Grade 5 Chapter 14: Transport

Topics covered: Means of transport, Types of transport (Land, Water, Air), Development of transport, Transport and the environment, Transport and community health.

Means of Transport

What is transport? What are the different means of transport that you know?

Man has always been using various means of transport. In ancient times, man used animals for transport. Today, we use various means of transport like buses, trains, cars, scooters, bullock carts, boats, aeroplanes, helicopters, etc.

[Note: Students should refer to the image showing various means of transport on page 68 of their textbook.]

What's the solution?

You have to go to your grandmother’s house which is in another city. Which means of transport will you use? Why?

Try this.

Visit a bus stand or a railway station. Observe the various vehicles that you see there. Note down the differences in their construction and use. Note down the differences in the facilities that they provide.

Can you tell?

• Why do we need transport?
• What are the different means of transport that you know?
• What are the advantages of transport?

Types of Transport

We can classify means of transport into three main types: land transport, water transport and air transport.

Land Transport

Land transport is the most common type of transport. It includes roads and railways. Roads are used for vehicles like cars, buses, trucks, scooters, etc. Railways are used for trains. Trains carry a large number of people and goods over long distances.

[Note: Students should refer to the images of road transport (trucks, cars, buses) and rail transport (train) on page 69 of their textbook.]

Use your brain power!

What are the advantages of land transport?

Water Transport

Water transport is used for carrying people and goods over water bodies like rivers, lakes and oceans. It includes boats, ships, steamers, etc. Water transport is cheaper for carrying heavy goods over long distances.

[Note: Students should refer to the images of water transport (ship, boat) on page 69 of their textbook.]

Can you tell?

What are the advantages of water transport?

Air Transport

Air transport is the fastest means of transport. It includes aeroplanes and helicopters. Aeroplanes carry people and goods over long distances in a short time. Helicopters are used for short distances and in places where aeroplanes cannot land.

[Note: Students should refer to the images of air transport (aeroplane, helicopter) on page 70 of their textbook.]

Think about it!

What are the advantages of air transport?

Development of Transport

In ancient times, man used to walk from one place to another. Later, he started using animals like bullocks, horses, camels, etc., for transport. With the invention of the wheel, carts were developed. Then, with the invention of the engine, various modern means of transport like trains, cars, buses, aeroplanes, etc., were developed.

[Note: Students should refer to the image showing the evolution of transport on page 70 of their textbook.]

Always remember!

Transport helps in the development of trade and industry. It also helps in spreading knowledge and culture.

Transport and the Environment

While transport is very useful, it also affects our environment. Vehicles release smoke and harmful gases into the air, causing air pollution. Noise from vehicles causes noise pollution. We should try to use public transport or bicycles for short distances to reduce pollution.

[Note: Students should refer to the image showing pollution from vehicles on page 71 of their textbook.]

What's the solution?

Your school is 2 km away from your house. Which means of transport will you use to go to school? Why?

Transport and Community Health

Transport also affects community health. Air pollution from vehicles can cause breathing problems and other diseases. Noise pollution can cause stress and hearing problems. It is important to use transport wisely to protect our health and the environment.

What We Have Learnt

• Man has always been using various means of transport.
• Means of transport can be classified into land transport, water transport and air transport.
• Land transport is the most common type of transport.
• Water transport is cheaper for carrying heavy goods over long distances.
• Air transport is the fastest means of transport.
• Transport helps in the development of trade and industry, and in spreading knowledge and culture.
• Transport also affects our environment by causing air and noise pollution.
• We should use public transport or bicycles for short distances to reduce pollution.

Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks.
   1. In ancient times, man used __________ for transport.
   2. __________ transport is the fastest means of transport.
   3. Water transport is cheaper for carrying __________ goods over long distances.
   4. Vehicles release smoke and harmful gases into the air, causing __________ pollution.
2. Answer the following questions.
   1. What are the three main types of transport?
   2. What are the advantages of land transport?
   3. What are the disadvantages of air transport?
   4. How does transport affect our environment?
3. Match the following:

   Column A	Column B
   1. Land transport	a. Aeroplane
   2. Water transport	b. Bus
   3. Air transport	c. Ship

Activities

1. Make a list of different means of transport used in your village/city.
2. Draw pictures of any two ancient means of transport.
3. Discuss with your friends how you can reduce pollution caused by transport.