Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Static Electricity Thunder and Lightning
An activity where students simulate the creation of thunder and lightning using simple materials, and learn how static electricity can produce sound.
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.
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.
Read Works
Read Works: When Lightning Strikes
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read lightning: what causes it, when it is seen, and how to stay safe during a lightning storm. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in author's purpose.
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: Learning Zone
This comprehensive, interactive site is loaded with information, activities, and stories about thunderstorms, lightning, and tornadoes. Find out how these weather systems are formed, how they impact our lives, and how they cause chaos.
Other
National Lightning Safety Institute: Personal Lightning Safety
This website provides a variety of resources to help you stay safe from lightning.
McREL International
Mc Rel: Thunder Clouds [Pdf]
A worksheet regarding rain, clouds, thunder and lightening.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: How Lightning Forms
Weather site for kids provides information as to how lightning impacts our lives. Discover lightning safety tips, how to tell how far away a storm is, how lightning forms as well as read an amazing story about ball 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...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Cambodian Myth of Lightning, Thunder, and Rain
Prumsodun Ok tells this empowering tale that still enlightens our world today, "Moni Mekhala Ream Eyso" the most sacred dance drama in Cambodia.
Curated OER
Science Kids: Science Images: Rolling Thunder Cloud
This unbelievable photo shows an imposing rolling thunder cloud making its way over a city in the Netherlands. It dumps large amounts of water in the process and unleashes spectacular displays of thunder and lightning.
Other
K 3 Learning Pages: Web Resources Thunderstorms
Check out this comprehensive list of web resources on thunderstorms and safety. Students and teachers will benefit from the links found on this site.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute Online: Electrified Ben
This site from the Franklin Institute Online provides a somewhat simplistic but interesting tale of Ben's electrical activities. Fine link to "electricity bells", in Franklin's own words. Some other links to projects, maybe not so...
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Science: Vikings: What Is an Electric Circuit?
The god of thunder, Thor, controls thunder and lightning. Let's ask Thor about electric circuits.
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.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Thunderstorms
Informational weather site provides users with an abundance of weather information. Discover what thunderstorms are, where they occur the most frequently and the damage they can cause.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Thunderstorms
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How thunderstorms form and their effects.
Read Works
Read Works: Wild Weather
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about different types of March weather including: clouds, blizzards, thunder, lightning, and rainbows. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in cause and effect.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Thunderstorms
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How thunderstorms form and their effects.