Find the direction and dip (slant from the vertical) of the Earth’s magnetic field lines i...

Find the direction and dip (slant from the vertical) of the Earth’s magnetic field lines in your locality. Magnetize a large steel needle or straight piece of steel wire by stroking it a couple of dozen times with a strong magnet. Run the needle or wire through a cork in such a way that when the cork floats, the magnet remains horizontal (parallel to the water surface). Float the cork in a plastic or wooden container of water. The needle points toward one of the Earth’s magnetic poles. Then press unmagnetized common pins into the sides of the cork. Rest the pins on the rims of a pair of drinking glasses so that the needle or wire points toward the magnetic pole. It should dip in line with the Earth’s magnetic field.