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A child's fingers show how to insert the needle into a cut off wine cork while making a homemade compass

DIY Compass for Kids

Use these simple instructions to teach the kids how to make their own compass at home.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1

Supplies

  • Sewing Needle (go with fairly large sewing needles so it is easy for little hands to hold them)
  • Magnets (the stronger the better)
  • Cork
  • A medium to large sized bowl
  • Water
  • Pliers

Instructions

Build the compass

  1. Magnetize the needle - Hold the needle, and take your magnet and stroke it down the length of your needle 50 times. If you are using a weaker magnet you may need to do this more than 50 times. But for most good quality magnets 50 should be about right.

  2. Magnetize the other end with the reverse - Now this is very important, take note of which side of the magnet you were using. Flip the needle around so you are holding the other end, and flip over the magnet so you are using the other side of the magnet. Now repeat on the non-magnetized end of of the needle.

  3. Prepare the cork - Cut a cork so it is about 1 to 2 cm thick.

  4. Insert the needle - Carefully push the needle through the cork. This is best done by an adult with a pair of pliers. I found it easiest if I used a thumb tack to start the hole, then pushed the needle through. You want the cork to be centered on the needle.

  5. Fill a bowl with water - Set out your bowl and fill it with a few inches of water.

  6. Test the compass! Place your cork and needle in the water and see how it moves. It should align itself so it points North.

Notes

Don’t do this activity with any child that puts things in their mouth. Swallowing magnets is extremely dangerous. The needles are sharp. Ensure you have appropriate adult supervision and children are old enough to behave safely.