Science: Reading a Compass

Students explore the tools of navigation.  In this shapes lesson, students navigate using direction cues to create a shape.  Students follow specific steps to create their shapes. Students use compasses to see the directions they are...

Learners identify and analyze the various parts of the compass, including the bezel, capsule, and magnetic needle. Students explain the purpose of using a compass and locate the direction of North and South. Learners show correlated...

In this azimuth and altitude worksheet, students answer fifteen questions about measurements of objects in the sky using a compass and an inclinometer.

Digital compass alignment enables navigation of the skies with true orientation at any time. Just point to the sky or "aim for the stars!" This application acts as a virtual telescope, allowing you to zoom in on any object that is...

Historically, humans have used many methods of finding due north. Using a hands-on activity, learners create their own compasses. They then test their compasses in their neighborhood or to assist with stargazing.

Navigate the world of orienteering in an informative interactive. Earth science scholars learn practical direction skills, such as proper polar coordinates and pairing compasses with maps. The interactive map allows them to practice...

You'll be strangely drawn to this activity! Physical science pupils learn how compasses work in an interesting interactive. The content covers magnetic poles, Earth's magnetic field, and what would happen if Earth's poles swapped places.

Physical or earth science pupils prepare a magnetometer by inducing magnetism into a pair of straight pins. As the pins hang from a thread, they can be used to detect the magnetic field or poles of a magnet. They could also be used as a...

Students use a compass and their hands to find positions of stars and planets in the night sky or of the sun during the day.

Students explore how the earth is a magnet and that magnets have two "poles".  In this magnetic instructional activity students complete an activity by designing their own compass.