Science Smarts: Handmade compass
By PATTY ROOKS on June 3, 2023.
I can hardly believe it is June already. Where has the school year gone? As summer approaches, I thought it would be a good idea to find some useful science experiments we could have for when we are enjoying the outdoors. As an avid camper in the backcountry, this week, I thought we should learn how to make something that can guide us home just in case we ever get turned around on one of those long hikes. Let’s get started! *Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment. Materials • Pin • Plasticine • Cap from an empty water bottle • Bowl • Water • Magnet Procedure • Fill the bowl about three-quarters full of water. • Holding the magnet in one hand and the pin (carefully) between two fingers, gently rub it DOWN the magnet at least 50 times in the SAME direction. Lift your fingers up and start back at the same spot each time you rub NOT back and forth. • Pinch off a small piece of plasticine and place it in the empty cap. Squish it down in there so it is flat. • Place your needle just on top of the plasticine. • Place the cap in the bowl of water allowing it to float. • Observe which direction the pin is pointing. • Do you know what direction this is? What is going on? Earth is so mysterious and has so many mysteries surrounding it. Did you know that the earth is really one giant magnet? By rubbing the pin on the magnet, you made it into a magnet as well. When you placed the needle in the water, it was able to float and line up with the earth’s magnetic field. The needle should be pointing true north. Hopefully you can now add these supplies to your backpack JUST in case you get lost one day. Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca. 22-21
