Thunderstorms and Lightning

Students observe a demonstration of how pressure and temperature affects cloud formation.

What's the term for clouds that look like fluffy cotton balls? What about thick, gray clouds? Learn the names and descriptions for each type of cloud with a worksheet and activity. Learners read four columns of high-level, mid-level,...

Is it possible to change the color of clouds? A three-part activity explores the scattering of light by the water droplets that make up clouds. After observing a demonstration, curious scholars conduct their own investigations of the...

How much rain can that cloud make? Through a simulation, the class estimates the amount of candy rain contained in different cup clouds. After probing the clouds using different methods, class members adjust their estimates. Participants...

Ensure that all class members understand the basic concepts and vocabulary they need to complete a performance task on thunderstorms with an activity that asks them to use a Venn diagram to compare thunderstorms with rainy days.

Young scholars discover how clouds form and how air pressure and air temperature affect their formation. The instructional activity is delivered in the story of Mike Breezy, Air Detective, who tries to solve The Cloud Case.

Meteorology or earth science classes reach for the sky with this lesson plan! You will need to purchase a Fizz Keeper® device and temperature strip for each lab group if you want them to perform this as an activity rather than you doing...

Take your students on a storm chasing adventure from the safety of the classroom with this short video on tornadoes. From powerful thunderstorms to swirling twisters, this resource explains the necessary conditions and process...

Students explore the formation of clouds and different cloud types. Students simulate a cloud formation within a bottle.

Approximately 2,000 thunderstorms happen simultaneously across the planet at any given time—that's a lot! Beginning with how clouds form, NOVA describes the conditions needed for storms to develop, and highlights the three factors that...