Boiling Water

Looking Around 2 — Water. Boiling drinking water for safety is taught in the Water chapter of Looking Around 2.

• Boiling water kills many germs.
• Bubbles mean water is boiling (100°C at sea level — concept: very hot).
• Boiled water should cool before drinking.

Verbal: Boiling means big bubbles rising — rolling boil. Heat kills many germs too small to see.

Symbolic: Filter → visible dirt gone. Boil → many germs killed. Cool before drinking.

Level 1 — How to boil

Heat water until big bubbles rise — rolling boil.

Level 1 — Why boil

Germs too small to filter — heat kills them.

Level 1 — When needed

Travelling, monsoon, when tap water unsure.

Level 2 — Cool down

Hot water can burn — wait before drinking.

Level 2 — India

Mother boils water during dengue season; railway stations have hot water taps.

Why does Amma boil water during stomach-flu season?

Step 1 — Germs in water cause illness.
Step 2 — Boiling gives strong **heat**.
Step 3 — Heat kills many germs.
Answer: To make drinking water safe.

• What do you see when water boils?
• Boil or freeze — which kills germs?
• Why store boiled water covered?

Stretch: Why do families boil extra water during monsoon or travel? Why wait before drinking?

Revision tip: Remember the order: filter (if muddy) → boil → cool → store covered.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Boiling Water.