This lesson was created by Arielle, a student in the UniTY Program at the Miami Museum of Science.

Concept:

The Earth is a huge magnet and has magnetic poles. These poles influence the pointer of a compass.

Materials:

To make your own floating compass, you need the following things:

1. a large sewing needle
2. a cork
3. a sharp knife
4. a permanent magnet
5. a glass or plastic cup full of water

Procedure:

Now, follow these steps:

Step #1.

• Rub the needle with the magnet 50 times. This will make the needle into a magnet.
  
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Step #2.

Cut a circle-shaped piece from the bigger end of the cork. This piece should be no thicker than 1/4 inch.

Step # 3.

• Lay the needle on the cork.
  
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Step #4.

Spin the floating cork gently. When it stops, the needle will point in a North-South direction. Spin it again, and it will come back to the same place!

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Unisys Corporation		Miami Museum of Science