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Lightning

Use the lightning image and thunder sound to encourage your students to share what they know about lightning.

folklore
mythology
wives' tales
references to popular culture (movies, t.v., music, books)
dangers of lightning
figurative language:

  • lightning never strikes the same place twice
  • fast as lightning
  • greased lightning
  • lightning bugs
  • white lightning

Investigate

  • the science of lightning through an investigation of static electricity
  • how lightning rods protect buildings
  • why you see lightning before you hear thunder
  • why you see "lightning" when you remove your wool sweater in winter
  • the creation of "artificial" lightning by a Van de Graaff generator at your local science museum
  • how aircraft survive lightning strikes

Create

  • an almanac of lightning "firsts" and "facts"
  • a myth that explains the "why" and "how" of lightning
  • new designs for lightning proof objects: cars, planes, houses
  • a play about your experiences in a lightning storm

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