Curated OER
True North, Magnetic North
Students explain why compass angles need to be corrected for regional magnetic variation. They observe the difference between magnetic and true north. Each student measures the angle of variation for a town in a different state.
Curated OER
Orienteering - The Fundamentals
Students investigate the concept of a compass and it has been used in the past and in modern times. They practice using it in the wilderness in order to test its importance in various exploring activities. Each activity is accompanied by...
Curated OER
Orienteering - Lesson 9 - Declination
What's the difference between true north and magnetic north? Lesson 9 has your class practicing mapping using a compass and taking the correct declination into account. This lesson is one part of a 10 lesson unit on orienteering. There...
Curated OER
Compass Deviation
Students identify and describe the difference between the magnetic north pole and true north. They consider why sailors could not steer a straight course to the New World from the Old.
Other
Childu: Compass:over the Edge
Do you know what a 'compass rose' is? Follow this interactive animation to learn how to use a magnetic compass properly. Easy to understand; aimed for younger students.
US Navy
Naval Historical Center: The Bermuda Triangle
The Naval Historical Center offers straightforward facts and information from the US Coast Guard about the area known as "The Bermuda Triangle." While the site does not deny that there have been some disappearances and "traceless...
US Navy
Naval Historical Center: Exorcizing the Devil's Triangle
Howard L. Rosenberg writes this article about the area known as "The Devil's Triangle" or "The Bermuda Triangle." Besides discussing famous lost ships and airplanes, Rosenberg gives detailed information about the geography of the sea...
Science Struck
Science Struck: How Does a Compass Work?
Explains what a magnetic compass is and how it works.