Lightning happens when the negative charges, which are called electrons, in the bottom of clouds are attracted to the positive charges, which are called protons, in the ground. This process of static electricity results in a spark causing lightning bolts.

Experiment: Try this out!
Push a thumbtack through the center of an aluminum pie pan from the bottom. Push an eraser end of a pencil into the thumbtack. Place a styrofoam plate upside-down on a table. Quickly rub the underneath of the plate with a piece of wool for a couple of minutes. Pick up the aluminum pie pan using the pencil as a handle and place it on top of the upside-down stryofoam plate that you were just rubbing with the wool. Touch the aluminum pie pan with your finger. You should feel a shock. If you don’t feel anything, try rubbing the Styrofoam plate again. Once you feel the shock try turning the lights out before you touch the pan again. You should see a spark like a mini lightning bolt!

Experiment: Try this out!
Another fun lightning experiment is to create lightning in your mouth. Pass out Wint-O-Green or Pep-O-Mint lifesavers to everyone. Split off into groups and have children take turns watching each other. Turn off the lights and wait a few seconds for the eyes to get accustomed to the darkness. Have the children take turns watching what happens when they bite down on the mint keeping their mouths open. If done right they should see bluish flashes of light.