Build a Solar Oven

The sun is the source of most energy on earth, including energy from wind and waves. Unlike the earth, the sun is not a solid--instead, it is a huge ball of gas, composed mainly of hydrogen. Every second, tons of hydrogen in the sun's core are converted through nuclear fusion into helium and energy. As the hydrogen nuclei fuse together to form helium molecules, huge amounts of energy are released.

You can use this energy to heat up a tasty treat with this simple solar oven! (Get an adult to help you with the cutting.)

Materials:

• Cardboard pizza box (the kind delivered pizza comes in)
• Box knife or scissors
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Black construction paper
• Stick or dowel

What to Do:

1. Use a box knife or sharp scissors to cut a flap in the lid of the pizza box. Cut along three sides, leaving about an inch between the sides of the flap and the edges of the lid. Fold this flap out so that it stands up when the box lid is closed. Cover the inner side of the flap with aluminum foil so that the rays from the sun will be reflected off.
2. Use clear plastic wrap to create an airtight window for sunlight to enter into the box. Do this by opening the box and taping a double layer of plastic wrap over the opening you made when you cut the flap in the lid. Leave about an inch of plastic overlap around the sides and tape each side down securely, sealing out air.
3. Line the bottom of the box with aluminum foil to reflect heat and then cover that with black construction paper--black absorbs heat.
4. Now your oven is ready to try out! Take it outside to a sunny spot and adjust the flap until the most sunlight possible is reflecting off the aluminum foil and onto the plastic-covered window. Use a stick or a dowel to prop the flap at the right angle.

Your solar oven will reach about 200 degrees on a sunny day, and will take longer to heat things than a conventional oven. Try melting mozzarella cheese over toast with basil and tomatoes, warming leftovers for lunch, or experimenting with any other food you can think of ideas for.

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