Up You Go — Class 5 EVS (CBSE)
Based on the NCERT Looking Around Grade 5 textbook. Learn about mountaineering and the spirit of adventure, then solve the practice set.
1. Why this chapter matters
Mountaineering is one of the most challenging sports. It requires physical strength, mental courage, teamwork, and careful planning. This chapter introduces students to the world of mountaineering through the story of Bachendri Pal — the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest. Students learn about the equipment needed, the dangers climbers face, and the importance of teamwork in achieving difficult goals.
2. Bachendri Pal — first Indian woman on Everest
Bachendri Pal was born in 1954 in a small village in Uttarakhand. She grew up climbing hills and developed a love for mountains. Despite many challenges — including being a woman in a male-dominated field and coming from a humble background — she pursued her dream.
On 23 May 1984, Bachendri Pal reached the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 m), becoming the first Indian woman to do so. She led an all-women team and showed that women can achieve anything with determination and hard work.
3. Mountaineering equipment
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rope | Safety — keeps climbers tied together, used for climbing and rappelling |
| Ice axe | Used for balance, cutting steps in ice, and self-arrest in case of a fall |
| Crampons | Spikes attached to boots for grip on ice and snow |
| Harness | Worn around the body to connect to ropes |
| Helmet | Protects the head from falling rocks or ice |
| Carabiner | A metal ring used to connect ropes and equipment |
| Oxygen cylinder | Provides extra oxygen at high altitudes |
| Warm clothing | Multiple layers to protect against extreme cold |
| Goggles | Protect eyes from bright snow (snow blindness) |
| Tent | Shelter at high camps |
4. Challenges of mountaineering
| Challenge | What happens |
|---|---|
| Altitude sickness | Low oxygen causes headache, nausea, dizziness. Can be fatal if ignored. |
| Extreme cold | Temperatures can drop to -60°C at high altitudes. Frostbite is a risk. |
| Avalanche | A large mass of snow slides down a mountain. Extremely dangerous. |
| Crevasse | Deep cracks in glaciers that can be hidden by snow. |
| Weather | Sudden storms and high winds can appear without warning. |
| Physical exhaustion | Carrying heavy loads at high altitude is extremely tiring. |
5. Altitude sickness
As you go higher, the air has less oxygen. The body needs time to adjust.
Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite.
Prevention:
- Climb slowly to let the body adjust (acclimatise).
- Drink plenty of water.
- If symptoms get severe, go down to a lower altitude immediately.
6. Teamwork in mountaineering
Mountaineering is a team effort. Climbers are tied together with ropes. They help each other carry loads, set up camps, and make decisions. A successful ascent depends on everyone working together.
Key teamwork rules:
- Follow the leader's instructions.
- Look out for your teammates.
- Share supplies and responsibilities.
- Encourage each other when it gets hard.
7. Activity corner
Activity 1: Find out the height of Mount Everest and five other famous mountains. Arrange them from highest to lowest.
Activity 2: Draw and label five pieces of mountaineering equipment. Explain what each is used for.
Activity 3: Write a short paragraph about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and overcame it. What helped you keep going?
8. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking anyone can climb Mount Everest without training Fix: Mountaineering requires months of training, proper equipment, and physical fitness.
- Mistake: Confusing 'summit' with 'base camp' Fix: The summit is the very top of the mountain. Base camp is the starting point at the foot of the mountain.
- Mistake: Believing altitude sickness is not serious Fix: Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. Climbers must descend immediately if symptoms become severe.
9. Key facts
- Bachendri Pal: first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest (23 May 1984).
- Mount Everest is 8,848 metres high (the world's tallest peak).
- Essential equipment: rope, ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, oxygen cylinder.
- Altitude sickness: caused by low oxygen at high altitudes.
- Teamwork is essential in mountaineering.
- Proper training, planning, and equipment save lives.
10. Self-test
- Who was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest?
- When did she reach the summit?
- Name two pieces of mountaineering equipment.
- What is altitude sickness?
- Why is teamwork important in mountaineering?
11. Answer key
-
Who was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest? Answer: Bachendri Pal.
-
When did she reach the summit? Answer: 23 May 1984.
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Name two pieces of mountaineering equipment. Answer: Rope and ice axe (also crampons, harness, helmet, oxygen cylinder).
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What is altitude sickness? Answer: A condition caused by low oxygen at high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
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Why is teamwork important in mountaineering? Answer: Climbers depend on each other for safety, support, and success. Teamwork helps with carrying loads, setting up camps, making decisions, and encouraging each other.
12. Quick revision
- Bachendri Pal: first Indian woman on Everest (1984).
- Everest: 8,848 m, world's tallest peak.
- Equipment: rope, ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, oxygen cylinder.
- Dangers: altitude sickness, extreme cold, avalanches, crevasses.
- Teamwork: essential for success and safety.
- Determination and training help overcome challenges.
- Mountaineering teaches courage, planning, and cooperation.
