04 Our School — A Happy Place – Short and Long Answer Questions

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is a green school?
Ans: A green school manages waste, saves water, uses electricity wisely, and plants trees. It creates a safe, happy environment for learning and nature.

Q2: How can students help in waste management?
Ans: Separate dry and wet waste into blue and green bins. Reduce litter, reuse items, and give recyclables to collectors to keep the school clean.

Q3: Why is water conservation important in schools?
Ans: It prevents wastage from leaks and ensures availability. Methods like fixing taps and rainwater harvesting recharge groundwater for future use.

Q4: What role do trees play in keeping schools cool?
Ans: Trees provide shade, reducing heat and making areas cooler. They also attract birds and clean air, improving the school environment.

Q5: Explain the importance of traffic safety near schools.
Ans: Following the rules prevents accidents during arrival and exit. Signboards and pedestrian crossings ensure safe movement for students and vehicles.

Q6: How can kindness improve the school environment?
Ans: Kind actions like sharing and respecting others create a welcoming space. It reduces bullying and makes everyone feel happy and included.

Q7: What is the Swachh Vidyalaya campaign?
Ans: It’s part of Swachh Bharat, focusing on clean schools with toilets, water, and hygiene education. It promotes health and a better learning space.

Q8: Why should schools have fire drills?
Ans: Drills teach safe evacuation during fires, like crawling under smoke and assembling at points. Preparation saves lives and reduces panic.

Q9: How do white roofs help in schools?
Ans: White roofs reflect sunlight, keeping buildings cooler and reducing electricity for fans. This saves energy and combats heat.

Q10: What is the Jal Shakti campaign?
Ans: It promotes water saving through tree planting and wise usage. Schools teach fixing leaks and rainwater collection for conservation.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Describe ways to manage waste in schools effectively.
Ans: Separate wet (green bin) and dry (blue bin) waste, compost food scraps, and recycle paper or plastics. Involve teams like Waste Warriors to monitor litter.

  • Educate on reducing waste by reusing items.
  • Invite recyclers to explain processes, fostering the dignity of labour.
  • These steps keep schools clean, reduce pollution, and teach sustainability for a greener future.

Q2: Explain how schools can stay cool and energy-efficient.
Ans: Schools can be energy efficient and cool at the same time by doing the following:

  • Plant trees for shade, paint roofs white to reflect heat, and use natural light to save electricity.
  • Teams like Electricity Savers monitor usage.
  • In hot areas, avoid black surfaces that absorb heat.
  • These methods lower temperatures, reduce fan needs, and promote eco-friendly habits.
  • Combining with water conservation creates a comfortable, sustainable learning space.

Q3: Discuss traffic and fire safety measures for schools.
Ans: Discussion points:

  • For traffic, install signboards, crossings, and monitor gates to prevent speeding.
  • Educate on rules for safe arrivals.
  • Fire safety includes drills, extinguishers, and evacuation plans, like crawling under smoke.
  • Assembly points ensure accountability.
  • Regular practice builds confidence, while awareness prevents accidents, creating a secure environment for students and staff.

Q4: How can positive behaviour and kindness make schools happier?
Ans: The idea that positive behaviour and kindness contribute to a happier school environment is well-supported by research and educational practice.

  • Respectful actions like waiting turns and helping others reduce conflicts and foster inclusion.
  • Address issues like bullying through discussions.
  • Activities like a ‘happiness tree’ encourage kind deeds.
  • Extending to communities builds welcoming spaces.
  • This creates emotional safety, boosts learning, and teaches values for life beyond school.

Q5: What steps can students take to make their school greener and safer?
Ans: Students can play a crucial role in transforming their schools into greener and safer environments. Here’s how they can take initiative: 

  • Form teams for water checks, waste sorting, and planting.
  • Conserve by fixing leaks and using natural light.
  • Promote kindness to prevent discomfort.
  • Extend to homes by surveying improvements.
  • Surveys and role-plays raise awareness. Collective efforts ensure a healthy, happy school, inspiring broader community changes.