Build your own working compass using a needle and a magnet! You will learn how to magnetize metal and how the Earth's magnetic field helps us find North.

Tools

• sewing needle (1 piece)
• marker (1 piece)

Materials

• strong magnet (1 piece)
• small piece of cork or foam (1 inch diameter)
• bowl (1 medium size)
• water (approx. 2 cups)
• paper or plastic plate (1 piece)

Safety

• Adult supervision is required when handling the sewing needle to avoid accidental pokes.
• Be careful not to drop the magnet on electronic devices.
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.

Steps

1. Take your paper or plastic plate and use the marker to write 'North', 'South', 'East', and 'West' around the edges to create a compass rose.
2. Place the bowl on top of the plate and fill it with enough water so that a piece of cork can float freely without touching the sides.
3. Carefully push the sewing needle through the center of the small piece of cork so that the needle is balanced and the cork floats horizontally.
4. Magnetize the needle by rubbing the magnet along the length of the needle about 50 times. Make sure to rub in one direction only, rather than back and forth.
5. Gently place the cork with the needle into the bowl of water.
6. Wait a few moments for the needle to stop spinning. The end of the needle that points toward the North marker on your plate is your North pole.
7. To verify accuracy, use a digital compass app on a smartphone to see if your homemade compass is pointing in the correct direction.
8. If the needle does not move or point North, remove it from the water and rub it with the magnet a few more times to increase the magnetic charge.