Building a solar oven is an easy and fun task that can be completed with simple items found right at home. Solar ovens capture the sun's heat and putting one together is a great way to learn about renewable energy.Continue Reading
Start with a shallow box, such as a pizza box. You also need aluminum foil, plastic wrap, tape, black construction paper, scissors and a stick.
Leaving a few inches from the edge of the box on each side, cut three lines as if you are cutting out a square. This creates a flap that should stand up when it is folded back.
Completely cover the inside of the flap with aluminum foil by folding it around the top edges of the flap. Tape a few layers of plastic wrap over the top of the opening in the box. Make sure there are no holes that allow the air to escape.
Next, layer the inside of the box with black construction paper. This helps absorb heat. You can also tape around the bottom and edges of the box to create more insulation to keep the heat inside without sealing the box completely shut.
When the solar oven is put together, place it outside during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest. Prop open the flap with a stick and adjust it so it is reflecting the most amount of light into the opening. Place whatever you would like to cook on a plate and set it inside the box. It slowly cooks as the oven collects heat. If done correctly, the solar oven can produce heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.