How to make a solar oven! That’s right – Goodbye Easy Bake Oven – Hello solar cooking. With summer right around the corner and kids home, we will be introducing a series of summer projects for kids!
If you are looking for a STEM kid science project – this is the perfect activity for those hot summer days. Here in Texas – we KNOW hot. It gets disgustingly hot here. So what better geeky project to do then to use that heat for good.
Let’s learn how to make a solar oven. This STEM project for kids is best for older kids or younger children if the parents help since we will be using scissors and a box cutter.
Easy Steps to Show How to Make a Solar Oven
Easy Bake Oven, forget about it. Let me show you how to make a solar oven with a pizza box! With a solar oven, you can bake cookies or a kid favorite: smores! Your kids will love this science project!
Solar Oven Supplies
Let’s get to it. Here is what you’ll need to make a solar oven.
- A large pizza box
- A ruler
- A black marker
- Box cutter
- Heavy duty aluminum foil
- Glue
- Scissors
- Clear plastic wrap
- Tape
- Black construction paper
Optional
- Stick or plastic straw
- Laser pointer
Let’s Get Started with Your Solar Oven!
Creating your own solar oven is a fun and eco-friendly project. Here’s how you can get started:
Prepare the Pizza Box Lid
- Take a ruler and black marker, and draw a square on the lid of your pizza box, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
- Using a box cutter, carefully cut along three sides of the square, leaving the rear line attached.
- Fold the flap back so it stands upright when the lid is closed.
Attach Aluminum Foil
Apply glue to the underside of the flap and cover it with heavy-duty aluminum foil, smoothing out any wrinkles and trimming excess foil.
Add Plastic Wrap
Cut two squares of plastic wrap, each larger than the opening you just created in the lid.
Tape one plastic square over the opening on the underside of the lid.
Close the lid and tape the second plastic square over the top of the opening, creating a window that helps retain the sun’s heat. Ensure both sheets are taut for an airtight seal.
Insulate the Box
Line the inside of the pizza box with aluminum foil for insulation, using glue or tape to secure it.
Cover the foil layer with black construction paper, gluing it into place to absorb heat.
Set Up Your Solar Oven
Close the lid, then adjust the foil flap to find the best angle for reflecting sunlight into the box. Use a ruler, straw, or stick to keep the flap in place.
TIP: Use a laser pointer to test the angles of the sun for optimal oven performance before taking it outside.
Now, your solar oven is ready to start cooking! Enjoy your sustainable cooking adventure with this easy-to-follow solar oven guide.
Get Baking in the Sun!
Preheat your oven by leaving outside for 30 minutes.
Get ready to bake cookies, smores or reheat a slice of pizza. Remember to make sure that all food is thoroughly cooked before eating.
More STEM Projects for Kids
Interested in MORE summer activities like this? Check out our list of summer kids activities and our 50+ list of Kids Science Projects!
We hope you enjoyed this summer project for kids, How to Make a Solar Oven. Tell us in the comments what you end up making in your solar oven!
