Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this activity students create their own ‘lightning’ by watching a spark that travels between a charged surface and a fork.
These Snappy Science resources have been created to boost science education in primary schools across Australia. Each lesson is designed to support teachers with the scientific knowledge, ideas and resources to stimulate a sense of wonder and curiosity in their students. Many of the big issues that Australian society will face in the future are around technology, energy, resources and climate change. All of these require students to engage with science – but most of all to enjoy science!
Science at Home: These Snappy Science resources can also be used to engage families in fun science and learning for life. You can download a student friendly version of this activity here and you can also check out the Snappy Science Digital Library.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.
Australian Curriculum content description: This activity is relevant to Science Inquiry Skills across all primary year levels of the Australian Curriculum.
Year 1 Science
- Light and sound are produced by a range of sources and can be sensed (ACSSU020)
Year 6 Science
- Energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity (ACSSU219)
Syllabus Outcomes: ST1-6PW, ST3-6PW.
Time required: 5 – 10 minutes.
Resources required: Metal baking tray, modelling clay, plastic carrier bag, metal fork.
Safety advice: Discourage students from touching the metal tray when it is charged or charging.
Keywords: Lightning, static electricity.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
