: Solar-Powered S'mores Oven

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Ages: 10-14

Objective: Introduce children to the concepts of solar energy and heat transfer while creating a delicious treat: s'mores cooked using a homemade solar oven.

Materials Needed:

  1. Cardboard pizza box (one per participant)
  2. Aluminum foil
  3. Clear plastic wrap or plastic sheet
  4. Black construction paper
  5. Ruler
  6. Box cutter or utility knife (adult supervision required)
  7. Glue or tape
  8. Graham crackers
  9. Marshmallows
  10. Chocolate bars
  11. Optional: Thermometer to measure temperature

Procedure:

  1. Lay the pizza box flat on a surface with the lid facing down.

  2. Using the ruler and box cutter, cut a square opening in the center of the lid, leaving a border of about 1-2 inches on all sides. This will be the opening through which sunlight enters the oven.

  3. Line the inside bottom of the pizza box with aluminum foil, shiny side up, and secure it with glue or tape. This will help reflect sunlight into the oven.

  4. Cut a piece of black construction paper to fit the bottom of the pizza box and place it inside. The black paper will absorb sunlight and convert it into heat.

  5. Close the lid of the pizza box and cover the square opening with clear plastic wrap or plastic sheet, securing it with glue or tape. This will trap heat inside the oven while still allowing sunlight to enter.

  6. Position the solar oven outdoors in direct sunlight, making sure the opening faces the sun.

  7. Once the oven has heated up (you can use a thermometer to measure the temperature if available), assemble your s'mores on a graham cracker with a piece of chocolate and a marshmallow.

  8. Place the assembled s'mores on a piece of foil inside the solar oven and close the lid.

  9. Allow the s'mores to cook in the solar oven until the marshmallows are soft and gooey, and the chocolate is melted.

  10. Carefully remove the s'mores from the oven using oven mitts or tongs, and enjoy your solar-powered treat!

Explanation:

  • The aluminum foil lining reflects sunlight into the oven, while the black construction paper absorbs the sunlight and converts it into heat.
  • The plastic wrap traps heat inside the oven, creating a greenhouse effect that allows the temperature to rise, cooking the s'mores.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with different designs and materials for the solar oven to optimize its performance.
  2. Measure and compare the temperatures reached inside the solar oven on sunny versus cloudy days.
  3. Discuss the environmental benefits of using solar energy as a renewable and clean energy source.
  4. Explore other solar-powered cooking methods and their applications around the world.
  5. Encourage children to research and invent their own solar-powered devices for cooking or other purposes.

Safety Note:

  • Use caution when handling the box cutter or utility knife, and ensure adult supervision is provided. Additionally, be cautious when removing hot items from the solar oven.

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