Tiny Wonders Lab•Science Activity Card•Earth
What Causes Lightning?
Ref: TWL-WHAT-CAUSES-LIGHTNING
Grade Level: 3-8
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
#Earth#Physics
Hands-On Observation Checklist
1. Predict & Form HypothesisWhat do you think causes what causes lightning??
2. Explore Digital LabInteract with the simulation and note patterns.
3. Record Key FindingsWrite down 2 new facts discovered during the lab.
4. Explain to a PartnerShare your conclusions with a classmate or parent.
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?
Tiny Wonders Lab — Interactive Science & Physics Exploration
www.tinywonderslab.com/wonders/what-causes-lightning