奇想岛

Make a Compass

⏱ 0:37📘 Grade 1 Science · Term 2 · Lessons 10–12

A compass has a case, a dial and a magnetic needle whose red tip always points north. Turn the dial so north lines up with the red tip. Rub a sewing needle with a magnet and float it on water to make your own.

The videos are narrated in Mandarin Chinese with on-screen subtitles.

📚 What you will learn

  • A compass has a case, a dial and a magnetic needle — the needle is a tiny magnet.
  • However you turn the compass, the red tip points north.
  • To use it: hold it flat, turn the dial until N lines up with the red tip, then read the directions.
  • Rub a sewing needle 20+ times in one direction with a magnet, then float it on water.

🎙️ What the video says (in Chinese)

  1. 阴雨天看不见太阳,怎样辨认方向?我们可以用指南针!
  2. 指南针有外壳、方位盘和磁针;磁针是一块小磁铁。
  3. 不管怎么转,红色针尖总是指向北方。
  4. 平放,转底盘让北对齐红色针尖,就能读方向。
  5. 用磁铁沿同一方向摩擦针二十多次,浮在水上就成了指南针!
  6. 记住:指南针是我国古代的伟大发明!

✏️ Try it yourself

  1. Which way does the red tip of a compass needle point?

    Show answer

    North

  2. How do you magnetise a sewing needle?

    Show answer

    Rub it with a magnet 20+ times in one direction

← All lesson videos