What is the easiest way to explain how to use a compass to a child?

Question

Are there any good websites on how to use a compass and generally about directions and how to work out where you are and where North, East, South and West are from where you are.

My niece wants to know and I couldn't expalin to her in a way she could understand.

Answer 1

The needle always point to magnetic North, so move the compass until N is under the pointer. You can then see where the other directions are.

There's anice little guide on:

http://www.lampetercubs.co.uk/usingacompass

Answer 2

A compass can be used in many ways which allow you to navigate to and from set points using bearings, work out where you are, work out where you have come from by using back bearings and estimate distance and time. There are other functions of a compass also but these are the main
ones.

A compass has a magnetic needle contained within it, designed to always point North. This can then be used to accurately work out direction very accurately.

Very basically to take a bearing you need to know exactly where on the map you are and to know where on the map you want to go

Answer 3

Just use England as an example (unless you don't live in England of course, was a bit presumptuous) But Scotland is North, Wales is East, and we are .....
Put you put the compass on a flat surface and make sure no magnets are about (or North will point to the magnet) and the little compass will swing around telling you where North is, so you point the compass to where you want to go and then it'll tell you which direction it is.

Answer 4

Best way is to get a compass and show her how to use it....actions are (nearly) always better than words...

Answer 5

Type "compass reading" on your google search. That should be enough info to get her what she wants to know. Hope it helps.

Answer 6

how old is she is she over 10? if so send her to sea cadets and get them to teach her.