In “Jonathan Park and the Winds of Change,” Jonathan and Thad take refuge during an electrical storm. The intense heat from a dangerously close lightning strike forms several fulgurites. On this real adventure, learn about God’s power, strength, and provision by discovering how fulgurites are formed and then taking your family to see a real fulgurite in your own local area.
In Latin, fulgurite’s root word “fulgur” means, “Lightning.” Fulgurites are created when lightning strikes dry sandy soil. The intense heat (several times hotter than the surface of the sun) causes the surrounding sand to melt into a glass-like formation. The molten material creates a tube-like formation. Since the electrical current travels in random-like patterns, fulgurites have very interesting shapes. They can be very small, or several yards long!
To learn about God’s power, strength, and provision by taking your family to see a real fulgurite.
- Your family will need to set aside about 4 hours for this adventure.
- Make sure that you know enough about fulgurites so that you can answer your family’s questions about them. You may choose to do your own research on the internet, or print off this page for a brief explanation about fulgurites.
- Before going to see the fulgurite, call ahead to make sure of the hours that the fulgurite is on display, and to learn of any admittance fees.
- If your family would like, put aside a few dollars to stop at an ice cream shop after you visit the fulgurite.
- Listen to Jonathan Park and the Winds of Change – Part I & II.
- Take your family to a museum, shop, or other location to see a real fulgurite near you.
- On the way home, stop for dessert at your family’s favorite ice-cream shop and discuss your adventure.
- To end your adventure together, spend time in a devotional as a family.
Fulgurite images courtesy Mineralogical Research Company. Used with permission.
