Weather Experiment Wednesday: Creating lightning!

TULSA, Okla. — In May’s Weather Experiment Wednesday segment at Discovery Lab, we demonstrated lightning in a contained way using a Van der Graaf Machine.

This machine generates electricity through friction, separating positive and negative charges.

Watch the video and see how we can move tin cups, make hair stand outward and create lightning bolts using a wand.

This is a way to simulate lightning in the wild. Static electricity may build up in your body during a thunderstorm if you are outside and in an exposed area. If you feel your hair stand up on end, then it is crucial to get inside a vehicle or building immediately since lightning is imminent in your location.

While this is not an experiment that can be directly replicated at home, there are many great experiments and demonstrations on offer at the museum.

Discovery Lab is also offering day and week-long summer camp options for children. To find out more information on the camps, click here .