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Book 21, Question 79 · Video

How Can You Walk in a Straight Line Using a Compass?

Video · 1:44 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 21

Have you ever tried to walk in a straight line without a path? It is much harder than you think! A compass can help you stay on track.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can you walk in a straight line using a compass?

The Big Idea

Have you ever tried to walk in a straight line without a path? It is much harder than you think! A compass can help you stay on track.

Point the Compass

Step one: point the compass. Hold the compass flat and turn until the needle lines up with the north mark. Then look in the direction you want to go.

Pick a Landmark

Step two: pick a landmark. Pick a tree or rock in that direction and walk to it. Then pick another far object in the same direction and repeat.

Don't Trust Your Sense

Step three: do not trust your sense of direction. This way you never rely on your sense of direction, which can drift. People tend to curve slowly when they cannot see landmarks.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Point the compass the right way. Pick a faraway landmark. Walk straight toward it. Then pick another and repeat.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! People walking in a fog or in the dark often walk in big circles without noticing. Far landmarks keep you walking straight. A compass keeps your heading. Pick a new landmark every time.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! In a safe, open field with a grown-up, aim at a far tree with a compass. Walk to it. See how straight your path was. Try again with your eyes on the compass. Write down what you notice, and share it with a grown-up.

Outro

A compass and faraway landmarks help you walk in a straight line. Science is amazing! Stay curious! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this