How to Make a Tiny Magnetic Compass
Travelers use compasses to navigate unknown terrain and maintain a sense of direction. With the use of a simple compass, sailors get back on course after experiencing turbulent waters, and hikers find their camps after losing sight of a landmark. Despite its seeming complexity, tiny magnetic compasses require only a few tools to make. Discover how this revolutionary invention works by making a floating compass and a Chinese hanging compass.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 2 sewing needles, 2 inches in length
- Small bar magnet or refrigerator magnet
- Cork
- Glass
- Clear plastic cup
- Thread
- Metal pin
- Pliers
- Scissors
Instructions
-
Floating Compass
-
1
Place the needle on a flat surface. Rub one end of the magnet along the entire length of the needle a few times. Always rub the magnet over the needle in the same direction.
-
2
Cut off a small circular piece from one end of the cork; make it about 1/4 inch thick. Lay the piece of cork on a flat surface.
-
-
3
Hold the sewing needle with the pliers and push the needle carefully into the side of the cork. Make sure the needle is in the middle. Push the needle through until the same length of needle is sticking out on both sides of the cork.
-
4
Fill the cup with water halfway. Put the cork with the needle on the surface of the water. Put the cup on a flat surface. The sharp end of the needle points north.
Chinese Hanging Compass
-
5
Place the needle on a flat surface and rub the needle with one end of a magnet. Rub the needle at least 30 times in the same direction. Place the pin on a flat surface and try to pick it up with the needle to test the magnetization.
-
6
Cut a short piece of thread and tie it around the center of the magnetized needle. Tie the other end of the thread around the middle of a pencil. Place the pencil on the rim of the cup; the needle hangs inside the cup.
-
7
Place the cup on a flat surface and wait for the needle to settle. The thick end of the needle points north.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Don't place the magnets next to cards with magnetic strips.
References
- Photo Credit Compass image by Infocus from Fotolia.com
