What Causes Lightning?
The Big Idea
Discover the violent atmospheric physics that turn storm clouds into giant floating batteries. Learn how ice and sleet crashing together generate massive sparks of natural static electricity that can heat the air to 50,000 degrees.
Key Vocabulary & Concepts

Hands-On Observation Checklist
Teacher & Parent Discussion Starters
- Why is understanding what causes lightning? important in everyday real life?
- What variable or factor had the biggest impact when testing the simulation?
- How does this concept connect to another science topic you have learned about?
Related Wonders
How Do Mountains Form?
Witness the slow-motion collision of continents and discover how the Earth's crust crumples like a massive car crash to build the world's highest peaks. Learn why you can find ocean seashells at the very top of Mount Everest.
What Causes Earthquakes?
Feel the power of the Earth's shifting surface. Discover how massive tectonic plates get stuck and then suddenly snap, releasing enormous amounts of energy that create the ground-shaking tremors we know as earthquakes.
What Is Color?
Unlock the secrets of the visible spectrum. Discover how different wavelengths of light and the biology of your eyes work together to create the vibrant world of color that you see every day.
