Social Sciences: Class 5 — Chapter 9: Rhythms of Nature

Although the Sun appears to rise in the east, move across the sky, and set in the west, it is actually the Earth that is moving, not the Sun.

• Rotation: The Earth slowly turns around (rotates) in place.
• As the Earth rotates, the side facing the Sun experiences day, while the side facing away from the Sun experiences night.

A globe is a spherical model that represents our Earth.

• The blue parts of the globe represent seas and oceans, which cover about $\frac{3}{4}$ of the Earth's surface.
• Seas are smaller water bodies partly enclosed by land, whereas oceans are vast, open water bodies.
• The remaining parts of the globe represent landmasses where countries are located.

In India, nature's cycle is traditionally divided into six distinct seasons based on climatic changes every few months:

1. Vasanta (Spring)
2. Grishma (Summer)
3. Varsha (Monsoon)
4. Sharad (Autumn)
5. Hemant (Pre-winter)
6. Shishir (Winter)

Farmers align their crop cultivation with seasonal patterns because different crops require different conditions to grow:

• Summer Crops: Crops that grow best in the heat of summer.
• Winter Crops: Crops that grow best in the cooler winter months.
• Rainy Season Crops: Crops planted during the monsoon because they require abundant water to grow.

Many cultural festivals in India are closely linked to seasonal changes and harvest cycles:

• Pongal & Makar Sankranti: Celebrated in Winter (Harvest festival).
• Holi: Celebrated in Spring (When flowers bloom).
• Diwali: Celebrated in Autumn (After crops are harvested).
• Baisakhi, Gudi Padwa, Vishu, & Rongali Bihu: Springtime New Year and harvest festivals.