Table
of Contents

The Weather Book
by Michael Oard

Lesson 5

Chapter 4 (pp. 32–37)

Textbook

The Weather Book, by Michael Oard.

Text

Thunderstorms (pp. 32–35)

Vocabulary Words

electricity
thunderstorm

Discussion Questions

1. Locate the vocabulary words in the glossary. Write the definition for each.
2. Where do most of the world’s thunderstorms occur?
3. From which cloud type do thunderstorms develop?
4. Why is there a better chance of a thunderstorm occurring in the afternoon than in the morning or late at night?
5. What causes a cumulus cloud to change into a huge towering cumulus?
6. Why does a cumulus cloud stop growing when it hits the stratosphere?
7. In what ways are thunderstorms a blessing from God?
8. How can thunderstorms remind us that God has promised to never flood the Earth again?

Text

Lightning (pp. 36–37)

Vocabulary Words

electrons
static electricity

Discussion Questions

1. Locate the vocabulary words in the glossary. Write the definition for each.
2. How is lightning like static electricity?
3. What is thunder?
4. What does lightning sound like when it is near?
5. How fast does thunder travel?
6. Which travels faster: thunder or lightning? Why?
7. Are electrons negatively charged or positively charged?
8. Is the ground positively charged or negatively charged?
9. What are some problems with the theory that lightning is formed when electricity builds up in the cloud as a result of ice particles collecting?
10. A large amount of energy is released with each lightning bolt. If scientists could somehow harness this energy, in what ways could it be used to help mankind?

Answer Key

Thunderstorms (pp. 32—35)

1. See glossary.
2. Tropics.
3. Cumulus.
4. Because updrafts that cause thunderstorms occur more often when the ground is warm than cool.
5. Three conditions: (1) A large difference in temperature between the ground and upper troposphere, (2) plenty of moisture in the lower atmosphere, and (3) a trigger – a process to start the thunderstorm.
6. Because the stratosphere is warmer than the air immediately below it.
7. Thunderstorms provide summer water, cool the earth, and clean the air. They also balance the Earth’s electricity and provide fertilizer.
8. Rainbows are sometimes seen with thunderstorms (Genesis 9:11—17).

Lightning (pp. 36-37)

1. See glossary.
2. Both lightning and static electricity involve electrons that travel from a negative to a positive area liberating energy.
3. Thunder is the sound of air expanding as the temperature increases due to the lightning bolt splitting the air.
4. A sharp crack.
5. The speed of sound, 750 mph (1200 kph).
6. Lightning travels at the speed of light which is a million times faster.
7. Negative.
8. Positive.
9. Small clouds can generate electricity. Electricity can form without ice crystals. There are cases of positive charges, and scientists can’t explain it.
10. Accept reasonable answers, such as meeting the energy needs of cities, or an alternative to fossil fuel.