Have you ever reached out for a metal doorknob only to be shocked?! Lightning works in a similar way. Inside a thundercloud little bits of frozen rain bump into each other, causing an electrical charge. The protons (positive charges) move to the top of the cloud while the electrons (negative charges) move to the bottom. Because opposites attract, a positive charge builds up on the ground below which is focused on things that stick up like telephone poles, trees or even people. When the positive charge coming from the ground meets the negative charge from the cloud… lighting strikes! How do you feel in a lightning storm? It can be exciting, frightening and amazing. Just as in the split second lighting strikes, an idea or inspiration can come to you. Pay attention to this flash of brilliance even if it is a bit scary at first.  

How Stuff Works 
National Weather Service Lightning Safety 
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Lightning Facts and Safety