Children are usually excited to make objects that they can put to everyday use since it gives the making process much more purpose. In this activity, we’ll walk students through making magnetic compasses, which work based on the Earth’s magnetic field. Kids would love to make this since it might come in handy when they are going on a trek, camping, or simply even navigate to their homes from a specific spot! Let’s get into the making process now!
Jump to Instructions
Time Needed:
30 mins
Materials Required:
Plastic bowl half-filled with water
Ferrite magnet
Foam sheet
Cutter
Marker
Note: In this activity, a foam sheet is used instead of a styrofoam plate.
Concept(s) Taught:
Magnetism | Directions
Skill(s) Focussed:
Frugal innovation
Aligned Profession(s):
Electrical and electronics engineer | Geomagnetist
Instruction Video:
Special Instructions for Teachers:
Discuss magnets and their properties
Educate the children about different types of magnets, magnetic and non-magnetic materials, magnetic properties - attraction, repulsion, electromagnetism and so on.
Explain the working of magnetic compasses
Magnetic compasses align themselves to Earth’s natural magnetic field. Explain to kids the concept of the Earth’s magnetic field and how it causes magnets to function.
Talk about the history of compasses in navigation
Compasses have been used for navigation and surveying since time immemorial. Explain to children how compasses have been vital in several sailing expeditions, which have further led to the exploration of multiple places. You can also use this as a chance to talk about some famous explorers.
Safety prerequisites
Safety and caution instructions should be given to the students before the start of this activity. Some of the important points to remember while using magnets are:
If heated, hammered or roughly handled, magnets can lose their properties.
Magnets should be stored in a safe place away from sensitive electronic and storage devices such as computers, CDs, etc.
Do not bring magnets near a person fitted with an electronic device such as a hearing aid, pacemaker, etc.
Ensure that magnets are not swallowed. Immediately seek medical help, if otherwise.
Have fun making and share the works of your students with the hashtag #projectprayogshala to get featured!
#magnets #compass #magneticcompass #STEM #physics