Solar Science Project Ideas

Knowing how to create a solar oven can help you if you are ever caught out in the wilderness without your trusty lighter and charcoal for cooking. The sun the not only the largest star in the solar system, it is also a phenomenal source of power â€“ even strong enough to cook.

Promoting the study of the sun as well as non-polluting sources of power are two popular science project ideas and building a solar oven satisfies both. You will need a shoebox with a fitted lid along with masking tape, tin foil, scissors, a Popsicle or lollipop stick and everyone's favorite camping food â€“ marshmallows and hot dogs.

Project Instructions

With the shiny side of the foil facing up, line the inside of the shoebox and lid, smoothing it as you go. Secure the foil to the box and lid edges to prevent unraveling using the masking tape. Next, cut a flap into the lid of the box using the scissors measuring to ensure you have at least one inch clearance from three of the four sides of the lid. Fold the lid back so it stays in the upright position for maximum reflection and use tape if needed to secure the foil around the lid opening.

Use the Popsicle stick to prop the lid open once you have placed it on top of the box. Your next step it to place the solar oven in the bright sunlight and ensure that flap on the box lid is open. Place a hot dog or marshmallow inside the center of the solar oven and allow them to bake. It could take quite a while for the box to heat up enough to cook anything but you don''t have to worry about burning food.

Testing the sun's power is the focus of many science project ideas these days because the sun is a source of great renewable energy and a way to decrease dependency on energy produced by oil and gas. The solar oven reflects how well a simple contraption can harness the sun's energy to cook food. Your reward for this experiment is hot dogs and toasty marshmallows as well as a healthy respect for the power of the sun.