S2.8.4 For the adult
Making a compass
How does a compass know where north is?
What this chapter teaches
Stroking a needle many times one way with a magnet makes it a magnet. Floating, it turns to point roughly north and south, because the Earth acts like a giant magnet.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- How does the needle know which way to point?
- What do you think happens if you turn the bowl?
- What might go wrong if another magnet is near your compass?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Make a compass from a magnetised needle floating on water
- Explain that a compass needle points north and south
What they copy into their notebook
Stroke a needle many times one way with a magnet. Float it on a leaf on still water. It turns to point roughly north and south. The Earth acts like a giant magnet.