We learned about solar energy today by making s’mores in our own home made solar oven. Here are the supplies we used:
Of course, we had to sample our ingredients, just to make sure they were fresh! 🙂
Related: You have to try making this cast iron s’mores recipe.
First, we drew a square on the lid of a pizza box about one inch from the sides. I cut out three sides of the square and then folded the lid on the fourth uncut side. Then Nicholas glued foil to the inside of the lid.
He also glued foil on the inside bottom of the box then glued black construction paper on top of that.
We used a sheet protector to make a plastic sheet and taped it to the inside of our created opening in the lid. It is important that this seal be as airtight as possible.
Next it was time to start up the oven and set out the ingredients!
We closed the oven and propped up the lid with a stick. Solar energy took over from there…
We had fun making this hands-on project to learn about solar energy. The foil reflects the sunlight through the plastic down into the oven which doubles the amount of light entering the oven. The black paper on the bottom of the oven absorbs the light and converts it to heat. The plastic keeps the heat from escaping. Although we didn’t check the temperature in our oven, supposedly it can reach 275 degrees on a sunny day!
But who really cares about the science behind it when you can bite into to ooey, gooey yumminess like this!
MORE SOLAR SYSTEM INSPIRED ACTIVITIES FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG
- Solar eclipse facts for kids <–free printable
- How to make a solar eclipse viewer from a cereal box
- How to watch the solar eclipse with kids
- Watching a solar eclipse
- Solar eclipse activities and printables for kids
- Solar energy facts for kids
- Make a solar oven
- Make a solar system model together
- Make a sun craft or a paper plate sun craft!
- Print these fun facts about the sun for kids
- Moon activities for kids
- Phases of the moon for kids
- Fun facts about the earth for kids
- Love you to the moon and back coloring pages
- Space mazes for kids
- Let’s make moon rocks
I’m a Barnegat Blummis and i LOVE to use your solar oven to cook my samorras.
Love it! I’m posting it on my FB page!
Wow, this is such a great idea. I love it.
Brava for encouraging science AND alternative energy! Moms are definitely going to save the world 🙂
Solar Energy is one of the best sources of clean and green electricity.
I’ll be making my own solar oven this year. I want to make one large enough to hold a pot of soup. I’ve looked up some patterns online already. If I get my way, I’ll no longer have to heat my kitchen in the summertime which is hotter than heck here in Texas!
Anything that gets gets interested in Science is great, and when it involves marshmallows… Awesome!
These are soo cool!
This is truly awesome! I’ll be doing this when spring comes, or at least a clear winter day.
OK, I have this activity saved from a magazine from about 4 years ago. I really need to do this with Reese…what fun! LOVE the last pictre of him eating his messy snack!! 🙂