable way of producing food.
Q6. What percentage of India’s land is affected by soil degradation?
A6. About 33% of India’s Total Geographical Area (TGA) – nearly 109 million hectares.
Q7. Which mission promotes hydroponics in India?
A7. The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Learning Outcomes
Q8. What can you do after learning hydroponics?
A8.
- Grow healthy microgreens.
- Establish hydroponic units (wick, DWC, NFT).
- Prepare liquid organic manure.
- Maintain pH of water.
Requirements and Safety
Q9. Name some materials needed for hydroponics.
A9. PET bottles, seeds, cocopeat, PVC pipes, net pots, aerator, submersible pump, compost, vinegar, pH paper, etc.
Q10. What safety measures should be followed?
A10.
- Wear gloves while using sharp tools.
- Be careful with electrical gadgets.
- Use the Internet safely under teacher’s guidance.
Plant Growth Conditions
Q11. How are essential plant needs fulfilled in hydroponics?
A11.
- Germination – seeds soaked in water.
- Support – floating sheets or net pots.
- Sunlight – sunlight/artificial light.
- Nutrients – added to water.
- Soil substitute – cocopeat, sand, gravel, rockwool, etc.
Activities
Q12. What are microgreens?
A12. Young seedlings (1–3 inches tall) harvested after 2–4 leaves appear; rich in vitamins and used in salads.
Q13. How are sprouts different from microgreens?
A13. Sprouts grow without light in 2–5 days (with roots), while microgreens grow with light in 10–15 days (without roots).
Q14. What is the wick method in hydroponics?
A14. Plants grow in bottles with water drawn up by a cotton wick using capillary action.
Q15. What is the Deep Water Culture (DWC) method?
A15. Plant roots are suspended in water with nutrients; oxygen is supplied using an aerator.
Q16. What is the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)?
A16. A thin film of nutrient water flows continuously over roots inside PVC pipes; no aerator is needed.
Q17. What is compost tea?
A17. A liquid organic manure made by soaking compost with water and jaggery, aerated for 2–3 days.
Q18. Why is pH important in hydroponics?
A18. Best nutrient absorption occurs when pH is 6.0–7.0. Weak acids (vinegar/citric acid) are used to adjust it.
Did You Know?
Q19. What experiment has ISRO done related to hydroponics?
A19. ISRO sprouted cowpea seeds in space (PSLV-C60 mission) as a step towards space gardens.
Q20. Which traditional Indian farming methods are similar to hydroponics?
A20. Floating farms in Dal Lake (Kashmir), Phumdis in Loktak Lake (Manipur), and floating gardens of Odisha.
Reflection & Careers
Q21. What challenges may arise in hydroponics?
A21. Cost of setup, maintaining water quality, and risk of plant disease/pests.
Q22. Name careers related to hydroponics.
A22. Farmer, Gardener, Botanist, Agricultural Scientist, Forest Officer.
📝 End Exercise – Think and Answer
Q1. What did you enjoy doing the most?
A1. I enjoyed building simple hydroponic systems (like wick method and DWC) and growing microgreens because they showed quick results.
Q2. What were the challenges you faced?
A2.
- Difficulty in arranging materials like pumps and PVC pipes.
- Maintaining pH and preventing algae growth.
- Ensuring proper light and oxygen supply for healthy growth.
Q3. What will you do differently next time?
A3.
- Plan better in advance for materials.
- Monitor pH and nutrients regularly.
- Use improved growth media for better results.
Q4. Do you think it is economical and practically feasible to grow all crops using hydroponics? Give reasons.
A4. No, it is not economical for all crops.
- Hydroponics is more suitable for vegetables, herbs, and microgreens.
- It requires high setup cost and regular monitoring, which may not be feasible for large-scale crops like rice and wheat.
Q5. Identify a few examples of jobs related to the work you just did.
A5. Jobs related to hydroponics include:
- Farmer (using modern farming techniques).
- Gardener (urban farming, vertical gardens).
- Agricultural Scientist (researching new methods).
- Botanist (studying plant growth).
- Forest Officer (working with biodiversity and conservation).
Project 2: Feeding and Caring for Farm Animals
Question–Answer Notes
Introduction
Q1. Why are farm animals important?
A1. They provide food (milk, meat, eggs), wool, manure, transport, farm labour, and emotional support.
Q2. What is livestock?
A2. Domestic animals on a farm like cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry etc., collectively called livestock.
Q3. What is animal husbandry?
A3. The management and care of livestock, including feeding, housing, healthcare, and ethical treatment.
Learning Outcomes
Q4. What will you be able to do after this project?
A4.
- Identify farm animals and record health.
- Estimate weight and feeding needs.
- Prepare silage & dry fodder.
- Design a first-aid box for livestock.
Requirements & Safety
Q5. What tools are required for this project?
A5. Tape measure, weighing scale, silage bag, thermometer, fodder, salt, etc..
Q6. What precautions should be taken near farm animals?
A6. Stay calm, avoid standing behind large animals, tie them securely, keep safe distance, and approach only with expert/farmer supervision.
Animal Care
Q7. What basic needs are essential for animals?
A7. Proper housing, clean feed & water, vaccination/medicine, and safe environment.
Q8. What are common cultural practices related to livestock?
A8. Festivals like Bendur (Maharashtra), Kanuma (Andhra Pradesh), Khaturva (Uttarakhand) celebrate animals.
Healthcare
Q9. Who regulates veterinarians in India?
A9. Veterinary Council of India (VCI).
Q10. Why is vaccination important for livestock?
A10. To prevent contagious bacterial and viral diseases.
Q11. Name some indigenous cattle breeds of India.
A11. Kasargod Dwarf (Kerala), Siri cattle (Sikkim/Darjeeling).
Q12. What is India’s global rank in livestock?
A12. India ranks 1st in cow and goat population, and is the largest milk producer.
Health Check
Q13. What visual signs show animal good health?
A13. Bright eyes, wet nostrils, glossy skin, active behaviour, good appetite.
Q14. Normal respiration rates of cattle & goats?
A14. Cattle: 25–50/min; Goats: 12–25/min.
Q15. What law protects animals in India?
A15. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Feeding
Q16. How to estimate livestock body weight?
A16. Using Schaeffle’s Formula:
- Goat: Weight = Length × Girth² ÷ 600
- Cow/Buffalo: Weight = Length × Girth² ÷ 330.
Q17. What is DM in animal feed?
A17. Dry Matter – non-water portion of feed; 2–3% of body weight is required daily.
Q18. What is silage?
A18. Preserved green fodder fermented in anaerobic conditions, with lactic acid bacteria.
Q19. How to identify good silage?
A19. Golden brown, fruity smell, no mould, mildly acidic (pH 4.0–4.5).
Q20. How can dry fodder be improved?
A20. By treating with jaggery (3%), salt (1%), and mineral mixture.
Home Remedies & First Aid
Q21. Give an example of a home remedy for livestock.
A21. For indigestion in cows: mixture of betel leaves, ginger, pepper, garlic, and rock salt.
Q22. What herbs are used against parasites?
A22. Neem, lantana leaves, turmeric.
Q23. What should a livestock first-aid box contain?
A23. Antiseptic, cotton, bandage, neem oil, turmeric powder, rock salt, basic Ayurvedic remedies.
📝 End Exercise (Think and Answer) – Solutions
Q1. What were the challenges you faced?
A1. Handling animals safely, arranging fodder, estimating weight correctly, and ensuring silage quality.
Q2. What will you do differently next time?
A2. Prepare better in advance, chop fodder properly, monitor animal health more closely, and seek expert guidance.
Q3. Do we provide proper care and health treatments to our farm animals?
A3. Not always. Some areas lack proper veterinary clinics and infrastructure. However, government vaccination drives and mobile apps are improving healthcare.
Q4. How has the role of farm animals changed with society?
A4. Earlier, they were used for ploughing, transport, and heavy work. Today, machines replace them, and their role is more for milk, meat, wool, and companionship.
Q5. Identify jobs related to this work.
A5. Veterinarian, Farmer, Scientist (Animal Nutritionist), Shepherd, Goatherd, Livestock Inspector.
Part 2: Work with Machines and Materials
Project 3: Working with Wood and Bamboo
Question–Answer Notes
Introduction
Q1. Why are wood and bamboo important materials in our lives?
A1. They are used in doors, furniture, benches, carts, toys, utensils, bridges, playground equipment, and even as fuel.
Q2. Name some historical wooden structures in India.
A2. Hidimba Temple (Manali), Rumtek Monastery (Sikkim), Vishrambaagh Wada (Pune), and Padmanabhapuram Palace (Tamil Nadu).
Q3. Why are wood and bamboo preferred in houses and schools?
A3. They keep rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Q4. Why is wood considered renewable but not always sustainable?
A4. Trees can be replanted, but if consumption exceeds planting, forests vanish, especially in areas where trees don’t grow easily.
Q5. What substitutes can be used instead of natural wood?
A5. Engineered wood (plywood, MDF) and bamboo.
Learning Outcomes
Q6. What will you be able to do after this project?
A6.
- Safely use carpentry tools.
- Design a product and make a prototype.
- Build functional objects from wood/bamboo.
- Apply finishing techniques for durability and attractiveness.
Requirements & Safety
Q7. Name two basic carpentry tools.
A7. Hammer and saw (others: tri-square, plane, hand drill, wood file, ruler, clamps, cutter).
Q8. What materials are needed for this project?
A8. Nails, screws, wood glue, sandpaper, varnish, softwood/bamboo, cardboard, adhesive, tape.
Q9. Mention one safety precaution while working with wood.
A9. Wear goggles/mask to protect from dust; keep tools properly arranged.
Knowledge Before Starting
Q10. Give examples of hardwood and softwood trees.
A10. Hardwood: babool, mango, jackfruit, teak.
Softwood: pine, deodar, eucalyptus.
Q11. How can you distinguish softwood from hardwood?
A11. By fingernail test – if a scratch mark appears → softwood; if not → hardwood.
Carpentry Practices
Q12. Name common joints used in wooden products.
A12. Butt joint, lap joint, mitre joint, mortise & tenon joint.
Q13. What are fasteners?
A13. Nails, screws, nuts, bolts – used to join parts of wooden objects.
Q14. Which device is used for joining moving wooden parts?
A14. Hinges – used in windows, doors, cupboards.
Making Objects
Q15. What is a prototype?
A15. The first small-scale model of a product to test the design before making the actual one.
Q16. Why is prototyping useful?
A16. Helps check design feasibility, reduces errors, saves cost, and allows modifications.
Q17. Name some small items students can make.
A17. Coasters, wall hangings, key holders, chalk dusters, nameplates, toys, bird houses, mobile holders.
Basic Skills in Woodwork
Q18. What is sanding?
A18. Rubbing wood with sandpaper to smoothen edges/surfaces.
Q19. What is planing?
A19. Using a plane tool to shave thin uneven layers from wood for smooth surface.
Q20. Why is varnishing important?
A20. It forms a protective scratch-resistant layer, increases durability, and improves appearance.
Bamboo Work
Q21. What is a bamboo culm?
A21. The hollow stem of bamboo, segmented by solid nodes, commonly used for making products.
Q22. Steps in making a bamboo product?
A22. Sketching → measuring → cutting internodes → smoothening → assembling → sanding → varnishing/painting.
Costing & Maintenance
Q23. How is cost of a product estimated?
A23. By adding material cost, tool charges, and labour time.
Q24. Give one example of wooden repair in school.
A24. Tightening screws of a school bench and sanding edges.
Careers
Q25. Name careers related to wood and bamboo work.
A25. Carpenter, interior designer, architect, furniture maker, craftsperson, musical instrument maker.
📝 End Exercise (Think and Answer) – Solutions
Q1. Did you enjoy doing this project?
A1. Yes, it was enjoyable as it gave hands-on experience in carpentry and creativity.
Q2. What did you like, and what would you do differently next time?
A2. Liked designing and making prototypes. Next time, I would measure more carefully and try more complex joints.
Q3. Wood has been part of human civilisation. Find its mention in literature/scriptures.
A3. Atharva Veda: “Whatever we dig out from you, O Earth! May that have quick regeneration. May we not damage our vital habitat and earth.” This reflects sustainable use of wood.
Q4. What other jobs are related to this project besides carpentry and interior design?
A4. Architecture, furniture manufacturing, toy-making, conservation of heritage wooden buildings, bamboo craft industry, musical instrument making.
Project 4: Home Automation
Question–Answer Notes
Introduction
Q1. What is automation?
A1. Automation means using technology to control everyday devices automatically with the help of sensors, controllers, and computer programmes.
Q2. Give an example of automation in a classroom.
A2. An automated power system with a motion sensor turns off lights and fans when no movement is detected, saving electricity.
Q3. Give an example of automation in gardening.
A3. A soil moisture sensor controls a water pump to irrigate plants only when the soil is dry.
Q4. How is automation seen in our body?
A4. Our heart beats, lungs breathe, and stomach digests food automatically using signals from nerves and hormones.
Q5. Mention some natural examples of automation.
A5. Sunrise and sunset, water cycle, birds’ migration, flowers blooming, bees building honeycombs.
Learning Outcomes
Q6. What will you learn by doing this project?
A6.
- Identify electronic components.
- Read/draw electronic circuits.
- Design automation systems.
- Select and programme sensors.
- Install and test automation systems.
Electronic Components
Q7. What is a breadboard used for?
A7. To connect components without soldering and test circuits.
Q8. What is a microcontroller? Give examples.
A8. A programmable device that controls input/output devices. Examples: Arduino Uno, Raspberry Pi.
Q9. What is an LED?
A9. A Light Emitting Diode that glows when current passes through it.
Q10. What is an LCD display used for?
A10. To show messages, sensor readings, and project data.
Q11. What is a buzzer used for?
A11. To produce sound for alarms, timers, and notifications.
Q12. What is the function of a digital multimeter (DMM)?
A12. To measure voltage, current, and resistance in circuits.
Sensors
Q13. Name three sensors used in automation.
A13. Motion sensor, sound sensor, temperature sensor.
Q14. How does a motion sensor work?
A14. It detects infrared radiation (heat) from moving objects and triggers a response.
Safety Precautions
Q15. Mention two safety precautions while working with electronics.
A15. Avoid short circuits, use safety goggles while soldering, keep workspace organised.
Knowledge Before Starting
Q16. Why should we not connect circuits directly to AC mains?
A16. Because most components work on DC, and connecting to AC mains is dangerous.
Q17. What are the three basic steps in the automation cycle?
A17. Input (sensing), Processing (decision making), Output (action).
Microcontrollers
Q18. Which pins on Arduino are used for analog and digital signals?
A18. Analog pins: A0–A5; Digital pins: 0–13.
Q19. What is the use of the reset button in Arduino?
A19. It restarts the programme running on the board.
Q20. How is Arduino powered?
A20. By USB cable or battery.
Output Devices
Q21. Name some output devices used in automation.
A21. LEDs, buzzers, DC motors, servo motors, relays, speakers, LCD screens.
Applications
Q22. Give an example of an automation cycle in streetlights.
A22. Input: LDR senses darkness → Process: Microcontroller decides → Output: Streetlight switches ON.
Q23. Give one example of an automation project you can build.
A23. Automatic water sprinkler: Sensor detects soil dryness → Microcontroller processes → Pump turns ON/OFF.
Careers
Q24. Name careers related to home automation.
A24. Automation engineer, technical support specialist, programmer, electronics technician, IoT developer.
📝 End Exercise (Think and Answer) – Solutions
Q1. Did you enjoy doing this project?
A1. Yes, it was enjoyable and helped me understand how electronics and coding make life easier.
Q2. What did you like, and what would you do differently next time?
A2. I liked building circuits and programming sensors. Next time, I would try making more complex systems like a smart irrigation setup.
Q3. Compare sensors and human sense organs.
A3. Sensors work like human senses but are limited. Humans can sense emotions, make judgments, and adapt to unexpected situations. Sensors cannot feel emotions or make moral decisions.
Q4. Besides automation engineer, programmer, and support specialist, name other related jobs.
A4. IoT developer, robotics engineer, electronics repair technician, AI systems designer, smart device developer.
Part 3: Work in Human Services
Project 5: Water Audit for Water Management
Question–Answer Notes
Introduction
Q1. What are Human Services projects about?
A1. Human Services projects are about serving people, interacting with them, and solving real-life problems such as water management, health care, communication, etc.
Q2. What is a water audit?
A2. A water audit is a systematic process of collecting and analysing data on water use and wastage within a building, household, or locality to identify ways to conserve water.
Importance of Data
Q3. Why is data important for making predictions and decisions?
A3. Data helps identify patterns, estimate needs, and plan better. For example, weather departments predict rainfall and farmers plan crops based on past data.
Q4. What is primary data? Give examples.
A4. Primary data is collected first-hand, e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments, and observations such as measuring water use in a family.
Q5. What is secondary data? Give examples.
A5. Secondary data is collected from reliable sources such as census records, government websites, research reports, or municipal offices.
Water in India
Q6. Why is water a big challenge in India?
A6. India has only 4% of the world’s freshwater but 18% of its population. Water is unevenly distributed, with some areas facing floods and others droughts.
Q7. What are the main human causes of drought?
A7. Deforestation, poor agricultural practices, over-extraction of groundwater, mismanagement, and careless use of water.
Q8. Name some initiatives for water conservation.
A8. Rainwater harvesting, water recycling, restoring water bodies, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
Measuring Water Use
Q9. In which units is water measured?
A9.
- Millilitres (mL) for small quantities,
- Litres (L) for household use,
- Cubic metres (m³) for large storage/supply (1 m³ = 1000 L).
Q10. How do you calculate water flow from a tap?
A10.
Water used = Flow rate (L/min) × Time tap is ON.
Q11. How can you estimate household water consumption?
A11. By measuring storage, number of buckets used, time taps are open, and water consumption of machines like washing machines and RO filters.
Water Storage & Supply
Q12. How can water tank capacity be calculated?
A12. By using tank dimensions to calculate volume and converting into litres, or asking the local water supply officer.
Q13. What are common sources of water?
A13. Rivers, lakes, dams, borewells, wells, tanks, pipelines, canals, and rainwater.
Rainwater & Groundwater
Q14. How is rainwater availability calculated?
A14.
Total rainwater = Area (m²) × Rainfall (m).
(1 m³ = 1000 L).
Q15. How is rainwater generally used?
A15. 70% for agriculture, 20% for industry, 10% for domestic use.
Q16. What are methods of groundwater recharge?
A16. Contour bunding, check dams, percolation tanks, borewell recharge.
Water Wastage & Conservation
Q17. What are common points of water wastage?
A17. Leaking taps, overflowing tanks, broken pipelines, excessive use of water in washing and bathing.
Q18. How can leaking taps be fixed?
A18. By tightening, replacing washers, O-rings, jumper valves, and refitting parts with plumber’s tools.
Q19. What is grey water? How can it be reused?
A19. Wastewater from sinks, baths, and kitchens is grey water. It can be reused for irrigation, toilet flushing, cleaning, or groundwater recharge.
Future Water Needs
Q20. How can you estimate future water demand?
A20. By multiplying average consumption per person with projected increase in population (e.g., new housing society or hostel).
📝 End Exercise – Think and Answer
Q1. Did you enjoy doing this project?
A1. Yes, because it helped me understand real-life water issues and ways to conserve water.
Q2. What did you like, and what would you do differently next time?
A2. I liked measuring water usage and identifying wastage points. Next time, I would involve more families and use digital tools like spreadsheets for better analysis.
Q3. Using a map, trace the path of the river closest to your locality… How does the river impact people’s lives?
A3. The nearest river provides water for drinking, irrigation, and industries. Areas along its path depend on it. Drought-prone areas suffer when flow is low, while surplus rainfall areas may face floods. Dams regulate supply and generate electricity, impacting livelihoods.
Q4. What other jobs are related to the project apart from those mentioned?
A4. Jobs include hydrologist, water resource manager, climate analyst, irrigation engineer, sanitation worker, and NGO volunteer in water conservation.
Project 6: Creating Advertisements
Question–Answer Notes
Introduction
Q1. What is the purpose of advertisements?
A1. Advertisements persuade people to take action, either to buy a product/service (commercial ads) or to support a social cause (social ads).
Q2. What are the two broad varieties of advertisements?
A2.
- Commercial advertisements – for selling products or services.
- Social advertisements – for spreading awareness about social causes.
History of Advertisements
Q3. When did the first newspaper advertisements appear in India?
A3. In 1780, in the Bengal Gazette (India’s first English newspaper).
Q4. What was “Dhindhora Pitna”?
A4. It was a traditional practice where town criers beat drums to announce important messages or goods in villages.
Forms of Advertising
Q5. What are some traditional methods of advertising?
A5. Word-of-mouth, town criers, signboards, hand-painted murals, street plays (nukkad natak), folk songs, and door-to-door vendors.
Q6. What are some modern methods of advertising?
A6. Print (newspapers, flyers), radio, television, billboards, and social media platforms
Key Elements of Advertisements
Q7. What are logos and taglines?
A7.
- Logo: A visual symbol representing a brand.
- Tagline/Slogan: A short, memorable phrase that reinforces the brand identity.
Q8. What is the role of visuals in advertisements?
A8. Visuals make ads eye-catching, convey emotions, and keep text minimal for maximum impact.
Q9. What are jingles in advertisements?
A9. Catchy, short rhymes or tunes used in radio/TV ads to make the message memorable.
Q10. How do advertisements connect to emotions?
A10. By telling stories, showing families, friendship, safety, pride, or aspirations to build emotional associations.
Q11. What is a “call to action” in an advertisement?
A11. A direct instruction to the audience, e.g., “Buy Now!”, “Register Today!”, or “Vote!”.
Making an Advertisement
Q12. What precautions should be taken while advertising?
A12.
- Be truthful (no fake claims).
- Respect copyright (no plagiarism).
- Show cultural and gender sensitivity.
- Ensure internet safety and privacy.
Q13. What factors should be considered while designing an advertisement?
A13. Logo, tagline, visuals, call to action, emotional connect, jingle/music, and target audience.
Q14. What are different mediums for advertisements?
A14. Posters, digital posters, video ads, labels, pamphlets, and banners.
Ethical Advertising
Q15. Why is ethical advertising important?
A15. Because advertisements strongly influence people, so they must be fair, truthful, and socially responsible.
📝 End Exercise – Think and Answer
Q1. Did you enjoy doing this project?
A1. Yes, because it was fun, creative, and helped me understand how advertisements influence people.
Q2. What did you like doing?
A2. I liked designing posters, creating taglines, and experimenting with visuals and jingles.
Q3. What would you do differently next time?
A3. Next time, I would focus more on making the advertisement short, crisp, and more emotionally appealing.
Q4. Since advertisements are a powerful way of persuading people, what are the responsibilities of advertisers and rights of the audience?
A4.
- Responsibilities of advertisers: To be truthful, ethical, culturally sensitive, and socially responsible.
- Rights of the audience: To receive accurate information, not be misled, and have their dignity and privacy respected.
Q5. Apart from marketing, graphic designing, public relations, and social media management, what are other jobs related to advertising?
A5. Copywriters, animators, photographers, content creators, brand managers, event managers, digital marketing specialists, and voice-over artists.