Can you create a tiny spark that works the same way as a lightning bolt? Lightning happens when a huge buildup of electric charge jumps between clouds and the ground. You can make that same jump happen on a small scale. You push a thumbtack through an aluminum pie plate and attach a pen as a handle. Rub a piece of styrofoam with a wool sock to build up a negative charge. Then use the pen to set the pie plate on the charged styrofoam. Turn off the lights and slowly bring your finger toward the edge of the plate. A small spark jumps from the plate to your fingertip. You can see it and hear it.