One of the most popular traditional kids activities is making a compass with a needle, cork and magnet. This simple science and map activity works well into many different types of lessons and learning adventures as well as being the perfect boredom buster. Make a compass with kids at home or in the classroom.
How to Make a Compass with Kids
Kids are curious which is why this homemade compass project works really well for kids of almost any age. In this case, my son loves making cool gadgets and he had a ton of fun learning how to make his own compass.
Related: More make a compass information
Making a simple compass is a quick and easy STEM activity where several different science topics are covered.
Supplies Needed to Make a Compass
- plastic lid or shallow bowl
- needle or straight pin
- a bar magnet
- a slice of cork/styrofoam or the top of a plastic milk jug
- some water
Instructions for DIY Compass
Step 1
I helped by using a knife to slice off a piece of cork. This cork was a bottle stopper left over from some decorative bottle we once had. A wider piece of cork might work better though.
Step 2
This step was fun. My son made his own magnet:
- He held the needle in one hand and slid one side of the bar magnet along the length of the needle.
- It is important that you don’t slide the magnet back and forth on the needle. Just slide it in one direction, lift it up, and repeat.
- He repeated this about 75 times which is probably many more times than needed.
Now the needle is a magnet.
Step 3
He poured some water in the plastic lid.
Step 4
Place the cork in the water and put the needle on top of the cork. It may take a minute to get the needle balanced well on the cork but eventually it will smoothly spin so that the needle points to the North.
The cork allows the needle to float on the water and creates a frictionless environment in which it can move freely. Of course, the only down side to this compass is that you can’t take it with you on a trail hike!
I really couldn’t believe that my son had just made his own compass so we got out a real compass to check the results. Yep, it was pointing to the North!
More Fun from Kids Activities Blog
Did your compass craft make a working compass?
