Assemble your own Compass

The compass is one of the oldest navigational instruments used by humans. Taking advantage of the Earth's magnetic field, compasses have been refined over thousands of years.

This kit gives you the parts needed to build your own compass from scratch! Made from durable plastic, take your compass for a test drive out in nature. When assembled, the compass also features a handy ruler to aid with map navigation.

As you assemble this compass learn more about the earth's magnetic field and how the compass uses the field to help with navigation. A unique and interesting kit!

Age: 8+

What You Get

Assemble your own Compass by Clementoni. Includes parts to assemble functioning compass and illustrated manual.

Kit Contents:

Upper housing
Transparent cover
Magnetised needle
Metal pin
Dial
Rotating capsule
Lower housing
Ruler
Illustrated manual

How Does it Work?

Compasses contain a magnetized needle that interacts with the Earth's magnetic field lines. Regardless of which direction the compass is held, the needle will always point to magnetic north. The magnetic field is generated by the spinning of the Earth and the Earth's liquid core. The magnetic field runs in lines around the Earth from the North Pole to the South Pole. Magnetic fields 'like' to line up, so the magnetic field of the compass' needle will align with the magnetic field of the Earth.