The magnetic compass is an ancient navigational tool used to determine the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. The compass is made of a magnetic needle that adjusts to the earth's magnetic field so that it always points in a north-south direction. If you get lost without a compass, you can make your own using a piece of magnetized metal and a bowl of water.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Collecting Equipment
Step 1. Determine the object to be made into a compass
Compass needles can be made using any type of metal that can be used as a magnet. Sewing needles are most often used, especially because they are usually available in a first aid kit that is a must when traveling long distances. You can also try these other “needles”:
- paper clip
- Razor blade
- Pin
- hair clips
Step 2. Select the needle "magnet"
You can magnetize a needle in a variety of ways: tapping it with iron or steel, rubbing it with a magnet, or rubbing it with another object to magnetize it with static electricity.
- You can use fridge magnets, which can also be purchased at craft stores.
- You can use steel or iron nails, a horseshoe, a crowbar, or other household items if you don't have a magnet.
- Silk and feathers can also be used to magnetize the needle.
- If all else fails, try using your hair.
Step 3. Gather the rest of the ingredients
In addition to a needle and magnet, you'll need a coin-sized bowl, water and cork.
Part 2 of 3: Making a Compass
Step 1. Magnetize your needle
Rub the magnet against the object you're using, whether it's a sewing needle or other metal object. Rub the needle in one direction, rather than back and forth, in a steady, even motion. After 50 strokes, the needle should be magnetized.
- Use the same method to magnetize the needle with silk, fur, or hair. Rub the needle with one of the objects 50 times until it becomes magnetized. Do not use this method if you are using a razor blade.
- If you are magnetizing the needle with a piece of iron or steel, tap on the needle to magnetize it. Stick the needle into the wood and hit the top of the needle 50 times.
Step 2. Insert or place the needle in/on the cork
If you are using a sewing needle, thread it horizontally into the cut edge of the cork so that the needle goes through the cork and out the other side. Push the needle until the length sticking out from both sides of the cork is the same.
- If you're using a razor blade or other type of needle, just place it evenly in the center of the cork. You may need a larger piece of cork to hold the razor blade.
- Any small floating objects can be used instead of cork coins. If you're out in the wild and need something to float a needle, use a leaf.
Step 3. Float the compass
Fill a bowl or jar with water to a height of a few centimeters and place the compass above the water. The magnetized needle will adjust to the earth's magnetic field and point in a north-south direction.
- Your compass will have a hard time pointing north-south in a gust of wind. Try protecting the needle from the wind by using a taller bowl or jar.
- Water currents will also interfere with the compass direction. So, don't expect the compass to show the direction accurately if you float the compass in a pond or lake. We recommend that you use a standing still water.
Part 3 of 3: Reading the Compass
Step 1. Check if the needle is magnetized
The floating needle and cork or leaf should rotate slowly to point in a north-south direction. If your compass doesn't move, rub or tap the needle again to magnetize it.
Step 2. Find the north direction
Since the magnetized needle points north-south, you can't use it to look for east or west until you find north. Use one of the following techniques to determine north, then mark the edge of the compass with a pen or marker so you can use it to determine other cardinal directions:
- Read where the stars are. Locate the North Star, which is the last star in the handle of the Little Dipper constellation. Imagine a line extending from the North Star to the ground. The direction the line is pointing is north.
- Use the shadow method. Stick the stick perpendicular to the ground. Mark the place where the stick tip's shadow falls with a stone. Wait 15 minutes, then mark the shadow of the tip of the stick with a second stone. The line connecting the two rocks is roughly east-west. If you are standing to the right of the first stone and to the left of the second stone, you are facing north.
