Thunderstorm safety

Thunderstorm safety

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
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Further Resources
This task is about keeping safe in a thunderstorm.
lightning

Lightning is electricity formed in storm clouds.

Here are some rules to follow in a thunderstorm with lightning:   

  1. If outdoors keep clear of fences, telephone or power poles, metal pipelines, large metal objects (structural steel work), and metal clotheslines.
  2. Avoid hilltops or the highest object in any area.
  3. Avoid (isolated) trees that are by themselves.
  4. Do not use telephones.
  5. Stay indoors away from electrical appliances.

Question 2Change answer

Explain the science behind any two of these rules.
Rule number 12345
Science behind the rule:
Rule number 12345
Science behind the rule:
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pen and paper or online (with NO auto-marking).
Copyright: 
lightning
Image: R.Carlson | publicdomainpictures.net  | Public domain
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Planet Earth
Keywords: 
interacting systems, weather, lightning
Description of task: 
Students are provided with five rules to follow during a thunderstorm with lightning. Students select two of these rules and explain the science behind the rule.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Engage with science
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the impact of natural phenomena, such as the effects of lightning.
Making Better Sense: 
Features
Answers/responses: 
 

Y9 (03/1998)
Any 2 of:

  1. Keep away from any material (metal) that is able to conduct electricity, therefore prevent an electric shock.
  2. Lightning will take the shortest path, and is therefore more likely to hit a taller/higher object.
  3. As for 2.
  4. Telephones require electricity so conduction is involved, lightning could hit telephone wires and telephone.
  5. Electrical appliances have conduction materials, linked to power lines, etc., greater chance of strike.
 2 correct – very difficult

1 correct – moderate

 

Diagnostic and formative information: 

Analysis of responses

Number of times each rule was attempted to be explained and the % chance it was correct.

Rule 1 – Attempted 38 times, 50% correct.
Rule 2 – Attempted 40 times, 62% correct.
Rule 3 – Attempted 27 times, 41% correct.
Rule 4 – Attempted 19 times, 79% correct.
Rule 5 – Attempted 25 times, 28% correct.