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! 


    6 comments:

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

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

      ReplyDelete
    6. 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

    LinkWithin

    Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

    LinkWithin

    Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...