- A compass is a small box with a glass cover on it.
- It has a magnetised needle pivoted inside the box, which can rotate freely. Compass also has a dial with directions marked on it.
- Keep the compass where you need to know the directions , the needle indicates the North-South direction when it comes to rest.
- Compass is regarded as an important device for navigation. The most well known type of compass is magnetic compass.
- The construction of the compass has changed over the years but the key mechanism remains the same.
- Earliest compasses were made by a magnetized needle which was usually attached by a piece of cork or wood that could float easily in a dish of water .