Being able to make a compass out of rubbish is one of the most vital skills of survival. This lesson will teach you everything you need to know about making a compass. Maybe at the end you could actually use it on a hike!

Supplies

All you will need:

Needle or small nail
Something that can hold water (i use a collapsible camping mug for space saving)
Strong magnet
Pen

Step 1: The Float

Slice a thin slither of cork from a wine bottle and use a pen to outline the cardinal points (N,E,S,W.)

Step 2: Polarising the Needle

Stroke the needle in one direction with a strong magnet for about 2 minutes. The direction you stroke it in will point to North.

Step 3: Assembly

Insert the needle into the float with the north end of the needle pointing north. Now carefully place the float and needle on the surface of the cup and you're finished. You now have a homemade compass and know how to make one if you ever should need it.

I hope you found this useful! if so please consider voting for me in the magnets competition. :)