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Which way is north?

Follow the easy instructions to make a simple compass.

Materials

  • Clear glass or bowl filled with water
  • ½ cm slice from the end of a cork
  • Magnet
  • Needle

What to Do

  • Float the cork in the glass of water.
  • Magnetise the needle by stroking it over the magnet in the same direction about 50 times.
  • Carefully lay the needle on the cork (You might like to tape it on the top or stick it through the side).
  • The needle will slowly turn and point in a north-south direction.

Why?

  • Once magnetised, the needle lines up with the Earth’s north and south magnetic poles, just as a magnetised pointer in a compass would.