The Compass

A compass is a small tool that shows which way is north. It has a magnetic needle that spins freely. The needle lines up with the Earth's magnetic field and points north. Compasses helped sailors and explorers travel across the seas without getting lost.

How It Works

The Earth acts like a giant magnet with a north and south pole. A compass needle is also a magnet. One end of the needle is pulled toward the Earth's north pole. Once you know where north is, you can figure out east, west, and south.

A Tool for Explorers

The compass was invented in China over 1,000 years ago. At first, people used it for fortune telling. Later, sailors used it to find their way at sea. The compass helped explorers like Christopher Columbus travel to new lands.

Fun Facts

• The first compasses used a piece of magnetic rock called lodestone.
• Hikers still use compasses today when they go into the wilderness.
• Some phones have a built-in digital compass.

Did You Know?

A compass needle does not point to the exact North Pole. It points to a spot called magnetic north, which moves a little each year.