Helix Oxford Metal Compass & Pencil, Black

Product Information

This site is registered and owned by Staples inc in the USA and operated in the UK under license to Banner Group Limited. Variation is not significant when using magnetic compasses near the Equator, but closer to the North and South Poles, the difference is much greater and can lead someone many kilometers off-course. Circles can be made by pushing one leg of the compasses into the paper with the spike, putting the pencil on the paper, and moving the pencil around while keeping the legs at the same angle. Particularly easy to use, quick-setting compasses feature a spindle-guided push-button mechanism in addition to a spring-bow head and centre wheel. Unfortunately, because of slight variations in the magnetic field, your compass won't point to True North, it'll point to Magnetic North.

The most rigorous definition of this abstract tool is the "collapsing compass"; having drawn a circle from a given point with a given radius, it disappears; it cannot simply be moved to another point and used to draw another circle of equal radius (unlike a real pair of compasses). Try to avoid looking at the compass all the time as you walk, as this is less accurate than using a more distant target. A spearhead and the letter T, which stood for the Latin name of the North Wind, Tramontana, signified north.The magnetic compass is an ancient navigational tool used to indicate the four cardinal directions: north, south, east and west. The needle in a compass is made of magnetised metal, usually iron, placed on a pivot or pin, and suspended in liquid (usually some kind of mineral oil or white spirit) so it can freely turn.

This is known as a gyroscope, and it was invented in 1906 by Hermann Anschütz-Kaempfe, and is usually used by large ships and aircraft. While it might seem confusing that there are two kinds of "North," it's a basic distinction that you can learn quickly, and it's an essential piece of information to learn to use a compass properly.The better quality compass, made of metal, has its piece of pencil lead specially sharpened to a "chisel edge" shape, rather than to a point. If you're consulting a map, place the map on a flat surface and place the compass on the map to get a more accurate reading. To do this, move the compass until the direction of travel arrow is pointing in the direction you've been traveling and will continue traveling. For a quick basic exercise to orient yourself, it's good to find out which direction you're currently facing or traveling. Pick up your compass and turn your compass bezel anticlockwise to ADD the positive magnetic variations, or clockwise to SUBTRACT negative variations.

One of the most difficult and advanced things you can do with a compass, but one of the most important, is finding out where you are when you don't know your exact location on the map. Micrometers are useful when you need a precise measurement rather than using human eye on a steel rule as they have their own gauge. Line up point A and B with either the side of your compass or one of the black lines running down the base plate, making sure that the direction of travel arrow is point in the direction you want to go in (so towards point B).Perhaps after this lesson the children will be able to use what they have learned and go on scavenger hunts or orienteering activities. You can use a steel or iron nail, horseshoe, crowbar, or other household item if you don't have a magnet. The compass' needle can detect the magnetic field of the Earth and faces the Magnetic North, when held level in your hand. By locating distinctive landmarks you can see on your map, ideally as widely spread around your field of view as possible, you can get yourself re-oriented.