Lesson Plan

Magnetic Fields: Making a Compass

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

What better way to understand how an object works than to make one! Learners take what they learned in the previous lessons and construct their own compasses. Using a needle, water, and styrofoam, they build and test compasses and verify that their devices is attracted to Earth's magnetic field.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Experiment with different materials when making compasses to compare properties
  • Have pupils complete a maze or scavenger hunt using their compasses to guide them
Classroom Considerations
  • Allow time to collect and prepare materials 
  • Lesson four in a 14-part unit covering magnetism
Pros
  • Incorporates readily available materials in the lesson
  • Provides teacher notes throughout the lesson guide as reminders of common issues
Cons
  • None