The Compass and DirectionsBrought to you by powerpointpros.com

What is a Compass?

A compass is an instrument used for navigation that shows directions.

N

S

EW

An example of a magnetic compass

The Cardinal Directions

The Cardinal Directions are the four main directions: North, South, East, and West.

N

S

EW

The four letters on this compass stand for the cardinal directions;N for North; S for South; E for East; W for West.

The Intermediate DirectionsThe intermediate directions are the

“middle” directions. They are between North, South, East, and West. N

S

EW

These are the cardinal directions…

SE

NE

SW

NW

…and these are the intermediate directions!

The Compass

Oftentimes, both the cardinal and intermediate directions are shown on a compass, like this:

N

S

EW

SE

NE

SW

NW

Using the Magnetic CompassThe magnetic compass is the

compass you have seen in all of our examples. You know what it is—but not how to use it!

Using the Magnetic CompassThe 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.

Using the Magnetic CompassOften, 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.

the compass, we can see what the actual directions are.

An Example of This

N

S

EW

SE

NE

SW

NWOh no! The red needle is pointing towards the W, not the N. If we

reposition

Practice

What direction is the arrow pointing?

N

S

EW

SE

NE

SW

NW Northeast!

Practice

What about now?

N

S

EW

SE

NE

SW

NW When we repositioned the compass, we can see that now, the arrow is pointing Northwest.

Practice

What direction is the arrow pointing?

N

S

EW

SE

NE

SW

NW

West

Practice

What about now?

N

S

EW

SE

NE

SW

NW

When we repositioned the compass, we can see that now, the arrow is pointing South.

Practice

What direction is the arrow pointing?

N

S

EW

SE

NE

SW

NW

North!

Practice

What about now?

N

S

EW

SE

NE

SW

NW When we repositioned the compass, we can see that now, the arrow is pointing South.

Great job!

You are now compass experts!