Science Spies: How to make lightning

The focus of this really effective experiment is the exploration of electrical charges as would be seen during a thunderstorm. The activity can be organised as a hands-on investigation with the class divided into groups, or alternatively, it works well as a teacher demonstration, especially as it is most effective when carried out in a darkened room. Resources are minimal and are very simple to prepare. Now the investigation is ready to begin!

You will need per group: one large baking tray; a lump of play dough; one large plastic bag; a metal lid from a jar, or a coin.