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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Making a Simple Compass

Compass: a tool used to show directions

Materials 
  • needle
  • magnet
  • bowl
  • tape
  • small piece of cork  
  • water 
  • paper clip (optional) 

Directions
  1. First you will need to turn the needle into a magnet. It is easy to do! Just stroke the needle approximately 50 times in the same direction with the magnet. (You can try to pick up a paper clip with the needle to check that it is now magnetized!)
  2. Now you are ready to make the compass. Tape the magnetic needle to a piece of cork then float the needle in a bowl of water. It will now point to magnetic NORTH, just like a real compass! 


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    6 comments:

    1. Deb ChitwoodJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:12 PM

      I always loved this activity! Thanks for the photos and clear directions! I think your blog is fabulous and gave you an award at http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/01/27/your-blog-is-fabulous-award-to-happily-pass-on/

      ReplyDelete
    2. LearningIdeasGradesk-8January 28, 2011 at 2:31 PM

      Thank you Deb!!! I am very excited to receive this award for my blog. I posted a note to you on your website but want to thank you again!
      Marcia
      http://learningideasgradesk-8.blogspot.com

      ReplyDelete
    3. HollyJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:41 PM

      I just found your great blog (via Deb's blog). I love all your hands-on ideas! My kiddos will be excited to try out all these cool experiments with electricity and magnets!

      ReplyDelete
    4. LearningIdeasGradesk-8January 30, 2011 at 1:20 PM

      Thanks Holly. I really like your blog also! :)

      ReplyDelete
    5. Mama KingJanuary 30, 2011 at 8:34 PM

      My daughter is going to love this activity. She is completely cuckoo for science experiments. Thanks!

      ReplyDelete
    6. momandkiddoJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:18 AM

      I've always wanted to do this activity but have never got around to it, which is ridiculous because it is so easy! I love all your ideas and look forward to more!
      ps thanks for visiting my blog!

      ReplyDelete