How to Use a Compass
by: Chase Burton
Whats a Compass?
A compass is a device that can show you the direction of where you're going if you know how to use it. A compass uses Earth's Magnetic Fields and the magnets in the compass. A compass uses them to point the needles of the compass to the north and south poles of the Earth. Without Earths magnetic fields a compass would not work because the magnets in the compass would not have any way to point the needles north or south.
The Parts of a Compass
This is a diagram about the part of a compass. The diagram shows where the parts are, and it also tells the names of them.
Earth's Magnetic Fields
This is a diagram of the Earth's Magnetic Fields and what they look like. It also shows the equator, true north, and magnetic north.
EMF Affecting a Compass
This is a diagram of how the Earth's Magnetic Fields affect a compass.
How to use a Compass
Materials: To properly use a compass, you will need a compass and a map.
Step 2: Then figure out where you want to go on the map.
Step 3: One you have figured out where you want to go on the map, rotate the map and compass at the same time until needle on the compass points north.
Step 4: Follow the direction of the compass' arrow, and make sure to keep the arrow aligned with the arrow.
Sources
For this PSA Poster I used:
Whats a Compass? -
My knowledge of the topic.
Parts of a Compass -
http://www.cwu.edu/~jefferis/unitplans/campinghiking/compass2.gif
Earth's Magnetic Fields -
EMF Affecting a Compass - http://www.physics.sjsu.edu/becker/physics51/images/28_03_Earth_magnetic_field.jpg
How to use a Compass -