How to Make a Compass I

Making a compass is a great project for all ages especially for scouts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A small piece of cork A small dish or a plate Tape Magnet Needle or paper clip

1. 
    

   First place your pan or dish on a level surface.

2. Next, fill your pan or dish with water. Make sure there is enough water in the dish for the cork to float.

3. 
    

   Now it's time to magnetize your needle. Take a magnet and stroke the needle about 20 times in the same direction. If you are using a paper clip make sure the paper clip is straightened prior to magnetizing it.

4. Once your needle is magnetized, place the magnet in another location away from the needle.

5. 
    

   Gently place the needle on top of the cork and tape it. Be careful not to handle it to much. You don't want to demagnetize your needle.

6. 
    

   Carefully place the cork in the middle of the dish.

7. At this point your needle will slowly point north.

8. 
    

   To make sure your compass is working use a compass to check your fields. When using the compass make sure you are using it away from the compass you just made.

9. Once your compass becomes demagnetized repeat the steps above.

[Maranatha80]

on 5/8/2009 Very cool. We did a science experiment similar to this one. 5*s!

[daider]

on 2/28/2009 Wow, I have to try this with my kids. Thanks for the project!

[FrazzledNanny]

on 2/21/2009 I need to try this with my daughter. She's home schooled and I'm always looking for fun things to do with her that also teaches her. 5*

[showpup]

on 2/18/2009 This sounds like a really fun project. Wish I had known how to do this when I was homeschooling my kids. 5 stars