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How to Make a Big Compass

A compass is an essential piece of navigational equipment for hikers, sailors and anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The needle within a compass is a magnet, and will always point to the north in reaction to the pull of the Earth's own magnetism. Since that pull is relatively weak, it is necessary to float the needle of a compass in a liquid suspension. The liquid reduces the drag of friction caused by gravity. You can make a big compass fairly easily by suspending a magnet or magnetized object in a dish of water.

Things You'll Need

Sewing needle, 2 to 3 inches long
Wine cork
X-Acto craft knife
Pliers
Magnet
Glass baking dish or bowl
Masking tape
Marking pen
Paper clip

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a 1-inch piece of masking tape and place it on the rim of the glass dish. Mark it with the letter "N." Fill the dish with about 3 or 4 inches of water. Make sure that the water is not as high as the tape marker.
- 2
  Take the needle and stroke the sharp end along the length of the magnet. Be sure to stroke in one direction and repeat 25 to 30 times. Try to pick up the paper clip. If you cannot, stroke the magnet a few more times, and try again.
- 3
  Lay the cork on its side and, using the X-Acto knife, cut a 3/4-inch slice from its wider end. Slowly insert the needle through the rim of the cork. When it begins to show on the other side, carefully pull it out with the pliers until an equal length of needle shows on either side.
- 4
  Gently place the cork and needle in the water. The magnetized end of the needle will turn to point north. Align the tape marker with the needle by moving the bowl around. Place another tape marked "S" directly opposite the first one. Then add markers for east and west, remembering that when you are facing north, west is to your left.

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