Nova Social Studies 3

• Do not climb on tree without taking safety measures.
• Do not play with fire or play with a match stick.
• Never keep candle or a lamp burning when you are asleep or

out of your house.
• Immediately see a doctor when you are sick.
• Do not play near the river or pond or jump into it.
• Do not accept foolish challenge from your friends of taking

dangerous steps like jumping, running or any other unsafe acts
in name of playing.
4. Write your comment on the following message.

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45<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Lesson 3

End Untouchability

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To understand that all human beings are born equal and no discrimination must be made
on the basis of someone’s birth

 To change our behaviours towards other human beings around us by giving them humanly
treatment without any discrimination of any kind

Untouchability is a social evil in which a group of people is
discriminated in name of religion, class, caste or ethnicity. The
discrimination can be in the form of physical or social boycott of
people belonging to a particular class or caste or ethnic group from
being the society. People of specific class or caste are prohibited from
eating together with other caste-members. They are not invited to
attend village functions and festivals. They are also prohibited from
entering into village temples and using common properties such as
wells, ponds, play ground, school, road etc. therefore, there are various
forms of discriminations being practised in name of class or caste.
Those who are discriminated because of their ethnicity, class or caste
are called untouchables. Untouchables literally means outcastes. The
Constitution of Nepal prohibits untouchability from being practiced
in any form.

Dhan Bahadur’s village A woman is being stopped to share a well.
holds people from
variety of castes like
Chhetri, Bahun, Pariyar,
Lohar, Tharu, Mussahar,
Yadav, Kayasth etc.
There is a practice of
untouchability in his
village. A person from
one caste does not take
food with another caste.
Neither does a person of

46 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

one caste visits the house of another caste. One day, flood submerged
the village except one house which belonged to Pyarelal Musshar. Ram
Dahal, Binod Choudhary and Ram Kripal Yadav were forced to live
outside of their houses along with other villagers. They were walking
past Pyalelal’s house. Pyarelal greeted them with great respect and
offered his help if they didn’t mind. Pyarelal said, “Please come and
have some food with me. We are all humans and we are not big or
small due to our birth. It is our quality that makes us big or small”. All
of them realized their mistakes of practising untouchability against
Pyalelal Mussahar and shared lunch with him. They thanked Pyarelal
for his compassion. Pyarelal worked day and night to save other
villagers life and property. After the flood receded, all the villagers
from different castes began to live in harmony without practising
untouchability.

The village of Bel Kumari Mallathakuri has also the people from
different castes. But, no villager discriminates one against another.
All of them participate in each other’s functions and festivals. They
dine together in a feast. They stand together in hours of crisis. They
help each other in times of disaster and face all the challenges all
together. There is a temple in that village. All the villagers are allowed
to perform the ritual puja and take part in festivals or community
functions. There is no trace of untouchability in his village. It is
really a model village. Nowadays the practice of untouchabilty is not
commonly observed in the Nepalese society.

Teaching Guideline

Teach all the students that all human beings are equal. Give them a message that human beings
are respected due to their inner quality, not by birth. We are all born blank and grow to become
capable to contribute to others at national and international level. Give them examples to prove
unity in diversity.

Words and terms you would like to know

Discriminate: to treat persons or particular group of people differently
Ritual: a set of fixed actions and sometimes words performed regularly, especially as part of a
ceremony
Recede: to move further away into the distance, or to become less clear or less bright
Submerge: to go below or make something go below the surface of the sea or a river or lake
Nowadays: at the present time, in comparison to past

47<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.
(a) What is untouchability and who are untouchables?
(b) Explain how untouchables are discriminated in our society.
(c) Untouchability does not support development of our country.
Prove it with the help of examples.
(d) Have you ever seen or experienced the evil practice of
untouchability? Give details with the help of examples.
(e) Have your teachers or guardians told you not to discriminate
against other in name of race, caste, religion and ethnicity?
Give details.

2. Read the following messages of international leaders who
worked for ending the social evil of untouchability. And rewrite
them.

A B

...................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................

48 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

3. Look at the following figure and write your feelings.

4. Make a placard by using the following messages:
“End the practices of untouchability”.
“All the human beings are born equal”.
“All of us have same system of body functioning with red blood
flowing inside”.
“Practising untouchability is a crime”.
“Socially boycott those who promote and practise untouchability
in any form”.
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..................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
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..................................................................................................................
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49<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Lesson 4

Do Not Follow Superstitions

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To develop logical and scientific approach towards life
 To end the irrational and superstitious behaviours if found in one’s own life

What is superstition? Superstition means the false belief expressed by
unscientific thoughts and silly actions. Superstitious beliefs are found
in every human society in lesser or major extent. Nepalese society is
also under the spell of superstitious beliefs. There are shocking but
interesting superstitions found in the Nepalese society. If a person
sneezes while taking food or starting a journey then it is considered
bad luck.... Something bad will happen. There are various symbols of
animals which are connected with superstitious beliefs. For example,
if a crow sits in front of your house or above the roof, that means a
guest will come. Many people believe that the crow is a messenger
that brings both good and bad news of future events. If a bird makes a
nest on a house then it is a sign of good luck. A cat (especially black cat)
crossing one’s path will bring bad luck. Bird droppings on person’s
head will bring a good luck and that person will become rich. A dog’s
wailing (crying) is always considered as a sign of bad luck in form of
danger of death and poor luck.

Black Cat Black Crow Dogs

There are some interesting superstitions which guide behaviours of
many people in our society. Sweeping the floors of house after the
sun set brings poverty to a person (owner of a house). Borrowing salt
from others puts a borrower in a debt. Eating curd before starting

50 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

an important task brings success. Itching of right hand palm brings
more money and itching in the left hand palm takes away the money.
Movement (quivering) in the right eye-lid is the sign of bad luck.
You can check in your family how far one or other superstitions have
entered into the daily life.
You must have heard about women being declared as witches in rural
Nepal. They are tortured both physically and emotionally for casting
negative (devilish) spells on others. Similarly, people visit witch
doctors (Dhami-Jhakri) when someone in their family fall sick or get
mentally disturbed. According to them, sickness to mind and body
of a person is caused by some unseen bad entity called Ghosts. Due
to this superstitious belief, sick persons are deprived of the medical
treatment.
There are superstitions even related with days of a week. One should
not buy new cloths on Monday. One should not return to hometown
on Saturday. Buying cooking oil on Wednesday and getting one’s
hair cut on Thursday are inauspicious.
Only way to fight superstitions is to develop scientific temper.
The scientific temper is a way of life which applies logic, analysis
and application of science in our daily activities and thinking.
Superstitions must be rejected from the Nepalese society in favour of
full development of our people.

Teaching Guideline

Children must be kept away from superstitions. They should be guided to develop scientific
temper and progressive thinking.

Words and terms you would like to know

Itching: having an uncomfortable feeling on the skin
Deprive of: to take something important away from somebody

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.
(a) What is superstition?
(b) Explain how superstitions are harmful for our personal
growth and development?

51<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

(c) Superstitions must be replaced by thoughtful actions. Write
with examples taken from your family.

(d) Have you ever practised or seen superstitious beliefs or
practices? Give details with the help of examples.

(e) Do your family members, neighbours and friends practice
superstitions? Give details with examples.

2. Cow is our national animal. Gau-seva means taking care of cows.
It brings good luck and prosperity in a person’s life. Keeping cow
in rural areas mantain both family and community. Highlight
several benefits of having cows.

Service to cow is helpful for upkeep of human community.

3. Conduct a group-discussion in your classroom and discuss
different types of superstitions present in different ethnic
communities. Write a report on your discussion with suggestions
to remove these superstitions from our communities.

4. Many people call it superstitions but there may be strong
reasons behind these practices. Find out scientific reasons for
the following practices in our society.
(a) Sweeping a house after sunset brings poverty.
(b) Eating before sunset is good for health.
(c) Sitting under Peepal tree regularly during a daytime takes
diseases away.
(d) Dog’s barking or wailing is a sign of danger.

52 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Revision Exercise

1. Nepal is a country that faces natural disasters quite frequently.
Flood, earthquake, landslides are natural disasters which strike
Nepal regularly. Following picture shows how the earthquake
victims are being given relief materials for survival. Suggest
ways to help victims of natural disasters in Nepal. Point out the

efforts that your school takes to help these victims.

The victims of 2072 BS Earthquake Nepal are being helped by giving them essential items.

2. Look at the following two pictures. Write down at least five
differences between these pictures.

A B

<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 53

A. ..........................................................................................................
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B. ..........................................................................................................
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3. One can’t be free from superstitions. How far do you agree with
this statement? Write down with examples.
4. What is your view on the following superstitions commonly
seen in our society?
(a) I know a person who didn’t apply for a job for 2 weeks because

a priest gave her a date and time to start applying for jobs.
(b) I know a person who always asks the priest for auspicious

time to do everything.
(c) I know a person eats curd before starting any good things

like going for job interview or going for exam.
(d) I know a person who never directly gives a knife or raw chili

to a person’s hand.

54 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

UNIT

4

Civic Senses

Be in queue in public places. Voters have lined up to cast their vote.

Lesson 1: Mutual Cooperation
Lesson 2: Our Norms and Civic Behaviours
Lesson 3: Our Natural Resources
Lesson 4: Following the Social Norms
Lesson 5: Structure and Functions of My Ward
Revision Exercise

55<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Lesson 1

Mutual Cooperation

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To understand how important it is to have mutual cooperation in our life both at individual
as well as community level

 To develop the attitude of mutual cooperation amongst the students

Cooperation means living life by helping others. People should be
helpful to one another. They should cooperate with one another in
areas of community development. Neighbours should come forward
and stand together in times of happiness and sorrow. This is called
mutual cooperation. It is the process where groups of individuals work
together for common benefits. It results in harmony, development
and happiness. Just opposite to it, non-cooperation brings discord,
disharmony and sufferings to people within a society. Therefore,
there is no alternative to mutual cooperation in front of us.
Here is a short story that teaches us to live in mutual cooperation in
order to prevent disaster and danger in life.

Mutual cooperation solves the problems of human life and eases the troubles.

Two fishermen used to live together near a river and do business by
catching fishes. One day the weather turned stormy and the water
level in a river was rising. Both of them went into the water, spread
the net and waited for the catch. It was a sad day as just a few numbers
of fishes were caught in the net. One fisherman pressed for getting

56 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

more share while another one suggested to divide the entire catch
into fifty-fifty pattern. This was the point of discord due to greed
and dishonesht intention of one of the partners. Both of them were
earning their livelihood together. They were together in their efforts of
catching fishes. Their families were surviving on their activities. The
sale of fresh fishes came down due to end of their partnership. Mutual
cooperation no longer existed between them. Their individual efforts
of catching fishes did not match up with their joint efforts of the past.
Customers stopped buying as both quality and quantity of the catch
went down standing of life of their family members slipped down.
Family members began to fight with each other. Having realized the
mistake, they joined hands together and began to cooperate with each
other once again. Their business of fish-catching went up and their
life bounced back into normalcy.

Life cannot function smoothly without mutual cooperation. All of
us need to cooperate in family, neighbourhood, school, play ground,
and anywhere in human life. We must learn to live in perfect accord
and harmony with others in our surroundings. This is how we get
peace, prosperity and happiness in life.

Teaching Guideline

Teach the students practical skills to give and take mutual cooperation in their family,
neighbourhood, school, market, playground and other such places. Also tell the students how
to cooperate with strangers and what precautions need to be observed.

Words and terms you would like to know

Stormy: with strong with, heavy rain, and often thunder and lightning
Alternative: An alternative plan or method is one that you can use if you do not want to use
another one
Insist: to say or demand something continuously
Bounce back: to start to be successful again after a difficult period
Go up: to move higher, rise or increase
Normalcy: the state (condition) of being normal

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.
(a) What is the meaning of mutual cooperation?
(b) Explain how mutual cooperation is beneficial for our life and
living?

57<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

(c) Mutual cooperation brings harmony, happiness and
prosperity in our life. Prove it with the help of examples.

(d) Have you ever experienced the result of cooperation in school,
family and neighbourhood? Share your experience by giving
examples.

(e) Do your family members, neighbours and friends mutually
cooperate with one another? Give details with examples.

2. Look at the following two pictures carefully and write down the
details by connecting them together in a short story.

A B
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................

3. Let us suppose that your Social Studies teacher is on evening
walk and your house is located on the way. You come out of
your house to play with your friends living in neighbourhood.
You see your teacher passing through your house. What would
be your response?
(a) You would run and hide in your house

58 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

(b) Face him by going in front and greet him
(c) Stop playing and ask other friends to run away here and

there
(d) Request him to meet your parents and have a cup of tea.
4. Write down what comes to your mind when you see the following
three sketches:

A B C
A. ..........................................................................................................
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..........................................................................................................
B. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
C. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................

5. How do you manage to meet a stranger? Firstly, write a dialogue
between you and a stranger. After that, stage an act (situation)
in the classroom by role-play.

59<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Lesson 2

Our Norms and Civic Behaviours

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To recognize the social norms in a society to be productive and effective members
 To practice social norms in our daily life in order to set examples before others who are not

following it

Our norms, habits and behaviours decide the success or failure of
entire community. Human actions that harm the wellbeing of others
are called anti-social behaviours. No individual can succeed in his or
her life without following healthy norms. Every person is expected to
show civic behaviours in daily life. Incivility (rudeness) in our social
behaviour disturbs the peace and harmony at public places within
a community. Civility in our behaviours helps in the development
of both an individual and community. It promotes civic virtues and
good manners like showing polite and gentle behaviours, taking
part in cleaning the classroom, school premises and neighbourhood,
helping juniors and helpless people outside home, respect for elders,
teachers and parents and so on.

Cleaning the school corridors and classroom is civil virtue.

My name is Sonam Sigdel and I am the student of Grade-Three. I try
to follow all the good norms including social and civic behaviours.
I get support from my family members, neighbours, elders and
teachers for showing civility in my daily behaviours. I speak politely

60 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

with respect towards elders and affection towards the juniors. I take
part in cleaning my school premises and classroom along with other
friends.
My elder sister Reema Sigdel is three years older than me. She goes
to different school. She walks for 15 minutes before reaching her
school. She takes along other junior students from neighbourhood
and leads them under her protection to school. Their parents and
guardians praise my elder sister for her caring attitude. Guardians
feel confident about the safety and security of their children because
of the presence of my elder sister with them. She knows how to talk to
strangers and shout for help when any anti-social elements come on
her way. I am proud of her and learn a lot of lessons regarding social
and civil behaviours from her.

My elder sister leading other junior students from neighbourhood to school

Teaching Guideline

Highlight the good and bad behaviours of each and every student in the classroom after careful
analysis of their habits and temperament. Encourage them to strengthen the good behaviours
and drop the bad behaviours which are dangerous for family, friends and neighbourhood. Help
them to be aware of their own attitude, feelings and behaviours so that they control unwanted
and undesirable behaviours.

Words and terms you would like to know

Norm: an accepted standard or a way of behaving or doing things that most people agree with
Civility: politeness
Shout: to speak with a very loud voice, often as loud as possible

61<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.
(a) What is the meaning of norm and civility? Write with
examples in the context of Nepalese society.
(b) Explain how incivility is harmful and civility is beneficial for
our life?
(c) Anti-social behaviours bring discord and disputes in our
society. Prove it with the help of examples.
(d) Have you ever experienced the insult and rudeness in school,
family and neighbourhood? Share your experience by giving
examples.
(e) Do you behave in polite manners with others and show civic
virtue? Give details with examples.

2. Look at the following pictures and make your comments.

A B
A. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
B. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................

3. One day Bishnu Poudel, my classmate, was enjoying an evening
stroll along with his father. A crowd of customers pushed him

62 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

aside. He lost the sense of direction and could not spot his
father around. It was a city market. Nobody knew him there as
it was for the first time he visited that market. My friend began

to think how to reach home.

Discuss the situation with your friend and find out the ways
to reach home. What would have been your behaviour in a

situation like this?

4. Make a table as given below for a week and mention all your
social and civic behaviours which brought positive changes in

the life of others. Also share the same in the classroom.

Date in English and Nepali Social and Civic Brhaviour

July 13, 2017 (Ashadh 29, 2017) I helped one of my classmates
by lending him pencil and
Thursday eraser.

5. Consider the following situations in your life and write down
your response.
(a) You find that some of the books and other items are missing
from your schoolbag in school
(b) You find one of your friends feeling so thirsty and he cannot
move due to his disability.
(c) You find that some anti-social elements are breaking the
vehicles in front of your house in a lane.
(d) You find that a stranger is calling you from a distance.
(e) You find that a shopkeeper is charging more money from
you.

63<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Lesson 3

Our Natural Resources

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To know the unbroken relationship between humans survival and natural resources
 To develop sense of duty towards maintenance and preservation of natural resources

I am Tenzen Lama studying in Grade Three. I live in Linkhim
village in Taplejung district. Famous Pathibhara temple is located
at tri-junction of three villages namely Tapethok, Limkhim and
PhawaKhola. Taplejung district is rich in natural resources due to its
varied topography and climatic conditions. My village is located at
the height of 3500 meters. The area is full of natural beauty and natural
resources. The Timur River flows through this district. Kanchanjunga
(8,586 m) - the third highest mountain in the world is located here. A
wide range of flora (vegetation) and fauna (animals) dots the area.
Musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep, wild Yak are usually spotted
in this area amongst other animals.

Yaks survive at high altitude as pack drought animal. Yaks provide milk, fur and meat.

At this height in the Himalayan Mountains, the cone-shaped trees
with supple branches are found. Colourful flowers at the base of
ground attract our attention easily. Rhododendrons, juniper scrub
and other coniferous vegetation are widely seen in this region.

64 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Colourful mixes of flowers decorate the region and fill the environment with their fragrance.

Teaching Guideline

Explain the meaning of natural resources to your students. Help them recognize the natural
resources and their use in and around the areas where they live. Let them know the ways to
protect and preserve the natural resources.

Words and terms you would like to know

Vegetation: plants in general
Scrub: short trees and bushes
Coniferous: having evergreen trees with a shape of cones
Dot: to be spread across an area

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.
(a) What is the meaning of natural resources? Explain with
examples.
(b) Explain what types of natural resources are available in the
place where you live?
(c) No region of Nepal is without rivers and greeneries. Explain
how rivers and forests are used in your region.
(d) Mention the names of animals and birds found in your region.
(f) Explain in what ways domestic animals are helpful for your
community.

2. The following are the names of a few of natural resources.
Suggest the reasons for protection and preservation of these
resources.

Natural Resource Reasons to preserve it

(a) Soil

(b) Forest

(c) Water

(d) Minerals
3. Name the rivers, streams and distributaries flowing through

the region you live in. What are the benefits the community has
received from these sources of water?

65<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Lesson 4

Following the Social Norms

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To realize how our life becomes easy to live when we follow social norms
 To evaluate the social norms in light of their efficacy and values in a society we live

My name is Bikash Raj Satyal studying in Grade Three in Dhangadhi.
I visit my uncle’s house located in Kathmandu during holidays. I
follow all the social and civic norms as instructed by my teachers,
elders and guardians. I greet them with respect and talk with sincerity.
I do not speak lies or mislead them regarding my study and outside
conduct with others. I never mess up with the affairs of other people
and interfere with their work. I never run through in the market and
pack up the thing from shops without making my guardians pay for
it. I do not befriend stranger and share each and every incident of the
day with my parents and guardians. I do not throw food while eating.
I wash my hands before I eat. I do not break queue and wait for my
turn with patience.

Using zebra crossing and road bridges ensure safety to walkers.

66 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

I follow the road safety norms outside to avoid accidents. I have
learnt all the road safety norms and tell others to follow the same. For
example, I always use zebra crossing to reach at the other end of a
main road. Similarly, I use ‘road-bridge’ to cross the road and change
the side to reach other end of the road. I am never in hurry to run
around in open to ensure safety.

Learn the meaning of traffic lights (signs) and be alert while crossing a road.

Learn and follow the instructions given by a traffic police for road safety

67<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

I know the meaning of the traffic lights and signs displayed on the
crossings of road and displayed by other vehicles on road. Green
light means ‘go’, red means ‘stop’ and yellow light means to ‘slow
down’. There is a specific symbol for those who walk at intersections.
I walk only when traffic sign turns green. I look to the left and right
to ensure no vehicles are approaching. I never flout the instructions
of traffic police on road.

Teaching Guideline

Encourage the students to follow the social and civic norms right from the childhood. Guide
them to make placard with the highlight of important social and civic norms. Involve the
students in displaying those placards.

Words and terms you would like to know

Befriend: to be friendly towards someone
Patience: the ability to wait or to continue doing something despite difficulties
Hurry: to move or do things more quickly than normal or to make someone do this
Intersection: an occasion when two lines cross, or the place where this happens
Flout: to intentionally not obey a rule, law, or custom

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.

(a) What are the benefits of following social and civic norms?

(b) Explain what types of problems and difficulties one face by
not following social and civic norms.

(c) Give the details of social norms that you follow in your family
and neighbourhood.

(d) What do you do to follow your school norms? Explain by
giving some examples.

(e) Suggest ways to be safe while crossing the road.

(f) Explain in what ways domestic animals are helpful for your
community.

2. You must have walked to school or the bus stop and back home
again. You might have crossed the street after the school bus
droped you off. Whatever the case, you should learn the traffic

68 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

signs to be safe on road. Here’s how you should find more and
more traffic signs to learn them and tell also others to understand
their meaning.

No Trucks No Right Turn No Left Turn No U Turn No Parking No Pedestrian

Collect more and more traffic signs and share them in the
classroom.

3. What social norms do you follow when you are in temple, fair,
local market, big mall, marriage party, birthday party and public
garden? Make a list and write them under people heading.

4. Write down socially useful messages on placards and display
it in the school area. Also spread these messages amongst your
friends in neighbourhood.

Do not defecate in open. Do not urinate on public
places.

Boil the water before drinking. Protect the public property.

Preserve the natural resources. Plant the trees.

Do not throw waste in open. Do not defecate in river or
pond.

Wash your hands before ..............................................................
eating.

Write at least other five such messages which highlight our social
and civic norms.

5. There are some specific norms to be followed in a school. What
are those norms? Write them on placards and display them
in classroom, courtyard, playground, auditorium, assembly
ground, toilets, dispensary, and administrative office and so on.

69<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

6. What do the following traffic signs indicate?

A B C

A. ..........................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

B. ..........................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

C. ..........................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

70 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Lesson 5

Structure and Functions of My Ward

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To understand the divisions of administrative units in the areas where we live
 To realize the importance of local self government in a democracy

Rabikant and Reshma are the residents of ward number 17 located in
Bhaktapur district. This is the smallest district of Nepal and is located
in the eastern part of Kathmandu valley. Towards the east of the ward
number 17 lies Suryabinayak and Hanuman Khola is located in the
west direction. Duwakot village council lies in the north of ward
number 17 and towards the south Katunje village council is located.

Pulkit, Saroj, Dinesh and sheetal are neighbours of Rabikant and
Reshma. There are other local clusters in their ward like Dudhpati,
Chundevi, Sallaghari and Sirjananagar. There are noted landmarks in
this ward such as Hanumante Khola, Sidhhapokhari, Bhaktapur bus-
stand, playground etc.

The office of the ward committee is located in Dudhpati. The ward
number 17 has all the modern facilities such as shops selling essential
items, drinking water, drainage system, electricity, road, telephone
and internet. Bhakapur hospital is also situated in this ward.

Bhaktapur Hospital World Heritage Site: Bhaktapur Durbarsquare

The ward committee has been playing very active roles in development
work. The 2072 BS-earthquake 2072 BS had caused a lot of damage

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and destruction in this area. All the demolished and damaged
building structures have been reconstructed due to the active support
of the ward committee. Many people had become homeless after the
earthquake struck the central Nepal in 2072 BS (2015 AD). The ward
committee came forward and made special arrangements for lower
middle income groups for their stay after the earthquake. They were
shifted to newly constructed houses within two years of disastrous
earthquake. The ward committee takes special care of temples and
shrines in this area.

The ward committee initiates and execetes social awareness program
on healthcare, local development, law and order and various other
such issues. People’s participation in all these activities brings
development at grassroot lives. Rabikant and Reshma along with their
other friends participate in such programs to make sense of social
and civic issues of the ward. The ward committee has successfully
constructed the link roads and pedestrian path for the convenience
of all the residents. Residents of the ward periodically elect their own
representatives for development and welfare of the area. The ward
committee is composed of one ward chairman, one woman member
and three other members. In this way, there are a total of five members
to constitute a ward committee.

Teaching Guideline

Ask your students to draw the map of their ward and tell them to collect names of all the
members of ward committee. Encourage them to see the works done by a ward committee in
their area of residence. Motivate them to visit the sites of local development work along with
their guardians.

Words and terms you would like to know

Reconstruct: to build (something damaged or destroyed) again
Periodically: at regular intervals of time; from time to time

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.
(a) Which district do you live in? Write your full address
mentioning your ward number, house number, lane number
and other details.

72 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

(b) Highlight the major landmarks in your ward.
(c) Write down the boundary locations of your ward in all the

four directions.
(d) What are the specific facilities and major problems in your

ward?
(f) What is ward committee? Make a list of its work.

2. Consult your parents (or guardians) to know the members of
your ward committee. Write down their names in the following

table:

Post in Ward Committee Name

(a) Ward Chairman
(b) Woman as Member
(c) Member
(d) Member
(e) Member

3. Write in points what contributions your parents and guardians
can make to develop your ward. Discuss with them before you

write an answer.

Revision Exercise

1. Look at the following picture and explain the details in words.

A scenic natural beauty in Nepal

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...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
2. Obeying social and civic norms make our life easy and creates
peaceful atmosphere in and around. Recognize the social
and civic norms being displayed below and highlight their
significance in our daily life.

A B
A. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
B. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................

3. There are some road safety tips given here. How many of them
do you follow while being on road? Mark right ( √ ) if you
follow it and cross ( X ) if you don’t.
(a) Crossing the road in red light is very dangerous.
(b) Stay calm on the road and never run or sprint.
(c) Use the sidewalk when walking on the road.
(d) Cross only at an intersection and use the pedestrian crossing.

74 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

(e) Do not stick hands or head out of a moving vehicle.
(f) Never cross at a bend as that can increase the chances of

getting hurt.
(g) Check if the bicycle is in working condition before using it –

check for breaks and light, if using at night.
(h) Always use the bicycle lane. In its absence, ride the bike on

extreme left side of the road and move along with traffic.
Keep your eyes and ears open to make way for larger and
faster vehicles behind you.
(i) Always stand in the queue when boarding and alighting the
bus.
4. Bhaktapur is famous for its rich culture, temples, and wood,
metal and stone artwork. So are the Patan and Kathmandu.
Write what district is famous for?
5. Collect several signs, symbols and notices full of socially useful
messages. Affix them on a chart paper and display it in school
exhibition room. Take hint from the following model.

A collection of signs and symbols on the base of hard paper (cardboard)

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UNIT

5

Our Earth

Nepal is a country of mountains, hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, plains and other different
physical deatures.

Lesson 1: The Place where I Live
Lesson 2: Surroundings and Atmosphere
Lesson 3: A Map and Landmarks of My Village
Lesson 4: A Map of Our Place of Residence
Revision Exercise
76 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Lesson 1

The Place Where I Live

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To know the geographical features of the area where you live
 To recognize the important institutions and other milestones located in the place where you

reside

Ramnath lives in Namdu village of Dolakha district of Nepal. Charikot
is the district headquarters. Namdu is the hilly village full of irregular
topography. Landforms of this village comprises of both hills and
valleys. Namdu village has road network to connect it with district
headquarters. A small stream called Pandukhola flows across the east
of Namdu village. Tamakosi River flows through the west side of
this village. A school is located in the middle of the village. A health
post is situated at the outskirt of this village. Towards the north of
this village lies the Gaurishankar Himal. Both Hindus and Buddhists
consider it sacred. The Buddhist Sherpas call this mountain Jomo
Tseringma.

Tamakoshi River Waterfall Gaurishankar Himal

Saurabh Shrestha lives in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital city
of Nepal. It is the largest city of the country. Kathmandu shows urban
culture in the Himalayan foothills. Kathmandu is the bowl-shaped
valley located in the hilly region in central Nepal. The famous river
Bagmati along with tributaries such as Bishnumati, Dhobi Khola,
Manohara Khola, Hanumante Khola, and Tukucha Khola flows here.

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Kathmandu is the cultural center of the country and it attracts a
large number of tourists everyday both from within and outside the
country. Some of the famous tourist spots are Kathmandu Durbar
Square, Pashupatinath, Bauddhanath and Swayambhunath temples.

A landfeature in Kathmandu Valley Swyambhunath in Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple Boudhnath

Biratnagar is fast growing city of Nepal Biratnagar Airport

78 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Manish Tripathi resides in Biratnagar located in Morang district of
Nepal. It is the largest and busiest city in the Tarai region of eastern
Nepal. It is the economic center of eastern Nepal because most of
the industries are located here. Biratnagar Jute Mill, Jana Andolan
Chowk, Sahid Maidan, Biratnagar Airport are some of the famous
landmarks in Biratnagar city. Dharan and Itahari are very near to
Biratnagar. Unlike Dolakha and Kathmandu, Biratnagar is very hot
in summer.

Teaching Guideline

This lesson has dealt with a brief introduction of a place of residence. Ask your students to
collect important information about village council, town or city where they live and present
the same in the classroom.

Words and terms you would like to know

Irregular: not regular in shape or form; having parts of different shapes or sizes
Outskirt: areas that form the edge of a town or city
Landmark: a building or place that is easily recognized

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions
(a) Write down the specific features of a place where you live in
including zone and province.
(b) Differentiate between the two famous cities of Nepal
Kathmandu and Biratnagar.
(c) A place in Tarai is different from the Himalayan region in
Nepal. Find out the differences by giving suitable examples.
(d) Explain the conditions of transportation and elctricity in the
place where you live in.
(e) What is the condition of healthcare and education in the place
where you live. Write with examples.

2. Fill up the blanks with correct word.
(a) The place where I live is …………………….. (municipality/
village council)
(b) The place where I live belongs to ………………. region.
(himali or mountainous, pahadi or hilly, plain or Tarai)
(c) The place where I live is ………………….. (very hot, very
79<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

cold, neither hot nor cold)
(d) I travel through …………………. while going to school.

(upland sloping upward, lowland sloping downward, plain
land)

3. Make a list of rivers, roads, hospitals and educational institutions
found in your place of living.

River/Stream Roads Hospitals/ Schools/
Hospices Colleges

4. What do you see in the following two pictures? Write it in words.

A B
A. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
B. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................

80 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Lesson 2

Surroundings and Atmosphere

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To appreciate the cultural atmosphere of your residential town/village
 To point out the boundary and topography of your town/village where you reside

Nepal’s diversity is clearly visible in its land feature as well as
culture. Here are few examples. Gobind lives in Gokuleshwor village
of Darchula district. It is located in the hilly region of far-western
Nepal. This place is neither too hot nor too cold. Rainfall takes place
in summer. Agriculture is the main economic activity here. Villagers
grow potato, maize, paddy, vegetables etc. Some villagers are also
engaged in trade and business. Gokuleshwor village is culturally
rich. Villagers love to dance and sing. They celebrate their festivals
with much fanfare.

Deuda Dance Gaura Parva

Gaura Parva is celebrated with much gusto for two to three days
here. The Deuda dance is performed on this occasion. Gaura Parva
is celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August/September). It begins
from the birth day of Lord Krishna famously known as the Krishna
janmastami. Women observe fasting on this very day. Next day, they
make the symbols of Shiva and Parvati out of grass. They perform
rituals in form of offering puja (expressing devotion and respect by
doing something) by wearing new clothes. Singing and dancing

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in name of Krishna, Shiva and Parvati turn this festival lively and
colourful.

Garima resides in Bharatpur. Bharatpur is a city located in Chitwan
district of Nepal. It lies in the central-southern part of Nepal. It lies on
the left bank of Narayani River. It is the deepest and also one of the
biggest rivers of Nepal. Rapti River flows in the south of Bharatpur.
Bharatpur reflects the composite culture of both Hinduism and
Buddhism.

It is very warm in summer in Bharatpur. Winter in Bharatpur is not
as cold as hilly region of Nepal. There is much rainfall in summer but
winter is relatively dry. Bharatpur is well connected by road and air
routes. Besides road access, Bharatpur has regular daily air services
to Kathmandu and Pokhara. Bharatpur is one of the most popular
tourist destinations along with Kathmandu and Pokhara. Bharatpur
is the gateway to the Chitwan National Park. Chitwan National Park
has the wide range of animal and plant species. Chitwan National
Park is the habitat of the “king of the jungle” -- Bengal Tiger. Various
other animals such as leopard, golden jackals, rhinoceros, sambar
deer, elephant, crocodiles (gharials) and a variety of birds are also
found in Chitwan National Park.

Bengal Tiger Rhinoceros

Bird watchers flock to Bishazari Tal to watch a variety of colourful
birds in action. This lake is located in the southern corner of Bharatpur
near Chitwan National Park. This lake also attracts many numbers of
reptile lovers as it houses a number of crocodiles. Bharatpur is famous

82 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

for religious and cultural landmarks. Places like Devghat, Bageshwori
temple, Mahakaleshwor Shiv temple, Kalika temple, Upardanghari
fort, Kasrra Durbar, Diyalo Bangala Palace are frequently visited by
tourists to understand religious and cultural wealth of Nepal.

Bharatpur has very fertile soil which is good for growing paddy,
sugarcane, mustard and vegetables and so on. Bharatpur is progressing
in areas of manufacturing, trade and business. Bharatpur is one of the
main economic centers of Nepal.

Teaching Guideline

Guide the students to observe and then describe physical, natural, economic and social features
of their Rural Municipality/municipality/Metropolitan city. Take them to short trip to village,
town and city. Guide them to observe the different aspects of human life from economic, social,
cultural and physical angles. Help them to describe what they see and encourage them to write
the information for making class presentation.

Words and terms you would like to know

Fanfare: a showy outward display
Gusto: enthusiastic and great enjoyment or appreciation

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.
(a) What kind of climatic conditions do you have in the place
where you live?
(b) Write down the economic profile of the place you live in.
(c) What kinds of plants and animals are found in your region?
(d) Fill up the blanks below.

Climatic Conditions across Nepal

Himal Pahad Tarai

(Mountains) (Hilly Region) (Madhesh)

83<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

(e) Fill up the blanks below.

Himal Land Feature in Nepal Tarai
Pahad

(f) Fill up the blanks below.

Socio-economic Conditions in Nepal

Himal Pahad Tarai

2. Like Gobind and Garima mentioned in the present lesson,
explain the details of your own place where you reside.
I live in …………………….. Rural Municipality/Municipality/
Metropolitan city. To the east of my village /town/city lies
……………. and ………………. is located in the west direction.
Rainfall takes place in ......…... summer is ……………. and winter
is …………… Residents of my village/town/city are engaged
in ……………….. as economic activity. They love to wear
……………………… and eat ……………..
Major festivals in my area are ………………………… Names of
the important religious and cultural landmarks in the place where
I live are ………………………………

3. Fill up the details below after consulting your teacher/guardian.
Name ………………………..
Parent’s Name ……………………………….
Rural Municipality/Municipality/ Metropolitan city
…………………………

84 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Ward Number …………………………

Climatic Conditions
……………………………………………………………….

Ethnic or Caste or religious identity
……………………………………………..

Economic activity of my parents/guardians
……………………………………..

Boundary description of the place where I live
…………………………………

4. The following collection of the pictures shows different
landforms (geographical regions) of Nepal. Major landforms are
mountainous, hilly and plain regions along with inner Tarai and
valleys. The mountainous region is called Himal, the hilly region
Pahad and the plain as Tarai. The Tarai particularly in estern
Nepal is also called Madhesh. Valleys are called Upatyaka.
Look at the pictures below and name them in accordance with a
region they belong to.

............................................. ...................................

...................................... .....................................
85<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Lesson 3

A Map and Landmarks of My Village

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To point out trails and landmarks of your village
 To try handmade sketch map of your place of living and its surrounding areas

Shivpuri village is situated 25 km away from Kathmandu valley.
The place is famous for its natural beauty and therefore, attracts a
large number of tourists. Shivpuri is known for organic farming.
Organic vegetables are grown in privately owned garden. It is also a
retreat for those who want to spend time with nature and pollution
free atmosphere. People interested in yoga and meditation makes
arrangement to stay here in retreat. Shivpuri is located in the foothills
of the Himalayas at 6,560 feet (1,999 meters) above sea level.

Shivpuri Village Resort Mountain retreat in Shivpuri
86 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Tourists who are looking for trekking, hiking and bicycle riding
choose the area of Shivpuri to test the natural beauty. Kakani village
is located towards the west of Shivpuri. Many tourists start out from
Kakani to Shivpuri on trekking route. While being on trekking tourists
get to see numerous birds, pheasants, wild boars, barking deer and
other animals. Shivpuri National Park is just about 2.5 km away in
the east from the Shivpur village. Shivpuri National Park is located
in the country’s mid-hills. Shivpuri village is known for its clean and
hygienic environment.

Teaching Guideline

Encourage the students to move around their own place of residence to find out special and
specific landmarks and spots. Teach them how to make a map of their own place of living to
highlight important landmarks and land features.

Words and terms you would like to know

Organic farming: Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that does
not use chemical pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, and injected growth
hormones.
Trekking: the activity of walking long distances on foot for pleasure
Hiking: the activity of going for long walks in the countryside

Exercise

1. Answer the following questions.

(a) Write down the boundary of your village/town/city in all
the four directions.

(b) Visit your neighbouring village/town and write down its
important landmarks.

(c) Find out the difference between physical features of your
own village/town and the neighbouring village/town.

(d) What type of houses and living patterns are found in your
village.

(E.) Visit a religious or cultural place in your village. Describe the
details you saw there.

2. Organize an educational tour under the supervision of your
Social Studies teacher. Note down all the interesting and
important places and things that you see there. Ask your teacher

87<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

to explain something that you find it confusing or you need to
know more on anything present there. Finally, write down all
the details in the following model.
Place visited.................................... Date of the
visit...............................
Number of students in a group...............
Teacher’s Name.........................
The following are the details of my observations on an education
tour:
(a) .........................................................................................................
(b) .........................................................................................................
(c) .........................................................................................................
(d) .........................................................................................................
(e) .........................................................................................................
3. Draw a map of a place that you have visited along with your
friends. Take help and guidance from your teacher to draw the
map.
4. Here is the map that shows trekking and hiking route in and
around Kathmandu. Study the routes carefully and describe the
same in words.

88 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

Lesson 4

A Map of Our Place of Residence

Objectives of this lesson are:

 To learn how to read the map and find out the directions
 To check the legends and interpret them correctly

My name is Alisha Sijapati and I live in Patan. Patan is the old but
famous name of Lalitpur Metropolitan City. It is one of the largest
cities of Nepal. Patan is well known as the city of festival and feast.
Tradition of arts and crafts has made it very rich in cultural heritage. I
discovered some fascinating details while moving around the city on
educational tour with my teacher and classmates.

Being a city, Patan has all the facilities in areas of healthcare,
transportation, communication, education, industry, trade and
business. There are a number of religious and cultural heritages
here. Renowned as artistic city, Patan has various notable places of
interest such as Patan Durbar Square, Patan Dhoka, Golden Temple,
Mahabouddha Temple, Banglamukhi Temple, Krishna Mandir, and

89<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Central Zoo and so on. Patan is surrounded by Imadol Village in the
east, Kirtipur Municipality in the west and Kathmandu Metropolitan
City in both west as well as north. Godavari municipality surrounds
it from the south direction.

Teaching Guideline

Get the students for educational tour to spot various landmarks, roads and other such sites. Ask
them to draw a map to show all that they obseved while being an educational tour. Teach them
the meaning of important symbols which are often used in a map.

Words and terms you would like to know

Fascinating: very interesting and charming
Metropolis: a large important city; a city regarded as a center of a specific activity
Craft: objects made by skillful use of the hands; a gob or activity that requires special skill
Artistic: relating to art or artists; having or showing the skill of an artist

Exercise

1. Draw a map of your residential area showing all the important
landmarks (details). You can take hint from the map given
below showing Thamel area of Kathmandu.

2. Study the famous Lazimpat road of Kathmandu and explain the
same in your own words.

90 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

3. Learn the following symbols and use them in drawing a map of
your village/town/city.

Name Symbol Name Symbol

River/Stream Airport

Path Road

Pond Temple

Hospital/ Mountain
Hospice

4. Learn to read the map from atlas or wall map. Take help from
your teacher/guardian regarding how to see map and learn from
it. Here is a map of Nepal for your leaning. Check it with atlas
and name the major cities, national parks and wild life reserves
after locating them in a map of Nepal in atlas.

91<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

Revision Exercise

1. Minutely observe the following two pictures given below and
write down the details.

A B
92 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>

A ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
B. ..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
2. What do you see in the following figure? Describe in words.

...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................

93<< Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3

3. Study the trekking and hiking routes given below and discuss
the same in the classroom under the guidance of your teacher.

4. Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square showcase
the heritage of Nepal in art and architecture. Swayambhunath
Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Bauddhanath Stupa are best
examples of art and architecture in the whole world. Collect
photograph from different sources and make an album on
Nepalese art and architecture. Share this album with your
classmates and get remarks from your teachers in the school.

94 Nova Social Studies And Creative Arts Grade-3 >>