Designing a Solar Oven

Objective

Build a simple solar oven to cook food using renewable energy.

Materials

• Cardboard box
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Black construction paper
• Tape or glue
• Thermometer
• Notebook for observations

Instructions

1. Line the inside of the cardboard box with aluminum foil to reflect sunlight.
2. Place black construction paper at the bottom of the box to absorb heat.
3. Cover the opening of the box with plastic wrap to create an airtight seal.
4. Place the solar oven in direct sunlight with the opening facing the sun.
5. Monitor the temperature inside the oven using a thermometer.
6. Measure and record the temperature at regular intervals in your notebook.
7. Test cooking simple food items, such as s’mores or hot dogs, inside the oven.
8. Analyze the efficiency of your solar oven and make improvements if necessary.