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Make a Needle Compass

Magnetize a needle, float it on water, and see it point north.

Grade 2ExperimentBuildSciencePhysicsEarth ScienceBeginner30 to 45 min6 materialsAdult supervision required

What you'll learn

  • Explain that a magnet can make a needle magnetic
  • Describe how a compass shows directions
  • Test the home-made compass against a real one

Objective

Build a working compass by magnetizing a needle and test it against a real compass.

STEM concepts

MagnetismEarth's magnetic fieldCompassDirection
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Materials and safety
Step-by-step instructions
Prediction, test sheet and results
Why does it work, challenge and project report

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