NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 1 – The Wonderful World of Science | Easy Notes + Story

Simple notes, a short story to spark curiosity, and a complete question bank (fill-in, true/false, 3-mark & 5-mark) — all answers hidden with a Show Answer button so students attempt first. AdSense-friendly.

Easy Summary (for the students):

Science begins with curiosity — asking why and how. It is a way of thinking, observing, and testing ideas to understand the world. Science is everywhere: from the kitchen to the playground, from tiny seeds to high mountains, and from water to the stars. Scientists use the scientific method: Observe → Ask → Guess (hypothesis) → Test → Analyse. Every discovery adds one more piece to the big puzzle of knowledge — and each new piece leads to more questions.

Short Story: “The Little Rain-Scientist”

Ritu loved rainy days. One day she noticed puddles forming faster under the tree than on the road. She wondered why. She watched, asked questions, and tried a small test with a cup and a leaf. She learned about water flow and soil — and shared her discovery with friends. By asking “why”, Ritu became a little scientist!

Important Q&A (Try first — then reveal answers)
Q. What is science?
Science is a way of thinking, observing and testing to understand the world and solve problems.
Q. Why is curiosity important?
Curiosity makes us ask questions that lead to new discoveries and learning.
10 Fill-in-the-Blanks
1. Science begins with _________.
curiosity
2. The first step in scientific method is _________.
observe
3. Water becomes ice when it is _________.
cooled
4. Science is compared to a giant _________ puzzle.
jigsaw
5. A baby butterfly grows from a _________.
caterpillar
6. Testing a guess is called an _________.
experiment
7. Observation means watching carefully or _________.
noticing
8. New discoveries may change old _________.
ideas
9. Earth is the only known planet that supports _________.
life
10. Every answer leads to more _________.
questions
10 True / False
1. Science is only for adults.
False
2. Curiosity helps in discoveries.
True
3. Observation is not needed in science.
False
4. Scientific method includes testing.
True
5. Water turns into steam on heating.
True
6. A hypothesis must not be tested.
False
7. Science helps solve daily life problems.
True
8. New discoveries never change old ideas.
False
9. Every scientist works alone.
False
10. Asking questions makes us better learners.
True
10 Short Answer (3-Marks) Questions
1. Define science in simple words.
Science is a way of finding answers about nature by observing, asking questions and testing ideas.
2. What is curiosity? Give an example.
Curiosity is a strong desire to know. Example: Wondering why leaves fall in autumn.
3. List steps of scientific method.
Observe → Ask question → Make hypothesis → Test → Analyse and conclude.
4. Give two examples of science in daily life.
Cooking food (heat causes change), using a fan (electricity makes it run).
5. What does observation mean?
Observation means watching carefully to collect information.
6. Why test a hypothesis?
To check if our guess is correct or wrong by doing experiments or observations.
7. Explain with an example how you acted like a scientist.
If your light bulb didn't work and you checked the switch, you tried to find the reason — that is using the scientific method.
8. What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a possible explanation made before testing it.
9. Give one reason why scientists work in teams.
To share ideas, check each other's work and discover faster together.
10. How does observing a caterpillar help you learn?
Watching a caterpillar change to a butterfly teaches about growth and life cycles.
10 Long Answer (5-Marks) Questions
1. Explain with examples how science is used in daily life.
Science explains many daily activities: cooking (heat causes chemical changes), cleaning with soap (chemistry of detergents), medicine (treating sickness), building houses (materials and strength). Understanding these helps us use them correctly.
2. Describe the scientific method with an example (detailed).
Steps: (1) Observe (see a plant drooping), (2) Ask (why is it drooping?), (3) Hypothesis (maybe it needs water), (4) Test (give water to some plants, not to others), (5) Analyse (the watered plants recover), (6) Conclude (lack of water caused drooping).
3. Why is curiosity called the mother of science? Explain with examples.
Curiosity makes us ask questions that lead to new ideas. For example, curiosity about why apples fall led Newton to think about gravity. Without curiosity, no questions and no discoveries.
4. How do new discoveries sometimes change old ideas? Give an example.
When new data doesn't match old ideas, scientists update knowledge. Example: People once thought Earth was flat; later observations (ships, satellites) showed it is round.
5. Explain observation and its importance with two examples.
Observation collects facts we can test later. Examples: (1) Noticing birds migrate tells us seasons change; (2) Measuring how long water takes to boil helps understand heat and pressure.
6. Describe different materials around us and how they are useful.
Materials: wood (furniture), metal (keys, tools), plastic (bottles), cloth (clothes). Each has special properties — strength, flexibility, heat resistance — used for suitable purposes.
7. How can testing a wrong hypothesis help science?
A wrong hypothesis shows what does not work and points to better ideas. It narrows choices and improves future tests, moving science forward.
8. Explain teamwork in science with an example.
Teamwork combines skills and ideas. Example: Space missions require engineers, scientists, and technicians working together to plan, build and launch a spacecraft.
9. List five qualities needed to become a scientist and explain briefly.
Curiosity (ask questions), Observation (notice details), Patience (repeat tests), Logical thinking (reason results), Honesty (report true results).
10. Why is protecting Earth important according to science?
Earth supplies food, water and air. Pollution and carelessness harm these supplies and can endanger life. Science helps us know how to protect and use resources wisely.

Tip for teachers & students: Encourage students to try each question before clicking “Show Answer”. This helps thinking and memory.