OpenOlympiad
Concept 5 of 8Foundation
Video

The compass and navigation

A compass is a small magnetic needle that rotates freely on a pivot inside a round housing with directions marked.

The red/painted end of the needle points North. Knowing North, you automatically know South, East, West.

Sailors, explorers, airline pilots (as backup), hikers — all use compasses for direction.

Example
Place a compass on a table. The needle swings and settles. The red tip points North → look 90° to your right to face East.
💡 Tip:Keep compass away from iron objects and strong magnets — they distort the reading.
Prefer a video? Open YouTube search for “how compass works class 6

🎯 Try it!

5 questions to check what you just read.

0 / 5
  1. Q1.A compass has a:
  2. Q2.Red/pointed end of compass points:
  3. Q3.Navigators use compass to find:
  4. Q4.If you face North using a compass, East is to your:
  5. Q5.Keep compass away from: