DIY Compass and Cardinal Directions
Make a simple compass from a magnetized needle and learn north, south, east, and west. Geography starts with knowing which way you're facing.
What You'll Need
- 1Sewing needle
- 2Strong magnet
- 3Small piece of cork or foam tray
- 4Bowl of water
- 5Phone with compass app (for verification)
What You'll Need
A sewing needle
A strong magnet (refrigerator magnet or bar magnet)
A small piece of cork or foam tray
A bowl of water
A phone with a compass app (for verification)
How to Play
Magnetize the needle by rubbing it against the magnet 30-40 times in one direction.
Push the needle through a small cork or foam circle.
Float it on water in a bowl. Watch it rotate and settle.
"The needle points north! That's how a compass works."
Verify with a phone compass. "Both point the same way!"
Face north. "North is ahead. South is behind. West is left. East is right."
Play a direction game: "Walk three steps north! Two steps east!"
The Science Behind It
The Earth has a magnetic field, and a magnetized needle aligns itself with that field — pointing roughly toward magnetic north. Your child just built the same instrument that explorers used to navigate the globe for centuries. The floating needle eliminates friction, allowing the tiny magnetic force to orient the needle freely.
Tips
Rub the needle in ONE direction only, not back and forth. Consistent direction is key to magnetizing it.
Adult handles the needle. It's sharp — this is not a child-independent activity.
Once you know which way is north in your house, label the walls: stick a paper N, S, E, W on the correct walls. Reference them for days.
Take the compass outside and test it. Does it still work? (Yes!) Try it in different rooms.
Teach the mnemonic: "Never Eat Soggy Waffles" (clockwise from top: North, East, South, West).
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: sewing needle, strong magnet, small piece of cork or foam tray, bowl of water, phone with compass app (for verification).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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