Suitable For
Grade 4
Difficulty
2
Time Required
<1 Hour
Supervision
Advised
What’s it about?
In this science experiment we will be making a compass with a simple steel sewing needle, by magnetising it:
Topics covered
Magnetism, Detergent, Magnetic North, True North
What will I need?
- THIN PIECE OF STYROFOAM
- KNITTING NEEDLE
- STICKY TAPE
- CARDBOARD
- MAGNET
- DETERGENT
- GLASS OF WATER
Procedure (Method)
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
How does it work?
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
A Magnet is a metal object that attracts pieces of ferrous (metal) objects. Magnets always have a north and a south pole and the opposite poles always attract each other while the same (equal) poles will repel each other. The compass works because the Earth behaves like a gigantic magnet. One end of the earth’s magnet lies near the earth’s north pole and the other at the south pole. These ends of the ‘earth’s magnet’ attract the ends of the needle so that it orientates itself North / South.
Like the sound of it?
Why not check out the full worksheet in one of our popular e-books?
This particular science project can be found in any of the following Experiland e-books:
Experiland e-books contain detailed steps, including illustrations, to complete the science projects from start to finish.
