Science Fair Projects World

Studying Earth's Magnetic Field

Studying Earth’s Magnetic Field

Objective

Build a simple magnetometer to detect variations in Earth’s magnetic field.

Materials

  • Sewing needle
  • Bar magnet
  • Thread
  • Glass of water
  • Plastic bottle
  • Tape
  • Notebook for observations

Instructions

  1. Magnetize the sewing needle by rubbing it on the bar magnet in one direction several times.
  2. Thread the needle through a piece of thread and suspend it horizontally inside a plastic bottle, securing the thread with tape.
  3. Fill a glass of water and place it in the plastic bottle to stabilize it.
  4. Observe how the needle aligns with Earth’s magnetic field, pointing north-south.
  5. Record your observations in the notebook, noting any changes in the needle’s direction over time.
  6. Experiment by positioning the magnet near the needle to see its effect on the needle’s alignment.
  7. Document the results and compare them to the Earth’s magnetic field observations.
  8. Analyze your findings to understand how Earth’s magnetic field behaves.
  9. Present your observations in a report, explaining the principles of Earth’s magnetic field and how it can be detected.