In the technological world that our kids are growing up in, they are finding it hard to acquire the skills needed to use some of the analogous technologies in existence. One such skill is that relating to the use of a compass. Navigational mobile apps have made the skills of using compasses quite obsolete owing to the accuracy and ease of use of such apps. However, compass use is still a very critical skill to acquaint children with owing to its redundancy and usefulness in places with little to no connectivity. Herein we will explore the how best to teach kids how to use a compass.
Teach The Basics First: Compass Parts
Before endeavoring on any other aspect of using a compass, it is important to teach children the basics first, which in this case are the parts of the compass. In this regard, introduce the kids in question to the needle, compass rose at the center and the degree dial. Thereafter, you need to teach the kids the use of every part of the compass. The needle and the compass rose are very easy to handle. However, the use of degree dial is a more complex subject and should be taught only after the kids in question have a total grasp of using the needle and the compass.
Teach Navigation Basics
The next step is to teach children how to navigate using a compass. This is the point to teach children about the magnetic North Pole as well as why the needle always points in one direction. It is also important to let children play with an actual compass in determining the North Pole.
Teach How To Set Bearing
Though complex, you can teach kids how to set bearings and the number of degrees their destination deviates from the magnetic North. Begin by showing them how to hold a compass flat on their palms in the direction of their general direction of their destination. Thereafter, show them how to match the orienting arrow with the north-pointing magnetic needle, thus coming up with the bearing.
Thereafter, let kids practice what they have learned to reinforce the knowledge even further.
