How to Use a Compass
And The Earth's Magnetic Field
How Earth's Magnetic Field Affects Compasses
Earth's Magnetic Field has a North Pole and a South Pole, just like a bar magnet. The North Pole is naturally magnetized so the needle on the compass will always point north. The needle in a compass is also magnetized.
What is a Compass?
A compass is a tool that can help you tell what direction you are going.
How to Use a Compass
Step #1
Put the compass on a flat surface.
Step #2
Rotate the compass so the "N" is at the end of the needle.
Step #3
You can now travel in the direction that you want to.
Earth's Magnetic Field
The outer core and the inner core spin. The outer core spins faster than the inner core, this is how Earth's Magnetic Field was created. Earth's Magnetic Field comes out of the South Pole and goes in the North Pole. Earth's Magnetic Field forms a circle around the Earth.
Parts of a Compass
- Scales
- Base Plate
- Direction of Travel Arrow
- Magnifier
- Index Pointer
- Dial
- Declination Marks
- Orienting Arrow
- Orienting Lines
- Needle
- Housing
How Compass works -Magnetism Lesson for Kids