Read Works
Read Works: Don't Ride the Lightning
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about a teen who was struck by lightning while listening to an MP3 player. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
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.
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...
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Super Sparker
This is an activity using common household materials that will demonstrate a static electricity discharge.
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.
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....
NOAA
Noaa: Thunderstorms
Do you know what to do if you're caught in a thunderstorm? This short online quiz will assess how well prepared you really are.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Boom Boom Thunder!!
The focus of this lesson is for students to determine why thunder makes the "Boom" sound. Through hands-on activities students will become familiar with the sound thunder makes.
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.
Library of Congress
Loc: Everyday Mysteries: What Causes the Sound of Thunder
Detailed description of the scientific cause of thunder.
Weather Wiz Kids
Weather Wiz Kids: Lightning
Discover everything there is to know about lightning using this site. Find out what causes lightning, how far away lightning is, how to make lightning yourself, and much more.
NOAA
Noaa: Photo Library: Lightning Photo 2
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a photo library of severe weather formations. Utilizing time-lapse photography, this photograph captures multiple cloud-to-ground lightning strokes during a nighttime...
NOAA
Noaa: Photo Library: Lightning Photo 4
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a photo library of severe weather formations. Using time-lapse photography, this image captures numerous cloud-to-ground lightning strokes during a nighttime thunderstorm in...
NOAA
Noaa: Photo Library: Lightning Photo 5
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a photo library of severe weather formations. Originally appearing in National Geographic Magazine, this photograph captures a lightning strike above Norman, Oklahoma.
NOAA
Noaa: Photo Library: Lightning Photo 6
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a photo library of severe weather formations. This photograph captures several lightning strikes during an early evening thunderstorm.
NOAA
Noaa: Photo Library: Lightning Photo 3
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a photo library of severe weather formations. Utilizing time-lapse photography, this image captures numerous cloud-to-ground lightning strikes during a nighttime thunderstorm...
NOAA
Noaa: Photo Library: Lightning Photo 1
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a photo library of severe weather formations. This photograph is of several strokes of lightning striking during a nighttime thunderstorm.