Earth's Magnetism & Compasses

POLARIZE YARD · SNAPLING

Earth's Magnetism & Compasses

Compass Canyon

Learn with Snapling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.

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Train more: lesson transcript and free resources

Snapling — Earth's Magnetism & Compasses Compass Canyon

Hi!

I'm Snapling.

Welcome to Compass Canyon!

Will you help me investigate earth's magnetism & compasses?

The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.

Let's check the evidence!

Earth has a magnetic field.

A freely turning compass needle tends to align with the

local magnetic field, helping indicate magnetic north.

What influences a compass needle?

  • A. The local magnetic field
  • B. Only the map's lettering
  • C. Only sunlight

The answer is A: The local magnetic field

Earth has a magnetic field.

A freely turning compass needle tends to align with the

local magnetic field, helping indicate magnetic north.

That clue helps us make sense of this place.

Magnetic north and geographic north are not exactly the same.

Nearby magnets or some metal objects can disturb a compass reading.

Can a nearby magnet disturb the reading?

  • A. No
  • B. Only if the needle is painted
  • C. Yes

The answer is C: Yes

Magnetic north and geographic north are not exactly the same.

Nearby magnets or some metal objects can disturb a compass reading.

Hmm...

how does that connect to our first clue?

Our record shows the compass changing direction beside a bar magnet

and returning when moved away.

That is interference evidence, not Earth instantly moving its north pole.

What explains our changing reading?

  • A. The map's printing shifted Earth
  • B. Nearby magnetic interference
  • C. Earth's north pole instantly relocated

The answer is B: Nearby magnetic interference

Our record shows the compass changing direction beside a bar magnet

and returning when moved away.

That is interference evidence, not Earth instantly moving its north pole.

Nice investigating!

You've been following the evidence.

Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.

Earth has a magnetic field.

Magnetic north and geographic north are not exactly the same.

Our record shows the compass changing direction beside a bar magnet

and returning when moved away.

You're ready to explore Compass Canyon with me!

Choose TRAIN MORE if you'd like another look at the clues.

Choose START ADVENTURE when you're ready.

I'll be right here!

Or choose BACK TO MAP.

Every stop is open to explore!

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