Curated OER
Compass Building Instructions
Students build their own compass following a given procedure. In this technology lesson, students explain how a compass is used in navigation. They trace the history of its development.
Curated OER
Make Your Own Compass
Students explore magnetism. In this "magnets" science lesson, students make a compass with common household items and explain the relationship between what a compass does and the earth's magnetic fields.
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: O Logy: Stuff to Do: Create a Compass
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for building a compass and testing its accuracy.
Other
Family Education Network: Heavy Metal
An engaging site that provides interesting facts about magnets. Solve a problem and discover how to create a compass.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: About Magnets (Lesson Plan)
This site provides a lesson plan which includes a hands-on activity about magnetism and magnetic fields. Parts of the plan would be easily adaptable as a student project (for any grade level).