Up You Go! — CBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 9 Notes & Solutions

The Thrill and Challenges of Mountaineering

Mountaineering is not a normal walk in the park; it is an extreme adventure sport that involves climbing tall mountains. In class 5 evs up you go, we follow the experiences of teachers attending a special training camp in Uttarkashi. Mountaineers have to face difficult terrains, freezing cold weather, steep rocky paths, and thin air which makes breathing hard. To survive and succeed, climbers must pack essential items in their large bags called rucksacks. These include food packets, water bottles, ropes, slings, plastic sheets, sleeping bags, and medical supplies. They also take Vitamin C tablets and hot chocolate milk every morning for energy and to keep warm in the freezing cold.

What are the Responsibilities of a Group Leader?

1. Help others carry bags — A leader assists members who find it difficult to carry their heavy rucksacks on steep climbs.
2. Lead from the back — The leader lets the group go ahead and walks at the very end to ensure no one is left behind.
3. Find the path and rest spots — A leader helps those who cannot climb well and looks for suitable places to stop, rest, and pitch tents.
4. Look after the sick — If any group member feels unwell, the leader ensures they receive proper medical care, rest, and warm food.
5. Keep up the team spirit — Even if a mistake is made by someone else, a leader is ready to take the responsibility and keep the team happy and united.

Key Mountaineering Activities and Gear

• Rock Climbing: Climbing up steep rock faces using hands, feet, pegs (pitons), and ropes.
• Rappelling: The technique of coming down a steep rock cliff safely using a double-layered rope.
• Crossing Rivers: Walking across fast-flowing, ice-cold mountain rivers with the help of thick ropes, slings, and pitons secured on both banks.
• Tents & Sleeping Bags: Pitching double-walled plastic tents (where air between the layers keeps them warm) and sleeping in soft, feather-filled sleeping bags to survive freezing nights.

Smart Exam Tips for Class 5 EVS

Students often confuse Rappelling with normal rock climbing. Remember: Rock climbing is going up the mountain, while Rappelling is the specialized method of coming down a steep cliff using ropes. Another common exam question is about the double-walled tents: the air trapped between the two plastic layers acts as an insulator, keeping the cold wind out and your body heat inside!

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Why are Vitamin C and iron tablets given to mountaineers along with hot chocolate milk?
  A: Step 1: Identify the physical demands of mountaineering. Climbing high mountains in cold weather requires immense physical strength.
  Step 2: Explain the role of Vitamin C and iron. These supplements help increase immunity, boost red blood cells, and improve oxygen carriage in the body.
  Step 3: Explain the role of hot chocolate milk. It provides instant warmth and energy to battle freezing temperatures.
  Final answer: They are given to provide strength, keep the body warm, and help climbers breathe and function properly in thin mountain air.

• Q: What is a rucksack, and what are five essential things kept inside it?
  A: Step 1: Define a rucksack. A rucksack is a large, sturdy backpack used by trekkers and mountaineers to carry heavy gear.
  Step 2: List the essential items based on the NCERT textbook. These items are crucial for survival and daily needs on the mountain.
  Final answer: Five essential things in a rucksack are: 1. Food packets and water bottle, 2. Rope and sling, 3. Torch and whistle, 4. First-aid kit, and 5. Sleeping bag and plastic sheet.

• Q: Explain why Sangeeta was made the leader of Group No. 7 and what she learned from it.
  A: Step 1: Describe Sangeeta's initial reaction. She was hesitant and scared of the immense responsibility of leading a group of people from different states.
  Step 2: Explain what the experience taught her. It taught her self-confidence, cooperation, responsibility, and the true meaning of teamwork.
  Final answer: Sangeeta was chosen to build leadership skills. She learned that a leader must care for everyone, remain cheerful during hardships, and take responsibility even when things go wrong.

• Q: Why is there a need to use double-walled plastic sheets for pitching tents on snow?
  A: Step 1: Focus on the physical property of double-walled sheets. Two layers of plastic trap a layer of air between them.
  Step 2: Explain how trapped air behaves. Air is a poor conductor of heat and prevents body heat from escaping into the cold surroundings.
  Final answer: The double-walled plastic sheets trap air inside them, which keeps the inside of the tent warm and protects the climbers from freezing cold winds and snow.

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