Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Finding Magnetic North

Hypothesis: I think that I will be able to determine where magnetic north is by making a simple water compass.

DIE-rections(just cuz it sounds dangerous): First you'll need a shallow pan or pie dish, a saucer smaller than the pie dish, sticky tape, a magnet and 2 cups of water.



Put the water in the pie dish, then tape the magnet in the center of the saucer. Place the saucer in the pie dish so that it's floating on the water. Be sure that the saucer is centered. If it touches the pan, then gently nudge the saucer back to the center of the pan. Watch what happens!





Conclusion: I watched the saucer turn in the water until it stopped and pointed in one direction without moving again. By putting the dish in the water, it was able to turn freely to magnetic north. This experiment was a success! I was able to find magnetic north on my own, which is a good thing, because my mom is horrible at direction!

Magnetic North is that way!

My dog, Vivi looking for magnetic north.

I don't think she found it.

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