Curated OER
Blowing in the Wind
Pupils identify and interpret maps, graphs, charts, tables and political cartoons. Students identify what a compass rose is and review its meaning in relation to standard directions. Pupils design their own weathervanes. Students pencil...
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.
Other
Cathedral Communications: Lightning Protection for Historic Buildings
This site explains how to protect buildings from lighting. It offers information on the different types of lighting, principles of protection, and installation.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Lightning
This activity will demonstrate the attraction of positive and negative charges and what happens when those opposite charges meet each other.
Famous Scientists
Famous Scientists: Prokop Divis
Learn about Prokop Divis in this article that discusses his life and discoveries especially with creating the first grounded lightning rod.
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....
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]
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Franklin's Electricity
Some research puts Franklin's electrical work in the scientific and political context of his day. An interesting point of view, one not usually found in comments of Franklin and electrostatics. Done by a professor from University of...