*The cork and needle compass*
By: Serger
1-1-02

Every one who's been around  a while has seen or heard about this little compass. All it is is a piece of steel floating in a pan of water. If you were a mariner 600 years ago you might have used one.

What you'll need to build it: A needle, a piece of cork or a feather or a foam ear plug( something you can stick the needle in that'll float), another piece of steel, a pan of water.

First you need to magnetize the needle. To do that you rub the needle with the other piece of steel. About 20 times should do it. Then cut a sliver of cork off the cork. You can then thread the needle through the cork. Place the needle and cork in the water. The needle will swing to magnetic north.

It really works. Now you'll never be lost because you can make a compass.

Thanks for the read.
Serger



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