The Quick & Simple, Accurate Compass for Classroom Science Units

Here is a simple and easy way to make a compass that works well and is accurate. This is a fun project to do as a class and a practical way to teach a unit on the magnetic poles or navigation.

To make this project you will need :

1. styrofoam paper, any color (I used red and yellow)
2. a metal magnet
3. a long needle (I used a needle that was approximately 3 in. long)
4. a glass of water
5. a bowl
6. a pair of scissors
7. a permanent marker

To magnetise the needle you need:

1. the needle
2. and the magnet

To magnetize the needle hold the needle in one hand and the magnet on a stable surface. Then rub the needle in one direction on the magnet at least 50 times to make sure the needle is magnetized.

If your magnet does not show north and south, you can use a magnet that does to figure out (the north pole of a magnet will stick to the south pole of a magnet). Once you know which end of the magnet you're using (N or S) you can magnetize the needle. If you are rubbing the needle on the north pole of the magnet you will rub the needle in your direction. If you are rubbing the needle on the south pole of the magnet you will rub the needle away from you.

To make the floater for the needle you will need:

1. the styrofoam paper
2. scissors
3. a permanent marker

First you will cut out two small squares of styrofoam paper with the scissors. Then you will get the magnetized needle and poke the needle through the squares of styrofoam paper so that there is one piece on each end of the needle.

To use the compass you will need:

1. the needle you put together in step 2
2. a glass of water
3. a bowl

First fill up the bowl half way with water. Then get your needle and set it on the water. (Make sure the magnet is not nearby because it can affect the accuracy of the compass.) The needle should point north. Compare with a compass or your own knowledge of directions. If the needle does not point north then try magnetizing the needle again.

Label the styrofoam paper with N and S for easy identification.

Let the students turn the needle and watch it spin back to the north.

This is a great project to teach students how the magnetic poles attract a magnetized needle and it's fun for the students to see the needle spin and self-correct to the north.