Page 5 - SST Class 05

Unit I : Our Earth

1 The Globe

The Globe and I

The earth is so vast that we cannot see the whole of it at a glance. So, we make a
model of the earth. This model is the globe. It helps us to study the earth as a whole as
well as its important features, like shape, size, direction, land area and water bodies.
Also, a globe is very pretty to look at, so we can see people using it as a decorative
piece in their homes and offices.

Look at the picture of the earth and observe :

u It is spherical, like a ball.
u You can see only one-half of it, you cannot see the other

half.
Now look at the globe in your class and observe :

u It is also spherical.

u It is set on a stand at a slight angle.
u You can see only one-half of it, you cannot see the other

half. Earth
u If you want to see the other half, you have to rotate it.

The earth rotates on its axis, so a globe is set on a stand such that it can be rotated.

Main Features of the Earth

The earth’s surface is covered with land or water areas. Know It!
u The large land areas are called continents . They are v The earth rotates on a slight
angle, so a globe too is set
seven in number : Asia, Africa, North America, South
on a slight angle.
America, Europe, Australia and Antarctica.
u The large water areas are called oceans . They are five in number : Pacific Ocean,

Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean and Southern Ocean.

The Globe 5