General Knowledge Class 8 - Earth And-Its-Environment Notes

Earth and Its Environment

Welcome to the chapter on Earth and Its Environment for Class 8. In this chapter, you will learn about our planet Earth, its natural resources, and how human activities affect the environment. By the end of this chapter, you will understand the importance of protecting our environment and ways to make a positive impact!

Introduction

Earth is the only planet known to support life. It has land, water, air, and many living things. The environment includes everything around us—plants, animals, water, air, and land.

Components of the Environment

• Land: Mountains, plains, deserts, forests.
• Water: Oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds.
• Air: The atmosphere that surrounds Earth.
• Living things: Plants, animals, and humans.

Natural Resources

Natural resources are things we get from nature, like water, soil, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels. We use these resources for food, energy, and making products.

Human Impact on the Environment

• Deforestation (cutting down trees)
• Pollution (air, water, soil)
• Climate change
• Loss of biodiversity

Human activities can harm the environment. It is important to use resources wisely and reduce pollution.

Protecting the Environment

• Plant more trees
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle waste
• Save water and electricity
• Use eco-friendly products
• Spread awareness about environmental issues

Fun Activity: Eco Survey

Observe your surroundings and list ways you and your family help protect the environment. Share your ideas in class!

Summary

• Earth is our home and has many natural resources.
• Human activities can harm the environment.
• We must protect the environment for future generations.

Practice Questions

1. Name three natural resources found on Earth.
2. What is pollution? Give two examples.
3. How can planting trees help the environment?
4. List two ways to save water at home.
5. Why is it important to recycle?

Challenge Yourself

• Make a poster about saving the environment.
• Write a short essay on how climate change affects Earth.

Did You Know?

• The Amazon rainforest is called the "lungs of the Earth" because it produces so much oxygen!
• Recycling one ton of paper saves about 17 trees.

Glossary

• Environment: Everything around us—air, water, land, and living things.
• Natural resource: Something useful we get from nature.
• Pollution: Making air, water, or soil dirty and unsafe.
• Biodiversity: The variety of living things in an area.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. Water, soil, forests (any three).
2. Pollution is making the environment dirty. Examples: air pollution from vehicles, water pollution from factories.
3. Trees clean the air, give us oxygen, and provide homes for animals.
4. Turn off taps when not in use, use a bucket instead of a shower.
5. Recycling reduces waste and saves natural resources.

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Take care of Earth and its environment—every small step makes a big difference!