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.
NASA
Sci Jinks: A Brief History of Lightning Detection
When was the very first lightning bolt detection device used? Find out and discover the evolution of the process.
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....
PBS
Nova Teachers: Lightning: Classroom Activity
This lesson plan allows students can create static electricity and compare it to lightning.
Other
National Lightning Safety Institute: Personal Lightning Safety
This website provides a variety of resources to help you stay safe from lightning.
Other
Physics.org: Lightning Has Energy to Toast 100,000 Slices of Bread
A beginner's guide to understanding what causes lightning in a thunderstorm. Highlights the major ideas while giving fun, interesting facts.
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...
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Weather & Climate: Lightning
Explains what lightning is, how it is created, what happens inside thunderstorms, how lightning develops during a storm, types of lightning, how individuals and groups can stay safe, chances of being struck by lightning, and answers to...
South Carolina Educational Television
Etv: Nasa Online: Lightning and Static
The concepts of lightning and static charges are made easy to understand by watching this interactive graphic website. Basic terms are explained and illustrated as well.
NASA
Nasa: Where Lightning Strikes
A written and audio story about where in the world lightning has most often struck and is most likely to strike. Discusses how NASA was able to obtain this information. (Dec. 5, 2001)
Other
Nlsi: Lightning's Social and Economic Costs
Scholarly article which discusses the cost of lightning and thunderstorms. Provides information about the economic cost and a personal cost, as well as discusses what one can do to prevent or limit the costs of lightning.
Library of Congress
Loc: Everyday Mysteries: What Causes the Sound of Thunder
Detailed description of the scientific cause of thunder.
Curated OER
Weather Dude: Thunder and Lightning
Weather site highlights the severe weather occurrences of thunder and lightning. Click on the link to hear a music clip.
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.
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.
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.
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Light on Lightning! Danger!
Experience the acoustical shadow caused by a lightning bolt, and discover the dangers of a lightning storm.
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.
McREL International
Mc Rel: Thunder Clouds [Pdf]
A worksheet regarding rain, clouds, thunder and lightening.
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.
NASA
Nasa: Spirits of Another Sort
What is a sprite? Read this article to learn more and even discover how to find one. (June 10, 1999)
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...