This is a fun way to interpret the natural world using household objects. Follow these directions to make a floating compass and a hanging compass for determining wind direction.
FLOATING COMPASS
Materials:
1 clear plastic cup1 magnetneedle or small nailpincork or piece of foam about 1/4-inch thick an the size of a quarterpencil or penpenwaternotebook (optional) webcam or camcorder
Procedure:
1. Rub one end of the magnet along the needle
2. Make sure you rub in the same direction, about 30 times
3. Test the needle's magnetization by picking up the pin
4. Push the needle through the cork or foam piece
5. Fill the cup with water
6. Place the cork and needle so it is in the center of the cup
7. Wait for the needle to come to a rest
8. The thick end of the needle will point to North
HANGING COMPASS
Materials:
1 clear plastic cup1 magnetthread - about six inches longneedle or small nailpinpencil or pennotebook (optional) webcam, camcorder
Procedure:
1. Rub one end of the magnet along the needle
2. Make sure you rub in the same direction, about 30 times
3. Test the needle's magnetization by picking up the pin
4. Tie one end of the thread around the middle of your pen or pencil
5. Tie the other end of the thread around the needle
6. Place the pencil across the rim of the cup
7. Make sure that the needle is not touching the bottom of the cup
8. Wait for the needle to come to a rest
5. The thick end of the needle will point north
If you have a commercially made compass, compare the results of your home made compass. Do the readings vary? Does one type of home made compass work better than the other? What happens when you move your compass to another location? How long will the needle hold magnetization? How do you know when you need to remagnetize the needle?
JJ Murphy is a freelance writer who helps companies, small businesses and individuals to express their awareness and dedication to developing sustainable technology and to preserve our natural resources. She writes articles for natural magazines, hiking publications, simple living publications in print and online. She also creates curricula to help public schools home schooling groups, private schools, wilderness camps, adult learning groups, and continuing education programs stretch and expand their students’ knowledge.
She holds a Master of Arts degree from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas and a B.A. degree in English and Anthropology from the University of Connecticut. Her client list includes writers, business consultants, motivational speakers, psychologists, financial planners, educators, and politicians.
How to Make a Compass: Two Designs
How to Make a Compass: Two Designs
By JJ Murphy
This is a fun way to interpret the natural world using household objects. Follow these directions to make a floating compass and a hanging compass for determining wind direction.
FLOATING COMPASS
Materials:
- 1 clear plastic cup
- 1 magnet
- needle or small nail
- pin
- cork or piece of foam about 1/4-inch thick an the size of a quarter
- pencil or pen
- penwater
- notebook
- (optional) webcam or camcorder
Procedure:
1. Rub one end of the magnet along the needle
2. Make sure you rub in the same direction, about 30 times
3. Test the needle's magnetization by picking up the pin
4. Push the needle through the cork or foam piece
5. Fill the cup with water
6. Place the cork and needle so it is in the center of the cup
7. Wait for the needle to come to a rest
8. The thick end of the needle will point to North
HANGING COMPASS
Materials:
- 1 clear plastic cup
- 1 magnet
- thread - about six inches long
- needle or small nail
- pin
- pencil or pen
- notebook
- (optional) webcam, camcorder
Procedure:
1. Rub one end of the magnet along the needle
2. Make sure you rub in the same direction, about 30 times
3. Test the needle's magnetization by picking up the pin
4. Tie one end of the thread around the middle of your pen or pencil
5. Tie the other end of the thread around the needle
6. Place the pencil across the rim of the cup
7. Make sure that the needle is not touching the bottom of the cup
8. Wait for the needle to come to a rest
5. The thick end of the needle will point north
If you have a commercially made compass, compare the results of your home made compass. Do the readings vary? Does one type of home made compass work better than the other? What happens when you move your compass to another location? How long will the needle hold magnetization? How do you know when you need to remagnetize the needle?
JJ Murphy is a freelance writer who helps companies, small businesses and individuals to express their awareness and dedication to developing sustainable technology and to preserve our natural resources. She writes articles for natural magazines, hiking publications, simple living publications in print and online. She also creates curricula to help public schools home schooling groups, private schools, wilderness camps, adult learning groups, and continuing education programs stretch and expand their students’ knowledge.
She holds a Master of Arts degree from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas and a B.A. degree in English and Anthropology from the University of Connecticut. Her client list includes writers, business consultants, motivational speakers, psychologists, financial planners, educators, and politicians.
Visit her website http://www.WriterByNature.com for articles, wild food recipes and for more information, including JJ's favorite places for gear and supplies.
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