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Using a Compass

Using a Compass

TEKS Objective

The student is expected to collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, wind vanes, rain gauges, pan balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, spring scales, hot plates, meter sticks, compasses, magnets, collecting nets, notebooks, sound recorders, and Sun, Earth, and Moon system models; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.


Essential Understanding

The student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry.

Science Background

How To Use a Compass: Learn Orienteering (website) – A simple tutorial on how to use a directional compass correctly.

How To Use a Compass
Learn Orienteering, www.learn-orienteering.org

Signature Lesson

Make Your Own Compass: NOAA (PDF) – Make a simple compass from a magnet, cork, needle and a bowl of water.

Make Your Own Compass
NOAA, oceanservice.noaa.gov

Supporting Lessons

How to Measure Wind Direction Using a Compass: Australia Bureau of Meteorology (PDF) – Use this article with students to help them determine wind direction with a directional compass.

How to Measure Wind Direction Using a Compass
Australia Bureau of Meteorology, www.bom.gov.au

Elaboration Lessons and Extensions

Compass Treasure Hunt: Earth Easy (website) – Suggestions on how to set up a scavenger hunt for students where a compass is used to navigate to the treasure.

Compass Treasure Hunt
Earth Easy, eartheasy.com

Assessment Ideas

Ask students to keep a journal of wind direction for a week in their science journal.  Make sure they keep records of the date and time they take the measurement.

Literature Connections

You Can Use a Compass, Trumbauer, L. (ISBN-13: 978-0516246109)

Way to Go! Finding Your Way with a Compass, Sharth, S. (ISBN-13: 978-1575844275)

Related Science TEKS

(3.1A) Science Safety
The student is expected to demonstrate safe practices as described in the Texas Safety Standards during classroom and outdoor investigations, including observing a schoolyard habitat.

(3.1B) Recycling/Disposal of Science Materials
The student is expected to make informed choices in the use and conservation of natural resources by recycling or reusing materials such as paper, aluminum cans, and plastics.

(3.2A) Plan and Implement Descriptive Investigation
The student is expected to plan and implement descriptive investigations, including asking and answering questions, making inferences, and selecting and using equipment or technology needed, to solve a specific problem in the natural world.

(3.2B) Collect Data
The student is expected to collect data by observing and measuring using the metric system and recognize differences between observed and measured data.

(3.2C) Graphs, Tables, Charts
The student is expected to construct maps, graphic organizers, simple tables, charts, and bar graphs using tools and current technology to organize, examine, and evaluate measured data.

(3.2D) Analyze Evidence and Explain
The student is expected to analyze and interpret patterns in data to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from investigations.

(3.2E) Value of Repeated Experiments
The student is expected to demonstrate that repeated investigations may increase the reliability of results.

(3.2F) Communicate Conclusions
The student is expected to communicate valid conclusions supported by data in writing, by drawing pictures, and through verbal discussion.

(3.4A) Tools for Collecting and Analyzing Information
The student is expected to collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, wind vanes, rain gauges, pan balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, spring scales, hot plates, meter sticks, compasses, magnets, collecting nets, notebooks, sound recorders, and Sun, Earth, and Moon system models; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.

(3.4B) Safety Equipment
The student is expected to use safety equipment as appropriate, including safety goggles and gloves.

Related Math TEKS

3.13A  The student is expected to collect, organize, record, and display data in pictographs and bar graphs where each picture or cell might represent more than one piece of data.

3.13B  The student is expected to interpret information from pictographs and bar graphs.

Additional Resources

How To Use a Compass: TLC Family (website) – Whether for camping or for science class, the compass works the same way.  This is a simple introduction to compasses for students the teachers may want to print out.

How To Use a Compass
How Stuff Works, www.howstuffworks.com

Use A Compass Rose: Eduplace (website) – An interactive game that requires students to navigate using a compass online.

Use A Compass Rose
Eduplace, www.eduplace.com

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