Skills used
- Latitude & Longitude
- Using scale to measure distance
- Using direction
Vocabulary
compass, navigation
Materials Needed
Globe in Horizon Ring Mounting
Lesson
In your study of history you will learn about improvements that the compass brought to navigation during the period of exploration. You will learn that the needle of the compass always aligns north and south. But, is this always true? You can use your globe to find out.
On your globe circle the small "+" symbol that you will find near 78N/105W. What does this symbol represent?
(1.) ___________________________________________________________________
The magnetic north pole is the location at which the head of the compass needle actually points. Approximately how far is the magnetic north pole from the geographic, or true, north pole?
(2.) _______________________________________________________________________
If you had a magnetic compass in an airplane at 85N/105W, in what direction would the head of the needle point? (3.) _________________________
If you were in Nome, Alaska at 65N/165W, what direction would the head of your compass needle point? (4.) _______________________________
In which of the following cities would a magnetic compass needle most accurately point to the geographic north pole?
a. Atlanta, Georgia at 34N/84W
b. Los Angeles, California at 34N/118W.