Chapter 1.6 - The Alchemy of Nature
The author begins with four lines from William Blake’s poem. The stanza tells us that if we can see the secret learning hidden in simple everyday things in nature, we can transform the world. It suggests that good deeds surpass the limits of time and space. Nature has the power to soothe us, nourish us, relax us, and enhance our well-being, so it is no surprise that we turn to nature to rejuvenate our being. The hibiscus flower that blooms and withers away in just a day spreads the message of living life to the fullest, irrespective of the duration of one’s life. The very gentle water is able to carve and sculpt the hard rocks by the seashore with its perseverance. So, if we too are consistent and perseverant, we will be able to achieve our goals. The tiny blades of grass peeping through the cracks in the concrete pavement give us the message that no matter how impossible things may appear, there is always an opening. The tree that is bare of all leaves in the winter months once again bears flowers, fruits, and leaves in the spring, which means that no matter how difficult things seem today, they won’t remain so forever. The fly being lugged by ants shows their teamwork, organisation and perseverance. Similarly, the spider’s web is an indicator that delicate structures are not a sign of weakness. The rainbow, the water, the clouds, and the wind all have the power to touch us through the lessons they carry.
And when we see the caterpillar turning into a butterfly or a flower turning into a fruit, we experience the magical transforming power of nature. It touches us, and in turn, our lives get transformed in the most positive way.
instinctively : by a natural instinct
enhancing : enriching
awe : great wonder and amazement
wilting : drying and drooping
withers : dries and decays
colossal : huge, massive
chapter was over : life was over
conviction : strong, firm belief
lugging : pulling with great difficulty
frail feelers : weak legs
perseverance : constant efforts in spite of obstacle
consistent : steady
unhindered : without disturbance
alchemy : mysterious power or magic that can change things
Warming up!
1. Rearrange the good qualities in each set, so that the first letter of each of the words should make a meaningful word. Join the sets and get a message.
Set 1 : Understanding / Adaptable / Tolerant / Neat / Encouraging / Resourceful.
The word is – _____
Ans: Nature
Set 2 : Selfless / Inspiring
The word is – _____
Ans: Selfless
Set 3
Youthful / Modest
The word is – _____
Ans: My
Set 4 : Affectionate / Compassionate / Empathetic / Earnest / Honest / Reliable / Trustworthy
The word is – _____
Ans: Teacher
The message is _____ _____ _____ _____
Ans: Nature is my Teacher.
2. Various aspects of Nature have special features that make them differ from one another.
For example,
Birds : appearance, shape, colour, size, food habits, habitat, sound etc.
Write such special features of each of the following.
Land
Ans: Topography, Fertility, Location
Water
Ans: Salinity, Temperature, Taste
Trees
Ans: Size, Foliage, Shape
Animals
Ans: Appearance, Food habits, Habitat
Insects
Ans: Appearance, Life cycle, Physical structure
3. Make a list of living creatures in alphabetical order. You can write more than one beginning with the same letter.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Z
Ans:
A – Ant
B – Bat
C – Cheetah
D – Deer
E – Elephant
F – Frog
G – Giraffe
H – Horse
I – Iguana
J – Jackal
K – Kangaroo
L – Lion
M – Monkey
N – Nightingale
O – Owl
P – Parrot
Q – Quail
R – Rhinoceros
S – Squirrel
T – Tiger
U – Unicorn
V – Vulture
W – Walrus
X – X-Ray Tetra
Y – Yak
Z – Zebra
In Between The LESSON
Q1. How does the Hibiscus flower make the most of its short life span ?
Ans: The hibiscus flower smiles with the sun and dances with the wind and by next evening it dries and falls off. Although it comes to life only for a day it spreads beauty and joy and does so in full splendour. Hence it makes the most of its short life span.
Q2. What role does nature play in our lives?
Ans: Nature relaxes us and enhances our well being. It soothes and nurtures us as well as fulfills and motivates us. It also whispers and commands.
Q3. Guess the meaning of : splendour
Ans: magnificent appearance.
Q4. Who is stronger – water or rocks? Justify your response .
Ans: The water is stronger than the rocks because, by persistently flowing over the rocks everyday, it is able to carve, sculpt and shape the rocks as it desires.
Q5. What teaches us that hard times do not last forever? How?
Ans: A tree that is bare of all leaves in the cold winter months is once again full of leaves, fruits and flowers as spring sets in, thereby teaching us that hard times do not last forever.
ENGLISH WORKSHOP
1. What things in nature teach us the following :
(a) Nothing is impossible to achieve ______.
Ans: small bits of grass peeping through small cracks in a concrete pavement.
(b) Problems are not permanent ______.
Ans: A tree bare of all leaves in winter getting leaves again in spring.
(c) Be humble and adjust ______.
Ans: Water.
(d) Make the best use of time and opportunity ______.
Ans: Hibiscus flower.
(e) Be persistent ______.
Ans: Water sculpting rock.
(f) Many hands make work light ______.
Ans: Ants.
(g) Delicate structures are not a sign of weakness ______.
Ans: Spider web.
2. Read the questions from the lesson. What do they imply?
(a) Are you listening?
Ans: Listen to the message given by nature through the smallest of things.
(b) What if we too lived our lives, however short, to its fullest?
Ans: We must live our lives to the fullest irrespective of its span. Life would be different and we would be happier if we did so.
(c) What if we too are consistent, organised, focused ?
Ans: If we are consistent, organised and focused nothing will seem impossible. Even a herculean task will become a child’s play for us.
3. Go through the lesson again and complete the flow-chart that highlights the life of a ‘hibiscus’ flower.
Ans:
4. Fill in the web.
Ans:
5. The writer explains the contrasting features of ‘water’ and ‘rock’ in the lesson. Write all the features of both water and rock in the given table.
| Water | Rock |
|---|---|
1. | 1. |
2. | 2. |
3. | 3. |
4. | 4. |
Ans:
| Water | Rock |
|---|---|
1.gentle | 1. hard |
2. commanding | 2. gives in |
3. majestic | 3. carved, sculpted and shaped |
4. pertinent | 4. indomitable |
6. The writer has very positively described the different things in nature. Discuss with your partner the special features of each one of them. Add on the list.
Ans:
7. Think and answer in your own words.
(a) How should you deal with difficulties and problems?
Ans: We should deal with difficulties and problems with grit and determination. Not giving up is the key to success. At the same time, we should keep a positive attitude and go by the maxim – “This too shall pass”.
(b) ‘An oyster turns a grain of sand into a pearl.’ What can we learn from this example?
Ans: The example of ‘an oyster turning a grain of sand into a pearl’ teaches us that when challenges hit us, our response is all that matters. The so-called intruder sand is turned into something as valuable as a pearl. Similarly, we can face challenges bravely and turn them into opportunities to learn and grow.
(c) How does nature succeed in its ‘Alchemy’? What can it turn a small person into?
Ans: Nature teaches us some of the most invaluable lessons hidden in the smallest of things. When we pay heed and learn from them, we turn into great individuals equipped to live life to the fullest. Nature succeeds in its alchemy by bringing about a positive transformation in us.
(d) Which two aspects of nature teach us to accept change and adjust according to the situation?
Ans: Water and clouds teach us to accept change and adjust according to the situation. Water without a hint of ego, changes its form according to the dictates of the sun and the wind. Even the clouds change their shape with each passing moment, giving us the message of acceptance and adjustment.
(e) Why does the writer begin by quoting the lines from William Blake’s poem (Auguries of Innocence)?
Ans: The writer begins by quoting the lines from William Blake’s poem ‘Auguries of Innocence’ to set the mood for the message that follows in the lesson. She wishes to convey that we can find a whole lot of meaning and revelation in the smallest of things in Nature. Nature is ready to teach only if we are willing to learn.
8. (A) Pick out from the lesson 10 examples of each.
Concrete Nouns (that you can touch or see)
For example, sand
(1) rocks
(2) plant
(3) flower
(4) grass
(5) leaves
(6) birds
(7) ant
(8) water
(9) butterfly
(10) caterpillar
Abstract Nouns (that which you cannot touch or see)
For example, infinity
(1) eternity
(2) imagination
(3) passion
(4) perseverance
(5) alchemy
(6) alchemy
(7) moment
(8) majesty
(9) awe
(10) wellbeing
(B) Underline the verbs in the sentences below and say whether they are Transitive (needing an Object) or Intransitive (need not have an Object).
(1) One can witness and experience the beauty of Heaven.
Ans: can witness – transitive
can experience – transitive
(2) It leaves me in complete awe.
Ans: leaves – transitive
(3) Nature soothes and nurtures.
Ans: soothes – intransitive
nurtures – intransitive
(Note: Though soothes and nurtures are transitive verbs, in this sentence they are used intransitively as they do not carry a Direct Object)
(4) It withers completely.
Ans: withers – intransitive
(5) The flower comes to life only for a day.
Ans: comes – intransitive
(6) A rainbow colours the entire sky.
Ans: colours – transitive
(7) It smiles and dances.
Ans: smiles – intransitive dances – intransitive
9.(A) Compose about 8 to 10 sets of imaginary dialogues between a bird, a tree and its fruit regarding the effects of environmental changes. Write it in your notebook.
Ans:
(Ms. Parrot comes flying and sits on one of the branches of the Mango tree)
Mango tree – Welcome, Pretty Parrot! It’s been long, you haven’t paid a visit.
Parrot – Good morning Mr. Mangy. I know it’s been long. These sudden environmental changes are confusing us. Seasons seem to be on a fast track these days.
Mango tree – I am surprised. Winter has set in but I am already flowering.
Parrot – Not just flowering, buddy! You have fruits as well. Look, I see a mango right at the top branch. Wait let me taste the first fruit of the season.
Mango tree (laughs) – Season? Do we really know which season it is?
Mango – The real culprit for these changes is man. He wants the juiciest of fruits but doesn’t have patience.
Mango tree – You are right my child. Then they complain and find faults with you.
Parrot – Use of pesticides has anyway changed the taste. I remember the mangoes my mother used to bring when I was young.
Mango tree – Vehicles have increased and pollution is on the rise. Rise in carbon dioxide has led to global warming. My fruits ripen before time.
Mango – Not only this! My siblings die at times when they are young due to untimely rains.
Parrot – You are right. And there is very little that we can do.
Mango tree – We are a part of nature as much as these humans. We belong to the same mother. All we can do is wait and watch.
Mango – Pretty Parrot, come and relish us before we are cut raw and packed in boxes with chemicals to fasten our ripening process.
Mango tree – Why only this? Can I guarantee you that I will be here next year? I lost my friends to the pace of industrialization and urbanisation.
Parrot – Do not worry, buddy! Man will soon realise his folly. Organic farming is getting popular.
Mango – Hope so, sister! Ah, let me enjoy the wind before I am hit by a naughty boy’s stone.
Parrot – Bye. See you! Thank you for your hospitality.
Mango tree and Mango – Do come again. Bye.
(B) Prepare a Fact file of any of the following plants/trees, using the points given.
[coconut / neem / basil / cactus / apple]
Name of Plant/Tree
Scientific name
Region and climate
Features
Growth
Size, shape and colour
Uses
Any special feature
Ans:
Name of the Plant/Tree: Coconut
Scientific name: Cocos nucifera
Region and climate:
Tropical region, Warm, rainy winters and hot, humid rainy summers.
Features: long pinnate leaves develops male and female flowers. Fruits grow in clusters.
Growth: Upto 30 m tall.
Size, shape and colour:
Leaf is lanceolate shaped
13-20 inches long leaves
Green leaves which turn brown when dry.
Uses:
Roots – make dyes and have medicinal value
Veins of leaves – brooms
Leaves – roofing material for houses Trunk used as timber to make houses and boats
Coir – to make ropes and doormats
Coconut husk and shell – as fuel
Coconut – It is an edible fruit. Can be used to extract oil when dry
Coir extracts – mats etc.
Any special feature – It can survive upto 100 years in the wild.
10. ‘Impossible’ itself says ‘I M possible’. Do you agree? Justify your answer by citing something that you have experienced or heard from someone.
Ans: Yes, I totally agree that impossible itself says, ‘I am possible’. We see in the extract that small bits of grass make their way through a concrete pavement and grow. There are many real-life examples of people like Jyoti Maggu, who became visually impaired at the age of 10 and was expelled from her school. But she eventually, with hope and determination by her side, not only got into a mainstream school but also went on to become a sportswoman and win a championship in international games.
11. You have an environment protection week celebration in your school. You have invited an environmentalist. Your friend interviews him/her about how to save the environment.
Ans:
Welcome Mr. Dandekar, we are pleased to have you here on the eve of environment protection week. I would like to ask you a few important questions related to this issue.
(i) What made you give up your career as an engineer and become an environmentalist?
(ii) What are some of the most shocking facts about environmental degradation in recent times?
(iii) Why is environmental conservation the need of the hour?
(iv) What aspects of environment need immediate attention?
(v) How can a school be instrumental in bringing about environmental conservation?
(vi) In what way can students contribute their bit in saving the environment?
(vii) Why are environmental conservation programmes not so popular among the masses?
(viii) How can a change in lifestyle prove to be a game changer?
(ix) What more can be done, to create awareness about environmental conservation?
(x) What is your message to the youth?
Thank you Mr. Dandekar for throwing light on such a sensitive and attention demanding topic. We wish you all the best in your efforts and promise our whole hearted support.
12. Write a News Report on the ‘Environment Day’ celebrated in your school.
Ans:
Children Go Green!
– By a student reporter
St. John High School,
7th June, 2018:
The students of St. John High School celebrated Environment Day on June 5, 2018. The celebrations by these nature lovers were a part of their annual Nature Club activity. Preparations that had been going on for a month led to a successful event. A small step towards telling Mother Nature, “We care”.
The members of Nature Club put up a street play on “Ban Plastic” for students and teachers. The club had organised a slogan-writing competition for students in grade 8. The topic for the same was “Save Water, Save Life” and the winners were Miss Sayali Chitnis and Master Hari Singh. The club also inaugurated their compost pit and explained to the students the need to segregate waste. Mister Ajay Chatterjee, an environmentalist working in the area of saving lakes and waste management, was invited to deliver a talk on the importance of water and land conservation.
Students also collected old newspapers and e-waste and gave it for recycling to the NGO “Magic with Waste.” A fancy dress competition for students in grade 5 was organised. The little enthusiasts dressed themselves as elements of nature and gave an environmental message. The prize winners were given saplings, which they proudly carried home.
When asked about his experience, one of the nature club members said, “Although we celebrate this special day with a lot of activities, every day ought to be an environment day, and saving nature is a habit.”
The day left the students a little wiser and Mother Nature a lot happier.
13. Just For Laughs! Enjoy!
Divide the class into two groups. On 12 to 15 slips of paper, Group A writes
12 to 15 conditional clauses beginning with ‘If’.
(For example, If I work very hard, __________ )
Group B writes 12 to 15 main clauses.)
(For example, I would/shall have a pizza.)
Now, one student from Group ‘A’ reads the first conditional clause (possibility) and one student from Group ‘B’ reads the first main clause. It forms crazy sentences, just for laughter and fun. ENJOY!
Ans:
(i) If I work very hard I shall get a pizza.
(ii) If I wear a shirt I shall go to the zoo.
(iii) If I see a rainbow my uncle will start dancing.
(iv) If you help me my sister will climb the stairs.
(v) If you become a poet the teacher will be shocked.
(vi) If you plant a tree I will wear a green
(vii) If I pass you will fail. dress.
(viii) If I sit here she will pull your hair.
(ix) If John comes for the party I will feed a cat.
(x) If the dog barks I will play chess.
(xi) If they go for a picnic the teacher will start teaching.
(xii) If she leaves early the early bird catches the worm.
(xiii) If Rohan screams he will start riding a bicycle.
(xiv) If you win a lottery I will run a race.