Making a solar cooker with kids

Making a solar cooker with kids can be a fun and educational activity! Here’s a simple method to create a basic solar cooker using common household materials:

Materials Needed:

1. Cardboard box (medium to large size)
2. Aluminum foil
3. Black construction paper or paint
4. Clear plastic wrap or a clear oven bag
5. Scissors
6. Tape
7. Ruler
8. Pencil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Box:
   • Choose a cardboard box with a lid that can be easily opened and closed. Make sure it’s clean and sturdy.
   • Cut off any flaps from the top of the box, leaving only the bottom and four sides.
2. Create Reflective Panels:
   • Cut sheets of aluminum foil to fit the inside of each of the four sides of the box.
   • Tape the foil onto the inner surfaces of the box walls, shiny side out. This will help reflect sunlight into the cooker.
3. Make the Cooking Surface:
   • Cut a piece of cardboard to fit inside the box, leaving a small gap around the edges.
   • Cover the cardboard with black construction paper or paint. Black absorbs heat well and will help heat up your cooker.
4. Construct the Lid:
   • Cut a piece of clear plastic wrap or use a clear oven bag large enough to cover the opening of the box.
   • Attach the plastic wrap securely to the edges of the box lid using tape, leaving enough slack for the plastic to form a dome shape over the cooking surface.
5. Test Your Solar Cooker:
   • Place your solar cooker outside in a sunny spot, ensuring that it’s facing directly towards the sun.
   • Place food or a cooking vessel on the black cooking surface inside the box.
   • Close the lid securely and adjust the position of the cooker to maximize sunlight exposure.
   • Wait and monitor the temperature inside the cooker. You should see the temperature rise gradually as the cooker harnesses solar energy to cook your food.

Safety Tips:

• Always supervise children during this activity, especially when using sharp objects or handling hot surfaces.
• Choose a safe location for your solar cooker away from fire hazards or areas where it could be knocked over.

This simple solar cooker is a great way to introduce kids to renewable energy concepts while also enjoying the fun of cooking with sunlight!