Make Your Own Simple Compass!

For kids

Learn how to make a compass using a few simple items you probably have at home! This fun project teaches you about magnets and how they point North.

What You'll Need

• A small needle
• A magnet (from a fridge magnet or toy)
• A bowl or cup of water
• A small piece of cork, foam, or paper
• Scissors (ask an adult for help!)

Estimated time: 20-30 minutes. Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1. Ask an adult to help you if you are using scissors! Carefully cut a small circle or square from the cork, foam, or paper. This will be your float.
2. Rub the needle along the magnet. Always rub the needle in the same direction. Do this about 30-50 times. This makes the needle magnetic!
3. Carefully place the needle on top of your float.
4. Gently place the float with the needle in the center of the bowl of water.
5. Watch! The needle should slowly turn and point towards North.

Why This Works

The Earth is like a giant magnet! The needle becomes a tiny magnet when you rub it with your bigger magnet. The Earth's magnetic field pulls on the needle, making it point towards the North Pole. Your float helps the needle float freely so it can spin.

Safety

Adult supervision is recommended. Be careful when handling scissors. Do not put the magnet or needle in your mouth.

Troubleshooting

• The needle isn't pointing North: Make sure you rubbed the needle with the magnet in the same direction each time. Try again!
• The needle is sinking: Make sure your float is big enough to hold the needle up.
• The needle is sticking to the side of the bowl: Make sure the bowl is not made of metal!

Try This Next

Try using different types of needles or different shapes of floats. Does the size of the magnet change how quickly the needle points North? Can you find North without a compass?