Make a compass |
|
What You Will Need:
1. Rub a magnet over the needle a few times, always in the same direction, to magnetise the needle.
2. Place a small disc of polystyrene or cork on a flat surface.
3. Using a pair of pliers, carefully poke the needle through the disc so that the end comes out the other side.
4. Place the needle in the disc on the surface in the middle of the bowl of water and watch what happens. The needle should align itself in a line pointing north to south.
6. Try placing a magnet, and then a steel nail near your compass and watch what happens. You can see why it's important to keep metal objects away from compasses on ships!
What’s Happening:
Magnetic fields are areas that contain a force created by moving electrical charges. Earth produces a magnetic field. This field is very weak, but it is strong enough to move your magnetised needle.
- Sewing needle
- Small bar magnet or refrigerator magnet
- A small piece polystyrene or cork
- A bowl of water
- A pair of pliers
1. Rub a magnet over the needle a few times, always in the same direction, to magnetise the needle.
2. Place a small disc of polystyrene or cork on a flat surface.
3. Using a pair of pliers, carefully poke the needle through the disc so that the end comes out the other side.
4. Place the needle in the disc on the surface in the middle of the bowl of water and watch what happens. The needle should align itself in a line pointing north to south.
6. Try placing a magnet, and then a steel nail near your compass and watch what happens. You can see why it's important to keep metal objects away from compasses on ships!
What’s Happening:
Magnetic fields are areas that contain a force created by moving electrical charges. Earth produces a magnetic field. This field is very weak, but it is strong enough to move your magnetised needle.