1. The Compass and Directions
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2. What is a Compass?
A compass is an instrument used for navigation that shows directions. N S E W
An example of a magnetic compass

3. The Cardinal Directions
The Cardinal Directions are the four main directions: North, South, East, and West. N S E W
The four letters on this compass stand for the cardinal directions;
N for North; S for South; E for East; W for West.

4. The Intermediate Directions
The intermediate directions are the “middle” directions. They are between North, South, East, and West. N S E W SE NE SW NW
These are the cardinal directions…
…and these are the intermediate directions!

5. The Compass
Oftentimes, both the cardinal and intermediate directions are shown on a compass, like this: N S E W SE NE SW NW

6. Using the Magnetic Compass
The magnetic compass is the compass you have seen in all of our examples. You know what it is—but not how to use it!

7. Using the Magnetic Compass
The red needle on a magnetic compass always points North. And the white needle on a magnetic compass points south. So, using that information, we can determine our direction.

8. Using the Magnetic Compass
Often, the red needle on the magnetic compass isn’t pointing where the N is on the compass face. When this happens, reposition the compass so that the red needle is on top of the letter N. Then, if you look in the direction you were traveling (before repositioning the compass) the compass face should tell you where you were going—if you read it correctly.

9. An Example of This N W E S SE NE SW NW
Oh no! The red needle is pointing towards the W, not the N. If we
reposition
the compass, we can see what the actual directions are.

10. Practice What direction is the arrow pointing? N W E S SE NE SW NW
Northeast! SE NE SW NW

11. Practice What about now? N W E S SE NE SW NW
When we repositioned the compass, we can see that now, the arrow is pointing Northwest.

12. Practice What direction is the arrow pointing? N W E S SE NE SW NW
West

13. Practice What about now? N W E S SE NE SW NW
When we repositioned the compass, we can see that now, the arrow is pointing South.

14. Practice What direction is the arrow pointing? N W E S SE NE SW NW
North! N S E W SE NE SW NW

15. Practice What about now? N W E S SE NE SW NW
When we repositioned the compass, we can see that now, the arrow is pointing South.

16. Great job!
You are now compass experts!