Chapter 9: Things We Make and Do: A Comprehensive Guide for PSTET
🌟 Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, teachers will be able to:
Understand the significance of the 'Things We Make and Do' theme within the EVS syllabus.
Identify common objects we use daily and the materials they are made from.
Differentiate between natural and man-made materials.
Understand the process of transforming raw materials into finished products, including traditional crafts.
Gain in-depth knowledge of Punjab's rich traditional crafts (Phulkari, Jutti, woodwork, etc.).
Recognize the major occupations and industries in Punjab, including MSME clusters.
Understand the critical issue of waste management, including the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
Appreciate the role of technology and simple machines in our lives.
Identify famous personalities of Punjab and their contributions to sports, arts, and literature.
Apply this knowledge to create engaging, child-centric lesson plans for primary classes.
🗺️ Introduction: The 'Things We Make and Do' Theme in EVS
In the EVS syllabus for primary classes (III-V), the curriculum is woven around six common themes, providing a holistic understanding of the environment. 'Things We Make and Do' is one of these six core themes, standing alongside 'Family and Friends', 'Food', 'Shelter', 'Water', and 'Travel' .
For a child, this theme is about understanding the world of human creativity and industry. It is the chair they sit on, the notebook they write in, the phulkari dupatta their mother wears, the sports goods made in Jalandhar, and the waste they throw in the dustbin. The EVS syllabus aims to present this theme in a holistic manner, connecting it to:
Our Daily Lives: The objects we use at home and school, and the materials they are made of.
Our Community: The work of artisans and craftspeople, and the industries in our state.
Our Environment: The problems of waste and how we can manage it through the 3Rs.
Our State: The traditional crafts of Punjab (Phulkari, Jutti) and its modern industries (sports goods, bicycle parts, hosiery).
Our History: The contributions of great personalities from Punjab.
Our Future: The role of technology and innovation in our lives.
For a PSTET aspirant, understanding this interconnectedness is key. This chapter will equip you with the knowledge to teach children about human ingenuity and industry not just as a topic, but as a lens to understand culture, economy, environment, and their own place in the world.
🪑 9.1 Things We Use Daily
Our daily lives are filled with objects that serve various purposes. Understanding what these objects are made of helps us appreciate the resources and effort that go into making them.
🏠 Objects at Home
| 🏷️ Category | 🎨 Examples | 🖍️ Icon |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture (ਫ਼ਰਨੀਚਰ) | Bed (ਮੰਜਾ), Chair (ਕੁਰਸੀ), Table (ਮੇਜ਼), Sofa (ਸੋਫ਼ਾ), Cupboard (ਅਲਮਾਰੀ) | 🛏️ |
| Utensils (ਭਾਂਡੇ) | Pots (ਭਾਂਡੇ), Pans (ਤਵੇ), Spoons (ਚਮਚੇ), Plates (ਥਾਲੀਆਂ), Glasses (ਗਿਲਾਸ) | 🍳 |
| Appliances (ਉਪਕਰਣ) | Fan (ਪੱਖਾ), Light (ਬੱਤੀ), Refrigerator (ਫਰਿੱਜ), Television (ਟੀ.ਵੀ.), Washing Machine (ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗ ਮਸ਼ੀਨ), Mixer Grinder (ਮਿਕਸਰ) | 📺 |
🏫 Objects at School
| 🏷️ Category | 🎨 Examples |
|---|---|
| Furniture | Bench (ਬੈਂਚ), Desk (ਡੈਸਕ), Chair, Blackboard/Whiteboard (ਸਫ਼ੈਦ ਬੋਰਡ) |
| Stationery (ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨਰੀ) | Pen (ਪੈੱਨ), Pencil (ਪੈਨਸਿਲ), Notebook (ਕਾਪੀ), Eraser (ਰਬੜ), Sharpener (ਸ਼ਾਰਪਨਰ), Scale (ਸਕੇਲ) |
| Sports Equipment (ਖੇਡਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਮਾਨ) | Ball (ਗੇਂਦ), Bat (ਬੱਲਾ), Racket (ਰੈਕੇਟ), Skipping Rope (ਰੱਸਾ) |
🧱 Materials Used to Make Things
Objects are made from a variety of materials. These can be broadly classified into natural and man-made materials.
| 🏷️ Type | 📝 Description | 🎨 Examples | 🖍️ Icon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Materials | Materials obtained directly from nature. | Wood (ਲੱਕੜ): From trees, used for furniture. Metal (ਧਾਤ): From ores (iron, copper, aluminum), used for utensils and tools. Clay (ਮਿੱਟੀ): From the earth, used for pottery and bricks. Stone (ਪੱਥਰ): Used for construction. Cotton (ਕਪਾਹ): From plants, used for clothes. | 🌿 |
| Man-Made Materials | Materials created by humans through chemical processes, often from natural resources. | Plastic (ਪਲਾਸਟਿਕ): Made from oil, used for bottles, buckets, and toys. Glass (ਸ਼ੀਸ਼ਾ): Made from sand, used for windows and utensils. Paper (ਕਾਗਜ਼): Made from wood pulp, used for writing and packaging. Synthetic Fiber (ਸਿੰਥੈਟਿਕ ਰੇਸ਼ਾ): Like polyester and nylon, used for clothes. | 🏭 |
🌿 Natural vs. Man-Mated Materials: A Comparison
| 🏷️ Feature | 🌿 Natural Materials | 🏭 Man-Made Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Derived from nature (plants, animals, minerals). | Manufactured by humans, often from natural resources. |
| Environmental Impact | Generally biodegradable and renewable (if sourced sustainably). | Often non-biodegradable and can cause pollution. |
| Examples | Wood, cotton, wool, silk, leather, stone, clay. | Plastic, glass, paper, synthetic fiber, metal alloys. |
| Durability | Can be durable but may decay over time. | Often very durable and resistant to decay. |
🏭 9.2 How Things are Made
The objects we use every day go on a fascinating journey from raw material to finished product.
⛏️ From Raw Material to Finished Product
This process involves several steps:
Sourcing Raw Materials (ਕੱਚਾ ਮਾਲ): Obtaining natural resources from the earth (e.g., mining iron ore, felling trees for wood, extracting oil for plastic).
Processing: Transforming the raw material into a usable form (e.g., smelting iron ore to make steel, processing wood into planks, refining oil to make plastic pellets).
Manufacturing: Using machines and tools to shape the processed material into a finished product (e.g., molding plastic into a bucket, weaving cotton into fabric, assembling parts to make a bicycle).
Packaging and Transport: Wrapping the finished product and sending it to shops where we can buy it.
🧑🎨 Traditional Crafts and Artisans
Before the Industrial Revolution, most things were made by skilled artisans using traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations. These crafts are an important part of our cultural heritage. Examples include pottery (ਕੁੰਭਕਾਰੀ) , weaving (ਬੁਣਾਈ) , carpentry (ਤਰਖਾਣ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ) , and blacksmithing (ਲੁਹਾਰ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ) .
🏡 Cottage Industries vs. 🏭 Large-Scale Industries
| 🏷️ Feature | 🏡 Cottage Industries | 🏭 Large-Scale Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Run from home or small workshops. | Located in factories and industrial areas. |
| Investment | Low investment. | High investment. |
| Labor | Family members or a few hired workers. | Hundreds or thousands of workers. |
| Tools | Simple, often hand-operated tools. | Large, complex machinery. |
| Output | Small scale, often unique or customized products. | Mass production of identical products. |
| Examples | Pottery, handloom weaving, Phulkari embroidery, carpentry. | Textile mills, automobile factories, steel plants. |
🏺 Simple Processes: Pottery, Weaving, Carpentry, Paper Making
Pottery (ਕੁੰਭਕਾਰੀ): Clay is mixed with water, shaped on a potter's wheel, dried in the sun, and then baked in a kiln to make it hard and durable.
Weaving (ਬੁਣਾਈ): Threads (warp and weft) are interlaced on a loom to create fabric. This can be done on a handloom (traditional) or a power loom (modern).
Carpentry (ਤਰਖਾਣ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ): Wood is cut, shaped, and joined using tools like saws, chisels, and hammers to make furniture and other objects.
Paper Making (ਕਾਗਜ਼ ਬਣਾਉਣਾ): Wood pulp or recycled paper is mixed with water, spread into thin sheets, pressed, and dried.
🧵 9.3 Traditional Crafts of Punjab
Punjab has a rich and vibrant tradition of arts and crafts that are highly acclaimed the world over . These crafts are not just artifacts; they are vibrant testimonies to Punjab's enduring legacy, reflecting the creativity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of its people .
💼 9.4 Occupations and Industries in Punjab
Punjab's economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, small-scale industries, and the service sector .
🌾 Agriculture and Allied Activities
Agriculture is the backbone of Punjab's economy, with the state being the "Food Bowl of India." Major crops include wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, and cotton. Allied activities include dairy farming, poultry, and fisheries.
🏭 Small-Scale Industries (MSMEs)
Punjab is renowned for its network of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The focus of the Punjab government should be on promoting the MSME sector to make it more viable for employment generation .
🏭 Large-Scale Industries
While MSMEs dominate, Punjab also has large-scale industries, including:
Fertilizers: Plants producing chemical fertilizers for agriculture.
Cement: Cement manufacturing units.
Sugar Mills: Mills that process sugarcane into sugar.
Trident Group: A major global player in terry towels and wheat straw paper, based in Barnala.
💻 Service Sector
The service sector is a growing part of Punjab's economy, contributing around 46% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) . This includes:
Information Technology (IT): Growing IT parks and software services in cities like Mohali.
Tourism: Hotels, travel agencies, and guides serving pilgrims and tourists visiting the Golden Temple, Wagah Border, and other sites.
Education: A large network of schools, colleges, and universities.
Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.
♻️ 9.5 Waste and Its Management
As we make and use things, we also create waste. Managing this waste is one of the biggest challenges of our time.
🗑️ Types of Waste
Waste can be broadly classified into two categories :
| 🗑️ Type | 📝 Description | ⏳ Degradability | 🎨 Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biodegradable Waste (ਜੈਵਿਕ ਰਹਿੰਦ-ਖੂੰਹਦ) | Waste that can be broken down by natural processes (like microorganisms) into simpler, harmless substances. | Decomposes naturally within a reasonable time. | Food scraps, vegetable peels, fruit cores, tea leaves, eggshells, paper, plant matter, cow dung. |
| Non-Biodegradable Waste (ਗੈਰ-ਜੈਵਿਕ ਰਹਿੰਦ-ਖੂੰਹਦ) | Waste that cannot be broken down by natural processes and persists in the environment for a very long time (hundreds of years). | Does not decompose; remains in the environment. | Plastics, metals, glass, Styrofoam, synthetic fabrics, batteries. |
🏭 Sources of Waste
Household (ਘਰੇਲੂ): Food waste, packaging, old clothes, broken items.
Industrial (ਉਦਯੋਗਿਕ): Chemicals, scrap metal, ash, and other byproducts from factories.
Agricultural (ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ): Crop residues (like stubble/parali), animal manure, empty pesticide containers.
Hospital (ਹਸਪਤਾਲ): Syringes, bandages, expired medicines, biological waste (this is hazardous and needs special treatment).
⚠️ Problems of Waste Disposal
Improper waste disposal causes numerous problems :
Soil Contamination: Harmful chemicals from waste can seep into the soil, making it infertile.
Water Pollution: Waste dumped in or near water bodies contaminates the water, harming aquatic life and making it unfit for drinking.
Air Pollution: Burning waste (especially plastic and crop stubble) releases toxic gases and smoke, causing respiratory problems.
Disease Spread: Piles of garbage become breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, flies, rats, and cockroaches.
Landfill Issues: Landfills (designated sites where waste is buried) occupy vast areas of land and can leak harmful liquids (leachate) into the groundwater .
♻️ The 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The 3Rs represent a hierarchy of waste management strategies, starting with the most beneficial .
🌱 Composting and Vermicomposting
Composting (ਖਾਦ ਬਣਾਉਣਾ): A natural process where biodegradable waste (like food scraps and garden waste) is decomposed by microorganisms into a nutrient-rich, dark-colored material called compost (ਖਾਦ) . This compost can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants .
Vermicomposting (ਕੇਚੂਆ ਖਾਦ): A type of composting where specific species of earthworms are used to speed up the decomposition of organic waste. The worms eat the waste and produce castings (worm poop) that are an excellent, nutrient-rich fertilizer.
🇮🇳 Swachh Bharat Mission (ਸ੍ਵੱਛ ਭਾਰਤ ਮਿਸ਼ਨ)
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission) was a nation-wide campaign launched by the Government of India in 2014 to clean up the streets, roads, and infrastructure of the country. Its main objectives were to:
Eliminate open defecation through the construction of individual, cluster, and community toilets.
Eradicate manual scavenging.
Promote scientific processing of municipal solid waste.
Bring about a behavioral change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices.
Create awareness and generate public participation in cleanliness drives.
💻 9.6 Technology in Our Lives
Technology plays an ever-increasing role in how we make things and go about our daily lives.
⚙️ Simple Machines and Their Uses
Simple machines are basic mechanical devices that make our work easier by changing the direction or magnitude of a force. They are the building blocks of more complex machines.
Lever (ਲੀਵਰ): A rigid bar that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It helps lift or move loads. Examples: See-saw, crowbar, bottle opener.
Pulley (ਗਰਾਰੀ): A wheel with a groove that holds a rope. It makes it easier to lift heavy objects by changing the direction of the force. Examples: Flagpole, curtain rod, crane.
Inclined Plane (ਢਲਵਾਂ ਤਲ): A sloping surface that connects a lower level to a higher level. It makes it easier to move objects upward. Examples: Ramp, slide, staircase.
Wedge (ਪਚਰ): A portable inclined plane that is used to separate two objects or lift an object. Examples: Axe, knife, chisel.
Screw (ਪੇਚ): An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. It is used to hold things together or lift materials. Examples: Jar lid, drill bit, bolt.
Wheel and Axle (ਪਹੀਆ ਅਤੇ ਧੁਰਾ): A wheel attached to a rod (axle) so that they turn together. It makes it easier to move objects. Examples: Doorknob, bicycle wheels, steering wheel.
📱 Modern Gadgets and Appliances
Modern technology has given us a vast array of gadgets and appliances that save time and effort. Examples include:
In the Kitchen: Mixer grinder, microwave oven, refrigerator, induction cooktop.
For Cleaning: Vacuum cleaner, washing machine.
For Comfort: Air conditioner, heater, fan.
For Entertainment: Television, music system, gaming console.
For Communication: Smartphone, computer, tablet.
🌐 Information Technology: Computers, Mobile Phones, Internet
Information Technology (IT) has revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate.
Computers (ਕੰਪਿਊਟਰ): Used for a wide range of tasks, from writing documents and creating presentations to designing products and running businesses.
Mobile Phones (ਮੋਬਾਈਲ ਫ਼ੋਨ): Have become ubiquitous. They are used for communication, photography, accessing the internet, playing games, and running countless applications (apps).
Internet (ਇੰਟਰਨੈੱਟ): A global network that connects computers and other devices. It allows us to access information, communicate with people around the world, shop online, watch videos, and much more.
⚖️ Impact of Technology on Daily Life
Technology has both positive and negative impacts on our lives.
| ✅ Positive Impacts | ❌ Negative Impacts |
|---|---|
| Makes work easier and faster (e.g., washing machine, computer). | Can lead to a sedentary lifestyle (sitting for long periods). |
| Connects us with people around the world (internet, mobile phones). | Can be addictive (social media, gaming). |
| Provides access to vast information and knowledge. | Reduces face-to-face social interaction. |
| Improves healthcare (medical equipment, telemedicine). | Can lead to job loss due to automation. |
| Creates new jobs (in IT, software, etc.). | Increases electronic waste (e-waste) , which is difficult to recycle. |
🏅 9.7 Famous Personalities and Inventions
This section celebrates the great minds and heroes from India and, more specifically, from Punjab.
🔬 Scientists and Inventors (India)
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The "Missile Man of India" and former President. He was a key figure in India's space and missile programs.
C.V. Raman: A Nobel Prize-winning physicist who discovered the "Raman Effect."
Homi J. Bhabha: The father of India's nuclear program.
Vikram Sarabhai: The father of India's space program.
Aryabhata: An ancient mathematician and astronomer who calculated the value of pi and explained the causes of solar and lunar eclipses.
🌟 Great Personalities of Punjab
Punjab has been the birthplace of numerous spiritual leaders, freedom fighters, rulers, and artists who have left an indelible mark on history .
🏅 Pride of Punjab: Achievements in Sports, Arts, and Literature
Sports:
Milkha Singh (ਮਿਲਖਾ ਸਿੰਘ): "The Flying Sikh," an ace athlete who won gold medals in the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Harbhajan Singh (ਹਰਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ): Legendary cricketer.
Navjot Singh Sidhu (ਨਵਜੋਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਿੱਧੂ): Former cricketer and commentator.
Pargat Singh (ਪਰਗਟ ਸਿੰਘ): Former captain of the Indian hockey team.
Geeta Phogat (ਗੀਤਾ ਫੋਗਾਟ) & Babita Kumari (ਬਬੀਤਾ ਕੁਮਾਰੀ): Wrestlers from Haryana (neighboring state with strong Punjab connection) who broke gender barriers.
Arts:
Amrita Pritam (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਾ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ): A renowned novelist and poet, she was the first woman to win the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Gurdas Maan (ਗੁਰਦਾਸ ਮਾਨ): A legendary singer and actor who has dedicated his work to Punjabi culture.
Shiv Kumar Batalvi (ਸ਼ਿਵ ਕੁਮਾਰ ਬਟਾਲਵੀ): A celebrated poet, known for his romantic and tragic verses.
Literature:
Bhai Vir Singh (ਭਾਈ ਵੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ): A poet, scholar, and theologian who played a key role in the revival of Punjabi literature.
📝 Pedagogical Approaches for the Classroom
As a teacher, here's how you can bring this chapter to life, keeping in mind the EVS approach of holistic learning:
Material Hunt: Ask students to look around the classroom and list 10 objects, along with the material they are made from (e.g., "blackboard - glass/wood," "bench - wood/iron").
"From Farm to Fabric/Factory" Story: Trace the journey of a product. For example, show how cotton is grown, picked, spun into thread, woven into cloth, stitched into a shirt, and finally sold in a shop.
Craft Demonstration/Workshop: Invite a local artisan (a potter, a weaver, a Phulkari embroiderer) to demonstrate their craft to the class. Better yet, arrange a hands-on workshop.
Virtual Tour: Use online videos to show students how things are made in factories (e.g., "How it's Made" episodes) or how traditional crafts are done in villages.
Waste Audit: Have students collect the waste from their lunchboxes for a day and then classify it into biodegradable and non-biodegradable.
3Rs Poster/Model: Organize a competition for the best poster or working model explaining the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
Classroom Composting: Start a small compost bin in a corner of the school garden using vegetable peels and leaves from the school ground.
Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt: Ask students to find and identify examples of simple machines at home or in the classroom (e.g., a see-saw in the park is a lever, a doorknob is a wheel and axle).
Biography Project: Assign students a famous personality from Punjab to research and present a short skit or poster about their life and achievements.
Lohri Celebration: Celebrate Lohri in class and discuss the story of Dulla Bhatti, connecting the festival to the folk hero .
💡 Summary for PSTET Aspirants
Syllabus Link: 'Things We Make and Do' is one of the six core themes in the EVS syllabus for Classes III-V .
Holistic Approach: The focus is on understanding human creativity, industry, and its impact on our lives and environment.
Materials: Be able to classify objects based on the materials they are made from and differentiate between natural and man-made materials.
Making Process: Understand the journey from raw material to finished product and the difference between cottage and large-scale industries.
Traditional Crafts of Punjab: This is a high-priority area. You must have in-depth knowledge of Phulkari (including Bagh), Jutti, Woodwork (Pawas, Peeras), Metalwork (including traditional ornaments), Basketry/Durries, and Mud Works (Chowk-Poorana) .
Occupations and Industries: Know the major MSME clusters of Punjab: Ludhiana (bicycle parts, hosiery) , Jalandhar (sports goods) , and the emerging Food Parks .
Waste Management: Be very clear on the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste . Understand the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in detail, with examples . Know the basics of composting and the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Technology: Be familiar with the six simple machines and their examples. Understand the positive and negative impacts of technology on daily life.
Famous Personalities: This is a must-know area for PSTET.
Spiritual/Temporal: Guru Nanak Dev (spiritual voice) and Maharaja Ranjit Singh (temporal identity) .
Freedom Fighters/Folk Heroes: Bhagat Singh, Dulla Bhatti (connected to Lohri), and Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal .
Arts & Literature: Amrita Pritam, Gurdas Maan, Shiv Kumar Batalvi.
Sports: Milkha Singh, Harbhajan Singh, etc.
This chapter provides a robust foundation for both the PSTET exam and your future role as a primary teacher. By connecting every topic back to the objects children use, the crafts they see, the heroes they hear about, and the waste they create, you can make learning about "Things We Make and Do" joyful, meaningful, and truly educational.
