MAGNETIC COMPASSES

By :Alexia Smith - Think Tank Factory -3rd period October 21, 2010

Introduction

You are going to know about magnetic compasses, their background, what they are used for and how you can make one at home!

My Main Idea

People made the compass many years ago and it’s still a very useful device today.

You will learn about this device.

I will give you information on the compass that you probably never would have known.

When It Was Made

The Chinese made the compass way back before Jesus was born. The compass was , at first , a square slab which had cardinal points. A lodestone was used to point north and south , then a handle on the stone pointed south.

How It Works And Looks

The compass is an extremely easy devise. It has a needle that is normally half red that points north. You hold the compass and it tells you which direction you are going . The needle is a magnet balanced on a point. The glass or plastic over it makes sure you don’t interfere with it .With it , you will never be lost.

How You Can Make A Compass

You need:1 film canister,1pushpin,2 sewing needles, cardstock/board, and 1 bar magnet.- 1) Put the pushpin in the lid of the canister so that it pokes out the top. 2) Put the lid back on the canister. Now you have your stand ! 3) Cut a 2 inch circle out of the cardstock/board and draw your directions. 4) Place the needles under the face and tape them(make sure they can be in contact with the bar magnet).

5) Make a tiny hole in the middle of the dial and place it on the push pin. 6) Now put your dial on. 7) If needed, move the needles until they balance. 8) Place the bar magnet in front of it. You have a compass!

Things to Know

1) Some metals can interfere with compasses. Iron is one metal that does that. It causes the needle to point off. 2) Zheng He (1371-1435) was the first person to use the compass as a way to help him on his journeys.

The compass is a devise that you can depend on if your GPS crashes or you don’t have extra batteries. It can help if you are camping or hiking. You can depend on the compass, and you don’t have to worry.

Sources