DIY Solar Oven S'mores

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Ages: 8-12

Objective: Introduce children to the principles of solar energy and heat transfer while making delicious s'mores using a homemade solar oven.

Materials Needed:

  1. Cardboard pizza box (one per participant)
  2. Aluminum foil
  3. Plastic wrap or a clear plastic oven bag
  4. Black construction paper
  5. Graham crackers
  6. Marshmallows
  7. Chocolate bars
  8. Scissors
  9. Tape
  10. Optional: Thermometer

Procedure:

  1. Begin by lining the inside bottom of the pizza box with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Use tape to secure it in place.

  2. Cut a piece of black construction paper to fit the bottom of the pizza box and place it on top of the aluminum foil. This will help absorb more sunlight and generate heat.

  3. Open the pizza box and prop the lid open with a ruler or stick to create a reflector. Line the inside of the lid with aluminum foil, shiny side out, and tape it in place.

  4. Close the lid of the pizza box and cover the opening with plastic wrap or clear plastic oven bag, leaving a small opening for air circulation.

  5. Set the solar oven in direct sunlight, ensuring that the reflector is angled towards the sun. You may need to adjust the angle throughout the day to maximize sunlight exposure.

  6. While waiting for the oven to heat up, assemble your s'mores by placing a piece of chocolate on one graham cracker square and a marshmallow on another.

  7. Once the solar oven has heated up (you can check the temperature using a thermometer if available), carefully place the assembled s'mores inside on a heat-safe surface.

  8. Close the lid of the solar oven and let the s'mores sit in the sunlight until the marshmallows are soft and gooey and the chocolate is melted.

  9. Use oven mitts to carefully remove the s'mores from the solar oven and enjoy!

Explanation:

  • The aluminum foil lining and black construction paper absorb sunlight, converting it into heat energy.
  • The plastic wrap or oven bag traps the heat inside the solar oven, creating a greenhouse effect and raising the temperature inside.
  • As the temperature rises inside the solar oven, it melts the chocolate and marshmallows, creating delicious s'mores without the need for traditional cooking methods.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with different angles and positions for the reflector to see how it affects the temperature inside the solar oven.
  2. Compare the temperature inside the solar oven to the temperature outside using a thermometer. How much hotter does the solar oven get?
  3. Discuss with children how solar energy is a renewable and sustainable source of energy compared to fossil fuels.
  4. Challenge kids to come up with creative variations of s'mores using different types of chocolate, flavored marshmallows, or additional toppings.
  5. Encourage children to think about other foods that could be cooked using solar energy and brainstorm ideas for future solar oven experiments.

Safety Note:

  • Supervise children closely, especially when using scissors and handling hot materials. Remind them to avoid looking directly at the sun and to use oven mitts when handling the solar oven and hot s'mores.

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