Creating Solar Ovens

Recently, my class transitioned from an Astronomy unit into our Heating and Cooling unit.  As a transition activity, my class created solar ovens.

 

 

I found the directions for creating our solar ovens at AL-Solar.org, and was able to print them off for free.  We added the directions to our Science notebooks.

 

Each student brought in a box with a lid – we had pizza boxes, pattisserie (bakery) boxes and even shoe boxes.  I provided the students with: aluminum foil, black construction paper, clear plastic wrap, scissors and tape.  As much as possible, I stayed back and let the kids read and follow the directions.  This involved not only reading comprehension, but also a bit of measuring.  When needed, I did some “Go back and re-read” comments, and once I sent in a friend for help.  However, all in all the students were able to build their solar ovens pretty independently.

 

  

       

Unfortunately, the day we made our solar ovens, it decided to rain.  :(  We had to wait until the next day to cook.

Luckily, the next day was a typical, Moroccan sunny day and we put out our solar ovens with a piece of sliced bread and a piece of sliced cheese. 

Unfortunately, the sun moved on us halfway through the day, but after moving our solar ovens to a more opportune location, we were able to toast our bread, although our cheese did not melt. 

   

At the end of the day, the kids reflected on the process in their science notebooks.

Have you ever created a solar oven?