# A Journey Through a Forest

## Overview

In this chapter, Reena and Amit travel to their village, which is celebrating both a harvest festival and its transformation into a fully solar-powered village. The chapter explores natural living, traditional knowledge, cultural art forms, and methods of environmental care, encouraging students to appreciate and protect nature.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. The Flame of the Forest
- Reena and Amit observe **Palash trees** full of bright orange-red flowers.
- Their father tells them Palash is also called the **“flame of the forest”** because of the vibrant colour during blooming season.
- Children learn about identifying and appreciating regional flowers.

### 2. Eco-friendly Village Homes
- Village houses are built with **natural materials**: clay, cow dung, hay.
- Reena and Amit admire traditional wall paintings made using **rice flour paste**.
- Encourages creativity and the use of sustainable materials for construction and decoration.

### 3. Natural Colours and Dyes
- Grandmother uses dyes made from **flower extracts, leaves**, and **coloured stones** to paint cloth.
- Instructions to make **natural dyes** using local plants like beetroot and marigold.
- Hands-on activity for preparing and using natural dye to colour fabric.

### 4. Gond Art and Village Tools
- Introduction to **Gond art** – painting on walls using **natural colours**.
- Traditional tools like **earthen pots** and **bamboo baskets** are used to store grains.
- Pots are lined with **neem leaves**, and baskets coated with **cow dung** to protect from pests.

### 5. Jenu Kuruba Tribe and Honey Collection
- Students learn about the **Jenu Kurubas** from Karnataka.
- They sing songs to bees as a sign of **respect while collecting honey**.
- This reflects the deep **cultural connection with nature**.

### 6. Neem Oil and Natural Remedies
- Grandfather applies **neem oil** as a **natural mosquito repellent**.
- Discussion on **first-aid kits** and how plant-based remedies are used in traditional healing.
- Children compare market-bought items with homemade natural solutions.

### 7. Solar Lights and Festival Celebrations
- The village is lit using **solar energy** for the festival.
- Community celebration includes **traditional clothes**, **music** (dhol and nagada), and **folk dances**.
- Reinforces importance of **renewable energy** and cultural heritage.

### 8. Sacred Groves and Nature Worship
- Sacred groves are **protected forest patches** where nature is worshipped.
- Examples of rituals and festivals like **Vat Purnima**, **Hari Jiroti**, and **Kaziranga Elephant Festival**.
- Emphasis on **respecting and preserving natural ecosystems**.

### 9. Living in Harmony with Nature
- Discussion on how people **depend on nature** for food, clothes, medicine, etc.
- Activities include filling charts about natural resource use and drawing a **herbal garden**.
- Promotes **eco-awareness**, resource conservation, and herbal knowledge.

---

## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Definition |
|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Palash | A tree with bright orange-red flowers, also called 'flame of the forest' |
| Natural dye | Colour made from plants like flowers, roots, or leaves |
| Gond art | Tribal art using natural colours showing animals and nature |
| Earthen pot | Clay pot used to store water or grains |
| Neem | A medicinal plant used in natural remedies |
| Jenu Kuruba | A tribe from Karnataka known for respectful honey collection |
| Sacred grove | Forest area protected and worshipped by communities |
| Solar power | Electricity produced from sunlight |
| Herbal garden | Garden where plants used for health or cooking are grown |
| Mosquito repellent | Substance that keeps mosquitoes away |

---

## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)
1. **What is the Palash tree also known as?**
*Flame of the forest.*
_Explanation: Because its flowers make the forest look orange-red._

2. **What are village houses made of?**
*Clay, hay, and cow dung.*
_Explanation: These are natural and eco-friendly materials._

3. **Which plant is used to make natural mosquito repellent?**
*Neem.*
_Explanation: Neem oil is applied to avoid mosquito bites._

### Medium (2)
4. **Why do the Jenu Kuruba sing songs to bees?**
*To apologise and show respect while collecting honey.*
_Explanation: It shows their love and respect for nature._

5. **What is Gond art?**
*A tribal painting style using natural colours to draw nature.*
_Explanation: It reflects cultural expressions and harmony with the environment._

### Difficult (3)
6. **How are earthen pots and bamboo baskets used to store grains?**
*Lined with neem leaves and coated with cow dung to prevent pests.*
_Explanation: These traditional methods protect food naturally._

7. **Why is using solar energy important during the festival?**
*It saves electricity and uses renewable energy from the sun.*
_Explanation: Solar power is clean, free, and helps the environment.*

8. **How do sacred groves help in environmental conservation?**
*They protect trees and animals in a small forest area.*
_Explanation: Local people preserve them as part of religious and cultural practices.*

### Very Difficult (2)
9. **What message does the chapter convey about humans and nature?**
*Humans depend on nature and should respect and protect it.*
_Explanation: The story shows examples of harmony and care for nature.*

10. **What are some ways we can care for plants and animals in our locality?**
*Reduce waste, plant trees, say no to plastic, and keep food for birds.*
_Explanation: These actions help create a healthy and balanced environment.*

---