During this time of social distancing, you may find yourself getting bored with few activities to do. Making a solar oven is fun, teaches you about science, and has delicious products!
What you need:
- A shoebox or Cardboard pizza box
- Scissors
- Aluminum foil
- Tape
- Plastic wrap
- Black construction paper
- Ruler
- Pencil
How to make your solar oven:
- Using a ruler and pencil, draw a square one inch in from the edges of the top of the box.
- Use the scissors to cut out three of the four sides of the square.
- Make a crease along the uncut side of the square to create a flap that stands up.
- Cover the inside of the box and the flap with aluminum foil.
- Wrap the foil tightly, and secure with tape.
- Line the bottom of the box with black construction paper.
- Cut two pieces of plastic wrap that are the same size as the top of the pizza box.
- Use tape to secure the plastic wrap to the edges of the square window you cut into the box. You are creating an airtight window.
- If your flap does not stand up on its own, use a pencil or ruler to prop it up.
- Now it is time to cook something! The best time to use your oven is between 11 AM and 2 PM. Make sure to set the food on a dish so you don’t mess up the interior of your oven.
- One food option is a s’more. Place a graham cracker with a marshmallow on top into the oven. The time it takes to cook the marshmallow with vary with the weather, but it should take about 15-30 minutes to cook the marshmallow. Then place another graham cracker with chocolate on it into the solar oven. It will take 5-10 minutes for the chocolate to melt.
- Now enjoy your s’more!
Now for the science!
- Why did we line the insides of the solar oven with black paper?
Black absorbs all colors of light, and it helps absorb the sun’s rays and heat up the inside of the solar oven.
- Why did we cover the flap with aluminum foil?
Aluminum foil has reflective properties, so when the sun hits the foil at an angle, it reflects the sun’s rays into the solar oven.
- Why did we put plastic wrap over the top of the oven?
The plastic wrap prevents the warm air inside the oven from leaving by convection, or the upwards motion of warm air.
Miranda
I love this idea! This will be a great way for my kids and I to fill some time while they are home from school!
ava
I am home from college, and I will definitely enjoy doing this activity with my little sisters! Thanks for the great content! 🙂
admin
Thank you! I hope you enjoy this!
Tammy
So creative! Can I try to put cheese on chips and make nachos with the solar oven, too?
admin
Yes! The cheese melts very well, and it is a great way to use the solar oven!
Neda
I love the solar oven because first I love macking stuff and second I can have my very own oven!!!!
admin
I’m glad you love it! If you love making stuff, you can check out the “Making Rock Candy” post in a couple of days!
AJ
Wonderful idea for:
Great idea and soon Google is going to offer you millions for it,
Great way to make young brains work and be creative
Great for the way you demonstrated 👍
Julia
Thank you!
AJ
You smarty!!!