Science Fair Project: How to Make Your Own Lightning

Lightning can be produced on a small scale in the home.

Lightning is nature's example of an electrical arc at work. An electrical arc is made by electricity jumping between two points with nothing but gas in between. Lightning is formed when ice and water rub together in clouds and make static electricity. Positive particles float near the top of the clouds and negative particles sink to the bottom. When the particles get too numerous, electricity jumps between them to balance things out and a lightning bolt is born.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet of plastic
• Tape
• Rubber gloves
• Video camera
• 2 pieces of iron or steel

Instructions

1. Tape the sheet of plastic to a hard surface. Anchor the plastic well so that it won't pull away when it's pushed or pulled. Put on the gloves.

2. Set up the video camera so that it is pointed at the plastic. Dim the lights as much as possible without making it too dark for the camera to see objects.

3. Set the first piece of metal on the plastic and rub it back and forth quickly. Make sure the metal stays on the plastic and don't allow it to touch any skin or other pieces of metal.

4. Move the second piece of metal slowly towards the first. When the two pieces are close enough to each other, a spark will leap across the gap. The darker the room is, the better the camera will be able to see it. If enough static electricity was created, it may even be audible.

5. Stop the camera and take apart the project. Rebuild the project at the science fair and allow visitors to try the experiment. Play the video that was made behind the table the project is set up on.

Tips & Warnings

• Making a video will enhance the experience for judges. Science fairs are usually held in well-lit areas, which makes seeing the spark created by homemade lightning difficult. The video will provide a detailed visual of the process being done in a better environment than is usually available.

• Any two pieces of metal will work as long as they're made from iron or steel. Most kitchens have plenty of metal that can be used for the experiment, as do many garage or basement tool areas. Choose a variety of objects and allow judges and spectators to experiment with the object of their choice.

References

• Make Your Own Lightning
• Create Lightning Science Fair Project

Resources

• Simon and Alan's Science Fair Project