Dan Satterfield
Lightning: The Shocking Statistics
This informative article provides statistics on lightning strikes, common sense suggestions on the dos and don'ts if lightning is in the area, and links to more sites dealing with lightning.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Courses: Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
College-level physics course highlighting electromagnetism. This course also includes a wide variety of other physics topics including lightning, electrocardiograms, metal detectors, and atom smashers, to name a few. Course includes a...
Other
Kidstorm: Lightning
Learn about lightning formation and lightning safety with this detailed webpage.
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Looking at Lightning
An introduction to the science behind lightning, its causes, and effects. If you follow links, there are also pages on the medical risks associated with getting struck by lightning.
Other
Lightning Protection Institute
This page was designed for your safety. It will give you a better understanding of lightning and how you can keep yourself safe.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Static Electricity: Creating Lightning on Much Smaller Scale
In this elementary science activity, students will experiment with static electricity using balloons. After investigating how balloons attract and repel various objects, students will watch a simulation of static electricity to help gain...
Other
Physics.org: Lightning Has Energy to Toast 100,000 Slices of Bread
A beginner's guide to understanding what causes lightning in a thunderstorm. Highlights the major ideas while giving fun, interesting facts.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute: Franklin's Lightning Rod
See a picture of the lightning rod Benjamin Franklin used in 1746 and learn about his discovery of electricity.
NOAA
Noaa: National Weather Service: Jet Stream Online School for Weather: Lightning
The National Weather Service presents this comprehensive site on lightning. Learn how lightning is created, what makes the sound of thunder, and ways to be safe during a storm. Learning lessons, frequently asked questions, and review...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics Simulation: Lightning Rod
[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]
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Nova Science Now Lightning: Lightning Varieties
Compare and contrast different types of lightning bolts. A substantial amount of information is provided here including pictures with descriptions for each type of lightning bolt. NOTE: The interactive is no longer available; Click on...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Lightning
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....
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Thunder and Lightning
Lightning is the most spectacular element of a thunderstorm. Learn how lightning forms, and how lightning leads to thunder.
Florida State University
Florida State University: Lightning, a Natural Capacitor
Text and animated graphic show how lightning is an example of a natural capacitor.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Static Electricity and Static Discharge
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What static electricity and static discharge are, and how lightning occurs.
NASA
Lightning & Atmospheric Electricity Research at the Ghcc
This is the homepage for the Global Hydrology and Climate Center's Lightning Team. On this site, you will data from the Lightning Team's experiments; documents, reports, press releases, and an assortment of other information related to...
PBS
Nova Teachers: Lightning: Classroom Activity
This lesson plan allows students can create static electricity and compare it to lightning.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Third Grade Science: Physical Science: Static Electricity
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses electric charge and electric force, and identifies ways that electric charge is transferred.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fourth Grade Science: Physical Science: Static Electric Charge
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses electric charge and electric force, and identifies ways that electric charge is transferred.
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Science: Vikings: What Is an Electric Circuit?
The god of thunder, Thor, controls thunder and lightning. Let's ask Thor about electric circuits.
Other
First Energy: The Electric Avenue: Energy Fun Factory
Here, students can learn all about energy sources and electricity. Activities include games and calculating energy costs in their homes.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Electricity in Nature
Kids learn about electricity in nature the science of physics including lightning, animals, the human body, the Earth, and static electricity.
Other
Fayette County Schools: Frankenstein & Electric Safety
Site contains a science-based literacy activity that explains how to use electricity in a safe manner. A worksheet is provided.
South Carolina Educational Television
Etv: Nasa Online: Lightning and Static
The concepts of lightning and static charges are made easy to understand by watching this interactive graphic website. Basic terms are explained and illustrated as well.