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Book 21, Question 90 · Video

What Is a Compass Rose on a Map?

Video · 1:51 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 21

Look at a map, and you may see a pretty little star or flower in one corner. That is a compass rose! The points look like petals, which gives the rose its name.

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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. What is a compass rose on a map?

The Big Idea

Look at a map, and you may see a pretty little star or flower in one corner. That is a compass rose! Let's find out what it does, and where its pretty name comes from.

Pointing the Directions

Step one: pointing the directions. A compass rose is a decorated symbol that shows the directions on a map. It usually has arms for north, east, south, and west, like a little star in the corner of the map.

Little Points Between

Step two: little points between. Sometimes it has smaller points between the main ones. Old sea charts had large, colorful roses with many points, often 32.

Simple Today

Step three: simple today. Modern maps may use a simple arrow with an N instead. The name rose comes from the way the points look like petals.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Here is the rose. Four main points show N, E, S, and W. Smaller points sit between them. Modern maps use a simple arrow.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The points look like petals, which gives the rose its name. Old sea charts often had 32 points. Modern maps may use just an arrow with an N. It always helps us find directions.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Design your own compass rose on paper. Draw all four main directions. Add small points for northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest. Color it in! Tell a grown-up what you discover!

Outro

A compass rose is a decorated symbol that shows directions on a map. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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