Getting to Know Plants Class 3 World Around Us Chapter 4 CBSE Notes 2025-26

Plants are all around us, with different shapes, sizes, and characteristics that make each one unique. On the way to school, children like Gopu, Simmi, and Raj notice the amazing variety in nature—from towering trees to tiny herbs. Observing these features not only sparks curiosity but also helps us learn more about the world of plants and their importance in our surroundings.

Different Types of Plants Plants can be grouped based on their size, structure, and how they grow. The main types you find nearby are trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, climbers, and creepers. Some plants stand tall and provide shade, while others may grow low to the ground or need support to grow upwards.

Trees Trees are the largest plants in our environment. They have a thick, woody trunk and many branches that spread out and hold leaves. The roots of trees grow deep into the soil, making them strong and stable. Common examples include mango, coconut, jackfruit, banyan, amaltas, peepal, khejri, and chinar. Walking under the cool shade of trees can be very refreshing, and their leaves come in various shapes and textures, like the shiny leaves of the jamun tree or the rough leaves of the mango tree.

Shrubs Shrubs are smaller than trees but bigger than most other plants. They have several woody stems growing from the base, making them look bushy. Tulsi (holy basil), hibiscus, rose, and curry leaf plants are common examples of shrubs. These plants do not have a thick main trunk like trees but have many sturdy stems.

• Shrubs grow close to the ground and often have beautiful, colourful flowers.
• Many shrubs are used for their medicinal properties or for cooking.

Herbs and Grasses Herbs are small plants with soft, green stems that are not woody. They grow close to the ground and usually do not live for many years. Common herbs found around us include mint, tomato, coriander, and mustard. Grasses are also herbs but have long, thin, flat leaves and hollow stems. Wild grasses are very common in fields and gardens.

• The pulses we eat—like toor (pigeon peas), masoor (red lentils), moong (green gram), and urad (black gram)—are seeds from herb plants.
• Some large grasses, like sugarcane and bamboo, are important for food and daily use. Bamboo is actually the tallest grass!

Climbers and Creepers Some plants cannot stand upright by themselves. Instead, they climb on other plants or objects for support. These are called climbers. Money plant, jasmine, and bottle gourd are popular examples of climbers. On the other hand, creepers have thin, flexible stems and spread along the ground, such as pumpkin and watermelon plants.

• Some climbers take nutrients from the plants they climb on.
• Bamboo and sugarcane are unique as they grow tall and have many uses.
• Getting to know creepers and climbers in your area can be fun and useful.

Leaves and Their Features Leaves are a key part of plants and can differ greatly in colour, shape, size, smell, and texture. Some leaves, like tulsi, coriander, curry leaves, mint, and lemon grass, have unique smells. When you rub or crush these leaves, the scent is released. Observing leaves helps in identifying plant types and understanding their uses.

• Activity: Collect and draw leaves from different plants. Note their size, colour, shape, and surface texture. Talk with your friends about their findings.
• Leaves such as those from mango, peepal, and lotus plants look different and serve specific functions for the plant.

Parts of a Plant A plant typically has several parts—roots, stem, leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds. Each part plays a special role. The roots anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients from the soil, the stem carries food and water to different parts, and the leaves make food using sunlight. Flowers are the reproductive part, and fruits contain seeds for new plants.

Observing and Caring for Plants Getting to know a plant closely can be an interesting activity. Choose a shrub or tree, give it a name, and observe its leaves, flowers, and fruits every day. Record changes and any new growth you see, such as fresh leaves or flowers dropping to the ground. Taking care of plants by watering them encourages a sense of responsibility and a closer bond with nature.

• Does the plant have new leaves or different colours as they grow?
• Do old leaves fall and are replaced by new ones?
• Can you notice a change in the number of flowers or fruits?

Understanding Bark and Unique Plants The bark is the tough outer layer of a tree trunk. By rubbing a crayon on paper pressed against bark, you can see the unique patterns of different trees. Some special plants include sugarcane, from which sugar is made, and bamboo, which is the tallest grass. Rafflesia, found in Mizoram, is the biggest flower and is as big as an umbrella.

• Observe if there are insects, birds, or small animals living on or around the bark.
• Notice how patterns on the bark help identify tree species.

Fun Activities to Learn about Plants There are many fun ways to explore plants. You can collect fallen leaves and flowers to make rangoli patterns or create animal shapes. Blindfold games with fruits help children identify things using the sense of smell. Drawing and describing the leaves and different plant types seen around us is another enjoyable activity.

1. Discuss what would happen if there were no plants.
2. Think about how roots and stems help a plant grow strong and stable.
3. List plants you see near school or home and group them by type—tree, shrub, herb, grass, climber, or creeper.

Understanding the types of plants and how they grow helps us appreciate nature and reminds us to care for the plants and trees around us. Observing their features, using local names, and interacting with them daily not only builds knowledge but also develops a deep connection with the natural environment.

Class 3 World Around Us Chapter 4 Notes – CBSE the World Around Us: Living Together Revision Highlights

These revision notes for CBSE Class 3 World Around Us Chapter 4 – the World Around Us explain plant types, features, and their role in our surroundings. Students can quickly recall differences between trees, shrubs, herbs, and creepers, as well as plant parts and their functions. Get clear, stepwise points for each concept with relatable examples, perfect for last-minute revision.

With these Class 3 Chapter 4 World Around Us notes, children can prepare efficiently and confidently for exams, as the notes cover all vital facts and activities illustrated in the NCERT book. Use this simple summary to review all plant groups, their uses, and fun activities that spark curiosity. Enhance your understanding of nature and score better in your assessments!