Hi there! Today, Jessi and her friend Squeaks are planning a fun hike through the woods. They heard there’s a beautiful waterfall nearby, and they’re excited to see it. But Squeaks is a bit worried about getting lost. Don’t worry, Squeaks! Jessi has a plan to keep them safe.
Before they start their adventure, Jessi and Squeaks are making a hiking plan. One important part of their plan is to bring a trusty compass. A compass helps them know which direction they’re going, so they won’t get lost in the woods.
Just then, their friend Dr. Turtleman calls. Dr. Turtleman is a sea turtle who travels long distances across the ocean. He knows a lot about not getting lost, even without roads or maps!
Dr. Turtleman explains that sea turtles have a special way of finding their way. It’s called magnetoreception, and it’s like having a compass in their heads. This helps them know which way is north, just like a compass does.
Jessi learns that magnets have two ends called poles: the North Pole and the South Pole. These poles can pull on each other, which is called magnetic attraction. The Earth acts like a big magnet, and its magnetic poles pull on the needle of a compass, making it point north.
Dr. Turtleman tells Jessi that sea turtles have tiny bits of a magnetic rock called magnetite in their brains. This helps them sense direction, just like a compass. Other animals, like birds, frogs, and dolphins, also use magnetoreception to find their way.
After learning all this cool stuff, Squeaks feels much better about their hike. With their compass and new knowledge, Jessi and Squeaks are ready for their adventure. They thank Dr. Turtleman for his help and set off to enjoy their hike to the waterfall.
So, remember, whether you’re hiking in the woods or swimming in the ocean, having a compass or a sense of direction is super helpful to avoid getting lost!
Make Your Own Compass: Gather a needle, a small piece of cork, a bowl of water, and a magnet. Rub the needle with the magnet about 30 times in one direction. Carefully push the needle through the cork and place it in the bowl of water. Watch as your homemade compass points north! Discuss with your friends or family how this is similar to the compass Jessi and Squeaks used on their hike.
Animal Navigation Exploration: Draw or find pictures of animals like sea turtles, birds, and dolphins. Discuss how these animals might use magnetoreception to find their way. Imagine you are one of these animals on a journey. What challenges might you face, and how would you use your special sense of direction to overcome them?
Direction Hunt: Go on a mini-adventure in your backyard or a nearby park. Use a real compass or your homemade one to find north, south, east, and west. As you explore, notice how the sun moves across the sky. Can you find any natural landmarks that could help you find your way back, just like Jessi and Squeaks planned for their hike?
