Why Does Lightning Strike?
What’s inside...
Why Does Lightning Strike? is an educational book designed for beginning readers to learn about the formation and occurrence of lightning. It features vibrant, full-color photos, diagrams, and easy-to-read text. A picture diagram illustrates the steps of lightning formation, and a picture glossary helps reinforce new vocabulary. The book includes a safe search engine for further online learning, reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index. Part of Jump!'s Science Questions series, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject of lightning.
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think causes lightning to strike?
Can you describe how you feel when you see and hear a thunderstorm?
Why do you think it's important to learn about weather phenomena like lightning?
How do you think we can stay safe during a lightning storm?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child what they already know about lightning and thunderstorms to gauge their prior knowledge and curiosity.
While reading, pause at key moments to allow your child to absorb the information and illustrations, encouraging them to ask questions about what they see.
Relate the scientific concepts in the book to real-life experiences, such as a recent thunderstorm, to make the information more tangible and memorable.
After reading, have your child summarize what they learned about lightning. This reinforces their understanding and allows you to address any misconceptions.
Encourage your child to share the exciting facts they learned with another family member or friend, which promotes confidence and communication skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity About Nature
Explanation: The book explores the natural phenomenon of lightning through engaging narrative that sparks curiosity in young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize this curiosity to explore more about the world around them, asking questions and seeking answers.
Example Lesson: Understanding Safety During Storms
Explanation: Through the storyline, the book teaches the importance of safety measures during thunderstorms, like staying indoors.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to associate thunderstorms with protective actions, which they can apply in real-life situations for safety.
Example Lesson: Science as a Tool for Understanding
Explanation: The book uses scientific facts to explain why lightning occurs, making science relatable and exciting.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use scientific thinking to understand and interpret natural events, fostering a scientific mindset from a young age.