How to Make a Compass

With a few household items, you can make a compass. Do this project with your child and make learning science fun.

Things You'll Need

• Needle
• Magnet
• Cork
• Glass of water

Instructions

1. Get a one inch sewing needle. The needle can be slightly larger or a little smaller, but should be around that size. Once you have the needle in hand, rub it against a magnet. Be sure to keep rubbing it in the same direction.

2. Find a piece of cork. Cork from a wine bottle will work great. Make sure the piece of cork is dry and clean.

3. Stick the needle threw the piece of cork. On this step be careful because the needle is sharp and you could injure yourself. You shouldn't let a child attempt this step. Stick the needle in until the cork is centralized on the needle.

4. Place the needle and cork in a glass of water. Make sure there is enough water in the glass so that the piece of cork is able to float.

5. Put the glass of water on a stable surface. Once stabilized, you should notice the needle start to spin until it reaches a point. When the needle stops, it will be pointing north. Now that you have a working compass, you are able to move the glass about and it will continue to point in the same direction.

Tips & Warnings

• Supervise your child at all time when in contact with the homemade compass.