SAMPLE: Meteorology

Film Science: Video Questions to Accompany Raging Planet: Lightning

Background: lightning is a type of extreme weather that many people enjoy watching. But, like most displays of nature's power, it is unpredictable and dangerous.

1. A lightning flash is how toasty?

2. A lightning bolt is about how thick?

3. a) Storm clouds creating lightning may reach what heights?

b) As moisture is carried up, the water can freeze into what two forms?

c) Positive charges accumulate in what layer of the storm cloud? And the negative charges?

4. In what way are lightning strike fires a benefit for Australian aborigines?

5. a) Lightning discharges within a cloud are called what?

b) These discharges can travel how far?

6. a) As a step leader approaches to within 10 to 100 m of the ground, what may rise from pointed structures on the Earth?

b) Looking at a complex lightning flash, it resembles what hydrologic feature?

7. After being hit by lightning, what part of a tree becomes unexpectedly dangerous?

8. What device was used by the amateur researchers to make and study lightning?

9. The path across Florida lightning storms often take is called what?

10. a) Researchers fire rockets into storm clouds to encourage what event?

b) How will their research help industry?

11. There are about how many lightning strikes each year in the US?

12. Why are you safe inside a car during a lightning storm?

13. List three symptoms suffered by lightning strike victims.

14. After 200 years of lightning research, what is still the best protection from lightning strike damage for buildings and technology?

15. Why does the Shuttle Atlantis require so much protection from lightning strikes?

16. Low frequency radio static created during lightning strikes can be detected how far away?

17. What two life sustaining chemicals are created in the atmosphere by lightning flashes?

18. Why are sprites and jets difficult to research?

19. Are lightning bolt photographs more art or science?