Curated OER
How’s the Weather?
In this weather learning exercise, students unscramble weather words that describe features of the weather. An answer key and website reference for additional resources are included.
Curated OER
Making Friends With Franklin
Students will reflect upon the life of Benjamin Franklin in order to understand his place in history. Emphasis is placed upon the development and contributions he made to modern science inquiry. The learner uses readings to do various...
Curated OER
Energy Source
Sixth graders work in groups. They are given one type of energy to research. Students look through the different magazines or newspapers to identify pictures that show their type of energy. Students glue their pictures to the...
Curated OER
Who Am I? Famous Scientists
In this scientists learning exercise, students read a brief synopsis of a scientist, then try to identify the person, 12 total. Worksheet contains links to additional activities.
Curated OER
Making Predictions
For this predicting outcomes worksheet, students use the information they already know and what the author is telling them to make a prediction. Students read several short passages and then write their predictions on the line.
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.