Join our 4-H teen as he steps into the world of solar science!
What are we learning today?
Have you ever heard of an oven that doesn't use electricity or gas? Well, guess what? There is one – and it only uses sunlight! And you can make one too!
Did you know the energy from sunlight never runs out? It's called solar energy, and it can be used to power things like homes, lights, and even toys. To do this, we use solar panels – flat, shiny boards made with special silicon layers that capture the sunlight. Then it turns that sunlight into electricity. So, every time the sun shines, we can use it as a clean, renewable energy source.
You can try using the power of the sun yourself.
What do you need?
- Cardboard pizza box
- Box knife or sharp scissors
- Aluminum foil
- Clear plastic wrap (or a clear plastic bag)
- Clear tape
- Black construction paper
- Several sheets of newspaper
- Ruler or wooden spoon
- Thermometer (optional, but cool to have!)
Try it yourself!
- Cut the flap.
- Use your scissors or box knife to cut a flap in the lid of the pizza box – cut along three sides, leaving about an inch around the edge. Fold it back so it opens like a door.
- Foil it.
- Wrap the inside of that flap with aluminum foil, shiny side out. Tape it in place. This turns it into a sunlight reflector!
- Make the window.
- Tape a double layer of clear plastic wrap over the hole you just made in the lid. Make sure it's airtight! This keeps the heat in while letting sunlight through.
- Paint it black.
- Line the bottom of your box with black construction paper. Black absorbs heat and helps your food cook faster.
- Line the bottom of your box with black construction paper. Black absorbs heat and helps your food cook faster.
- Insulate it.
- Roll up newspaper and tape it around the inside edges of the box. This keeps heat from escaping. Leave space in the middle for your food.
- Set it up.
- Find a sunny spot outside, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest. Use a ruler or spoon to prop up the flap so it reflects sunlight through the plastic window and into the box.
- Start cooking!
- Place your food on a clear plastic or glass plate and set it inside. You can try:
- Toasted bread with butter
- Nachos with chips and cheese
- Hot dogs
- Or even heat up leftovers!
- (Just don't put food directly on the black paper – keep it on a dish!)
- Place your food on a clear plastic or glass plate and set it inside. You can try:
- Watch the temp.
- If you have a thermometer, put it inside to see how hot it gets. Your solar oven can reach up to 200°F!
- Serve it up!
- When your food is ready, carefully lift the lid (and maybe use oven mitts – it'll be hot!). Take out the dish, and enjoy your solar snack!
Open and print the supply list for yourself!
Want to learn more?