How to Build a Compass and Find North

SciShow Kids

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Anthony and his robot friend Squeaks explore the science of navigation and magnetism. After Squeaks arrives late due to taking a winding path along the river, Anthony suggests that a compass could help him find his way more efficiently. This leads to a hands-on demonstration of how to build a functioning compass using simple household items like a sewing needle, a magnet, and a bowl of water. The video breaks down complex physics concepts into age-appropriate explanations. It covers the fundamental properties of magnets, such as poles (North and South) and the laws of attraction and repulsion. It then scales these concepts up to planetary science, explaining how the Earth itself acts as a giant magnet with its own magnetic field that interacts with compass needles to guide travelers. Teachers can use this video to introduce units on forces and motion, magnetism, or geography. The clear, step-by-step experiment serves as a perfect classroom activity that requires minimal materials but yields immediate, observable results. Additionally, the video addresses the tricky scientific nuance of Earth's magnetic versus geographic poles, making it a valuable resource for deepening students' understanding of planetary physics.