Why do some buildings have lightning rods? Scholars explore the movement and attraction of opposing electrical charges through a simulation of a lightning rod. They control the cloud height, charge separation, and if the lightning rod is...

In this lightning rod worksheet, students make a lightning rod out of batteries, breadboard, light bulbs, wires, and more. Students also answer 2 questions.

Written for a college physics course, this midterm examination deals with electric and magnetic fields. When taking this test, learners answer multiple choice questions, solve problems, and analyze a variety of attractive diagrams....

Two activities explore the concept of size, especially small sizes down to the nano. Scholars practice determining volume, mass, and density and calculate exponential increases and decreases. They then predict and test the effect of size...

Discovery Education has provided a series of quick quizzes on several topics. Here is one on static electricity. Young scientists match eight terms to their definitions. You can view the solution right from the page, so if you want to...

In this electricity instructional activity, students read about static and current electricity and then draw pictures of an electric cell and circuits. Students draw 3 pictures total.

For this electricity worksheet, students review electric charges and what types of materials can conduct electricity. This worksheet has 7 fill in the blank, 5 true or false, 3 multiple choice, and 5 short answer questions.

See a picture of the lightning rod Benjamin Franklin used in 1746 and learn about his discovery of electricity.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about charge, electric field, and electric potential in the context of a lightning strike using this interactive simulation. A PDF worksheet is also available. Includes video tutorial. [3:49]

In this interactive tutorial students will explore what is the cause and mechanism associated with lightning strikes, They will investiage how lightning rods serve to protect buildings from the devastating effects of a lightning strikes....

Learn facts and statistics about the weather phenomenon of lightning. This illustrated article also includes a lightning experiment and safety tips.

Learn about Prokop Divis in this article that discusses his life and discoveries especially with creating the first grounded lightning rod.

This site explains how to protect buildings from lighting. It offers information on the different types of lighting, principles of protection, and installation.

Check out this comprehensive list of web resources on thunderstorms and safety. Students and teachers will benefit from the links found on this site.

With his famous kite experiment and other forays into science, Benjamin Franklin advances knowledge of electricity, inspiring his English friend Joseph Priestley to do the same.

Some research puts Franklin's electrical work in the scientific and political context of his day. An interesting point of view, one not usually found in comments of Franklin and electrostatics. Done by a professor from University of...