Solar Oven

Reference Image

Materials

• Empty pizza box 
• Skewer
• Aluminum foil 
• Tape 
• Marker
• Ruler
• Plastic wrap 
• Black paper 
• Box cutter 
• A hot, sunny day 
• Aluminum pie tin 
• S’mores ingredients (optional)

Activity Directions 

1. Watch the video on the Sun linked below. 
2. Test your understanding of the Sun by playing a fun Quizizz game!
3. Perform the Solar Oven  activity (Note: The experiment video linked below also walks you through the activity)
   1. Start by orienting your empty pizza box such that the opening of the lid (Side a) is facing you. 
      
   2. Taking your ruler and marker, make a 1 inch border from each side of the pizza box as shown in the reference diagram above. 
      
   3. Then, using the box cutter, cut along the borders made from Side a, Side b, and Side d (or along the dotted lines on the reference diagram above). Your box should now have 3 cuts. (Note: This step should be done carefully and with the help of an adult.)
      
   4. Fold the flap up and crease along the uncut side (the line you marked parallel to Side c). 
      
   5. Take a large sheet of foil and wrap the foil so that it covers the entire front side of the flap. Fold the excess foil to the back of the flap and tape the foil securely.  (Note: You can measure out the foil for this step if you wish but it is not necessary.)
      
   6. Next, take some plastic wrap and tightly cover over the opening created by cutting out the flap, using tape to secure the plastic wrap. (Note: it is very important that the plastic wrap is taped securely in order to ensure that the pizza box is airtight.)
      
   7. Then, on the inside lid of the pizza box, repeat step f and tape more plastic wrap from the inside to ensure that no air can get in or out. 
      
   8. Take some more aluminum foil and cover the inside bottom of the pizza box (where the pizza is usually placed) using tape to secure it. 
      
   9. Then, once the entire bottom of the pizza box is covered in foil, take a piece of black paper the same size as the bottom of the box and place it in.
      
   10. In another aluminum pie tin, place graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate and place the tin on top of the black paper. (Note: You can use any food of your choice but please keep in mind that the temperature will likely not be enough to completely cook meat or other foods. It is recommended to limit the use of this oven to heating foods or rewarming.)
       
   11. Close the lid of the pizza box and prop the aluminum foil covered flap up using the bamboo stick. Once you get out into the sun, adjust the flap so that the rays of the sun are directly oriented toward the inside of the box. 
       
   12. You are done! Enjoying using your solar oven!
       
       ​​Quizizz Link: https://quizizz.com/join/quiz/5f5176c7171a3f001b6f5e5c/start?studentShare=true
       

Suggested Videos: 
Telescope Video: https://youtu.be/b22HKFMIfWo
Experiment Video:  https://youtu.be/kBmy-AeIzp0​

Published 9.5.2020

Author: Rupali Venkatesan