Weather Alert
Figure 1. An evening thunderstorm with severe lightning.Copyright The City of Plano, TX http://www.plano.gov/NR/rdonlyres/25D05DA9-52F8-48D1-8153-038DC0BA7CFE/1578/thunderstorm1.jpg
Students discuss the characteristics of storms, including the relationship of weather fronts and storms. Using everyday materials, they develop models of basic lightning detection systems (similar to a Benjamin Franklin design) and analyze their models to determine their effectiveness as community storm warning systems.
Engineers design instruments to help predict and track weather fronts and storms, including weather radar and lightning strike indicators that provide early storm warnings to keep people safe. These instruments are used by meteorologists, electrical utilities, parks and recreation services, and pilots. Handheld lightning detectors are also used in sporting events, camping, hiking, sailing and golfing. Engineers also develop warning displays used by weather services to alert people to oncoming severe storms.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of a thunderstorm.
- Describe a variety of ways that a lightning detection system is used.
- Develop and analyze a model lightning detection system.