A pointer attached to the magnet will point the way toward the north magnetic pole. The north magnetic pole is near, but not the same as, the earth's true north pole, or axis of spin. The magnetic pole wanders somewhat over many years, and is located in far northern Canada. Each student will measure the angle of variation for a town in a different state. This activity should follow an introduction to the globe, latitude, and longitude.
Students can then use a globe to find the North Pole and the magnetic north pole.
As an introduction to this activity, explain to students that the earth has a magnetic field with a north and south pole. Compasses align with this field from anywhere on the globe. However, the field is oriented to the north and south magnetic poles, which are not in the same location as the central axis of earth's rotation, the north and south poles. Include lines of latitude and longitude to help orient students toward the North Pole. Mark magnetic north and true north.