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    Home » Early Years Science » Pirate Science Experiments » Make a Compass with a Magnet

    Make a Compass with a Magnet

    Modified: Apr 26, 2024 · Published: Apr 12, 2021 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Did you know you can make a compass using a magnet, a slice of cork, a bowl of water and a needle? This mini science project is a great way to learn about magnetism and Earth’s magnetic field.

    What is magnetism?

    Magnetism is an invisible force that affects certain materials.

    image of a compass on a map

    You don’t need an especially strong magnet to do this. Ours was from a Learning Resources magnet set.

    Make a compass with a magnet instructions

    You’ll need

    A bowl

    Water

    Magnet

    Slice of cork

    Steel needle

    Bowl of water, compass, needle, slice of cork and a magnet ready to make a compass using a magnet

    How can you make a compass with a magnet?

    Stroke the needle with one end of the magnet about 20 times. Make sure you lift the magnet after each stroke.

    Fill the bowl of water to near the top and place the cork slice on top so it floats.

    Place the magnetised needle on top of the cork. The cork and needle will turn until the needle faces North—South. The needle will line up with the Earth’s magnetic field. If you have a compass, you can check this!

    Make sure the magnet is far enough away not to interfere.

    Why can you make a compass with a magnet and needle?

    The needle is made from steel, which contains iron. Iron particles can be magnetised when stroked with a magnet. The effect is temporary but lasts long enough for you to see the needle act like a compass.

    Remember, only iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic!

    Is the Earth like a magnet?

    The inside of the Earth contains a lot of iron, so much that it acts like a HUGE magnet. It produces a magnetic field with field lines concentrated at the poles.

    Diagram of the Earth's magnetic field

    The magnetised needle in this activity lines up with the Earth’s magnetic field, making it act like a compass.

    What is a magnetic field?

    A magnetic field is an area where magnetic materials experience a force.

    You can demonstrate a magnetic field around a magnet using iron filings.

    a magnet with iron filings around it showing the magnet field

    What is a compass?

    A compass contains a magnetic needle which can move freely. The north-seeking pole of a compass points towards the north pole of the Earth. Compasses are used for navigating.

    More Magnet Experiments for Kids

    We love these magnet powered cars!

    Defy gravity with a magnet with this easy trick!

    Make a magnet pendulum like Teach Beside Me.

    This would also make a great pirate themed science activity!

    Collage of ways to make a compass using a magnet

    Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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