Build a working compass from a needle and a leaf
Rub a needle on a magnet. Float it on water. North reveals itself.
How to do it
Take a sewing needle. Rub it firmly in ONE direction (always the same direction!) across a strong magnet, 30-40 times. Float a small leaf or piece of cork on a bowl of water. Carefully place the needle on top. Watch — within 30 seconds it swivels and points north-south. Confirm with a phone compass. They magnetized the needle. Talk about what it means: every atom in the needle has a tiny magnetic field, and rubbing aligned them all. Earth itself is a magnet. Sailors used to do exactly this trick to navigate. Take the compass outside and walk north.
What you'll need
Sewing needles
AmazonStrong neodymium magnets
AmazonSmall leaf, cork, or paper
FreeBowl of water
Free
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