What causes thunder and lightening? Science Short

What this episode covers

What’s really going on when the sky flashes and booms during a storm? ⚡🌩️ In this Science Short, inspired by a question from Squiz Kid Clancy in Lindfield, we unpack the science behind thunder and lightning. Along the way, we’ll explore lightning as a giant spark, thunder as a shockwave (a bit like a mini sonic boom), what plasma is (yep — a fourth state of matter!), and why counting seconds after a flash can tell you how far away a storm is. Plus — what to do to stay safe, and why hair standing on end is a sign to move fast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Squiz Kids?

This episode is 3 minutes long.

When was this Squiz Kids episode published?

This episode was published on April 25, 2026.

What is this episode about?

What’s really going on when the sky flashes and booms during a storm? ⚡🌩️ In this Science Short, inspired by a question from Squiz Kid Clancy in Lindfield, we unpack the science behind thunder and lightning. Along the way, we’ll explore...

Can I download this Squiz Kids episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.