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Have some Fun with Lightning!
Here are some neat tricks to do with static electricity!
Lightning also has a fascinating side, besides it's dangerous awesome power, are some tricks you can do with static electricity. Benjamin Franklin used to do these sort of tricks when he was very young. Parents can help...they're easy! It's the static charge that is similar to the huge charge of a lightning bolt.
- Make an electric lemon!
- Lemons contain citric acid. Put two wires of different metals (one of steel like a nail, and one of copper) into a lemon. Attach them to meter. What happens? Electrochemical action is forcing electrons to flow from one metal to the other.
- Mouth lightning!
- Get your eyes accustomed to the darkness, pop a "Wint-O- Green" or "Pep-O-Mint" lifesaver into your mouth. Break it up, opening your mouth while doing so. See the bluish flashes of light? Nitrogen in the air is activated by the fracturing of (electric charges) sugars in the candy.
- Create electricity!
- Scuff your leather-soled shoes across the carpet and sneak up on your older brother's ear with a "static buzz" on your finger.
- "Magnetize" a balloon
- Inflate an ordinary balloon. Rub it briskly on your wool sweater. Now watch it "stick" to a wall. What is happening? Atomic theory says that when you pull electrons off an object (rubbing the plastic), that object will attach to any uncharged (neutral) substance, like the wall.
Here are some informative Internet sites that will provide you with further helpful information on lightning safety:
1. Lightning Protection Institute: More safety tips and information on lightning safety; special tips for children.
2. FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency: Find out the signs of an impending lightning storm; plus more safety tips.
Here are some informative books to read that deal with lightning facts and fun. Use Amazon.com's secure server to order:
 How the Weather Works : - Marion A. Brisk. This book is the perfect reading level for ages 4 through 8. The easy-to-read style and interesting lightning facts make this book a wonderful choice to introduce children to lightning's enormous power. Buy it now through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!
The Science Explorer Out and About: Fantastic Science Experiments Your Family Can Do Anywhere! (Science Explorer Bk 2): - Pat Murphy, Ellen Klages (Contributor), Linda Shore (Contributor), Jason Gorski (Illustrator). This book contains fun and exciting activities and experiments for families to do together! Buy it NOW through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!
Reprinted with permission from the National Lightning Safety Institute. The safety information contained on these pages is provided as a courtesy to My ParenTime's visitors. My ParenTime makes no representations or guarantees concerning the effectiveness of such information. In no event shall My ParenTime be held liable for any failure of such safety information.
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