Free Inquiry #6

Intro to using a compass

This post will be about how to teach a lesson on using a compass. Depending on the skill level this will explain a simple activity and be more exploring the parts.

If there are enough compasses, then each student will have one. If there are a handful, then there would be groups that share.

Here is the compass that I have in mind (this is mine):

The objective is not to do a written lesson on the parts, but more so a practical lesson on how a compass works.

Begin outside, a remind students of how we spoke about the importance of having a compass when electronic technology is not working, or out of battery. Also, clouds and canyons can ruin satellite signals to GPS.

Give the students a couple minutes to examine the compass and try out the mechanics themselves.

Once ready, explain to students to hold the compass flat and not near large metal objects.

First, hold the D.O.G (Direction of Go) Arrow away from yourself. Then, turn the dial towards the direction you want to go. So, if you want to go west, then turn the dial to the W to align with the D.O.G.

Now, before you start moving in that direction, you will need to make sure the compass needle is in the shed (which are the two bars – at this point the dial does not need to be moved).

The activity derived from this intro could be a scavenger hunt where the class goes to a field and each student needs to follow the directions that are given for their group. Each time they arrive at a checkpoint, their team colour instructions might say go West at 210 until you arrive at the fence!

Each team colour would have a different instruction so that way teams can’t copy other teams.

Magnetic North would not be explained beforehand, depending on the grade level. Students may find the calculation too confusing for the younger grades. They could watch a short video afterwards, and if they like the activity, this could be taken into account for the next challenge.

Here is a video that could be shared with the class:

Otherwise, here is a website with a simple activity that works as well for an introduction to compasses: https://jointhewildlife.ca/blogs/news/true-north-a-fun-guide-to-compass-skills-for-kids?srsltid=AfmBOorUfP1A_C0-zQD2XmE1d1i-qZsmFzBDfM3UOLRQF-gjG_3Ymi3r&shpxid=988a5722-c30b-40bb-8e2b-e24c96756793

There are so many videos on youtube about this subject. I think compasses can be taught to different age groups and can be simplified or more detailed based on their comprehension and skill level.