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Science project idea on how lightning is produced.
Lightning Production Science Project Idea 
How lightning is produced. Lightning is an instantaneous discharge of electricity of high voltage between a cloud and some object on the earth or between two clouds. If on a cold day you scuffle over the carpet and then hold your knuckle to the gas fixture or even to the cheek of another person, a spark will be produced. Because of friction between your feet and the carpet, electricity called static electricity has been generated. Since cold, dry air is a poor conductor, the electricity remains upon your body. When, however, your hand is brought so near the gas fixture that the voltage of the electricity is sufficient to cause it to leap through the dry air, the spark results. 
In the formation of a storm cloud, large quantities of static electricity are generated and condensed on the drops of moisture. When the voltage becomes sufficiently great, the electricity is discharged to the earth or to a neighboring cloud. Benjamin Franklin's experiment in which he drew lightning from the clouds is a very interesting one. He flew a kite into the thunderclouds, using a string which was a fair conductor of electricity, to which .was attached at its lower end a metal key. Near the lower end of this string was a silk cord (a very poor conductor) which he held in his hand. Sparks passed between the key and the ground.
The crackling of the fur of a cat when stroked, and of hair when combed with a rubber comb, especially on a clear cold day; and the tendency of tissue paper, when rubbed, to stick to the wall, are common examples of the manifestations of static electricity resulting from friction.
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