There are a variety of ways you can teach your kids multiple lessons at once, and building a solar oven is a fun and easy project that will educate them about solar power and basic cooking science all at once. A solar oven could come in very handy in a survival or disaster situation, which is another set of lessons on its own. You can use materials you already have around the house, or purchase what you need for very little money. Let’s take a look at how to build a solar oven.
Gather Materials
The materials required to build a solar oven are simple and affordable, many of which you probably have at home right now.
- scissors
- empty pizza box
- aluminum foil
- clear tape
- plastic wrap
- black construction paper or paint
- newspaper
- ruler, wooden rod, or stick
- oven thermometer
Assembly
First, cut the lid of the pizza box on three sides about an inch from the edges to make a top flap. Next, wrap a sheet of aluminum foil on the underside of the flap, folding it up and out so that light shines into hole.
Next, cover the hole with with plastic wrap so as to create an airtight seal (it’s best to do this by opening the box and taping the plastic down with your clear tape from the inside). Line the bottom of the box with black construction paper or paint it black, then placed rolled up newspaper around the border to use as insulation.
Finally, prop up the lid with your ruler or stick, place your food inside on a plate or in a bowl (metal works best), and watch as the sun does the work of cooking. Before closing, make sure to insert your thermometer so you can check the temperature as you go.
Get Cooking
The best time to use a solar oven is between the hours of 11A and 3P when the sun is highest in the sky. Though it might take a bit longer than a microwave or oven, cooking with a solar oven provides a hands-on experience that kids will enjoy taking part in and actually eat the fruits of their labor.
Featured Image from Cris Kelly/Shutter Stock