1. What Puts the Light in Lightning? Lightning is an exciting natural phenomenon that occurs in our environment. Lightning is likely to occur during a thunderstorm due to a build up of electrical charges. So, listen out for the big crackling and banging and look out for the bright sparks!

2. When lightning strikes… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_MG__53wsM

3. Lightning Facts – Are they TRUE or FALSE? Are you ready for the challenge? Listen to the following statement about lightning and decide whether you think they are true or false. If you think that they are true, stand to the right side of the classroom. If you think that they are false, stand to the left of the room. Students will debate across the room to share question each other and share their ideas.

4. 1. Lightning is a quick, powerful burst of electricity that happens in a thunderstorm. 2. Lightning is one of the most incredible natural phenomenon.

5. 3. Scientists know everything there is to know about lightning. 4. Scientists estimate that in the world lightning strikes happen 50 – 100 times a second.

6. 5. The greatest concentrations of lightning strikes happen in central Africa, The Himalayas and South America. 6. Lightning can only strike when there are no clouds in the sky.

7. 7. A lightning flash is pure electricity. 8. Particles that move to the top of the cloud become positively charged and particles that move to the bottom of the cloud have no electric charge.

8. 9. When lightning escapes the cloud it makes a branching path that reaches the ground. 10. Each lightning bolt contains hundreds of millions of volts of electricity.

9. What’s in a cloud?...

10. What’s in the ground?...

11. Different types of lightning…

12. Lightning…

13. Lightning Safety Tips If you’re outside… try and seek shelter immediately (a building or car for example). Stay close to the ground and stay clear of trees (about double the distance of its height) Water is a great conductor of electricity so get out and keep out of it. For similar reasons, stay away from any objects that have metal components. You should wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before returning to outdoor activities. If you’re inside…just like as if you were outside it is very important to stay away from water as it still conducts electricity within the house. It is also advised to stop use of electrical appliances and landline phones for the same reason. It is not a good idea to go outside to watch the lightning so stay inside. If someone is struck by lightning… call an ambulance on 0-0-0 immediately! Contrary to belief a person struck by lighting does not carry an electric charge so it is ok to touch them. If you see fires or broken trees / houses call 0-0-0 for Fire fighters immediately. Information obtained from: WeatherWizKids. (2013). Lightning. Retrieved 26 October, 2013, from http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-lightning.htmhttp://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-lightning.htm

14. Lightning Challenge Using the information in this and diagrams just explored please draw your own lightning diagram. In your diagram you need to use colours to make the individual features stand out. A great diagram also includes headings, lines, arrows and labels. Be sure to use words such as positive, negative, attract and repel, just like the words we have been talking about. Image retrieved from http://www.zazzle.com.au/angry_cartoon_black_cloud_with_lightning_photosculpture- 153272345594285409

15. Lightning Fact Answers 1. True 2. True 3. False 4. True 5. True 6. False 7. True 8. False 9. True 10. True