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How to Make a 3D Compass

A three-dimensional compass can be made from some uncomplicated supplies found around the house. Making the 3-D compass could be a great rainy-day project for a child over the age of 4 who is interested in science and nature. The project will require the help of an adult. The compass will teach the child about the directions of north, south, east and west.

Things You'll Need

Tapestry needle
Small magnet
Cereal bowl
Masking tape
Marker
Plastic milk bottle cap

Instructions

- 1
  Stroke the entire tapestry needle with the magnet 30 times toward the needle tip.
- 2
  Place four small pieces of masking tape on the edge of the cereal bowl, evenly spaced apart. Mark the masking tape with the letters N, S, E and W, using the markers.
- 3
  Fill the bowl half full with water. Place the plastic milk bottle cap in the water. Place the tapestry needle across the top of the bottle cap, balanced in the center. The needle point will point north.
- 4
  Reposition the bowl so the needle point matches the N marking on the cereal bowl.

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