The information for the following story is from the Internet sites accessed 06/06/02:
http://www.funsocialstudies.learninghaven.com/articles/compass.htm
http://www.chasetrek.org.uk/tutorial/compass.html
http://www.pickatrail.com/jupiter/features/navigation/using_a_compass.html
http://www.compassupplier.com/use1.htm
http://www.scoutingresources.org.uk/compass_index.html

How to Use a Compass

This is a very basic description of how to use a compass.

There are many different kinds of compasses.

There are compasses that strap to your thumb and some that are placed on a map.

A compass has four marked directions on it, North, East, South, and West.

When using a compass, always hold it flat in your hand.

This way the compass needle does not touch the top of the glass or bottom of the compass, and it can turn freely.

The most common compass uses a magnetic strip or compass needle that points to magnetic North.

Around the outside of the compass glass is called the compass housing.

You are able to turn the compass housing.

Around the compass housing is a scale from 0-360 degrees or the azimuth, and also known as the bearing.