Bite-Size Science With André and Lexi: Solar Energy--How to Build a Solar Oven
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(Describer) Craft supplies lie on a table.
(instructor) To make your solar oven, you'll need: one clean, dry pizza box; aluminum foil; clear, colorless plastic wrap; black construction paper; glue; tape; scissors; a ruler; markers or crayons; graham crackers; chocolate, and marshmallows.
(Describer) André demonstrates.
Start with your clean, dry pizza box. Cut a piece of aluminum foil slightly larger than the pizza box's lid. Tape or glue the foil onto the inside of the lid.
(Describer) André presses foil to the lid.
Make sure it's smooth and that the reflective part is showing. You may have to use multiple pieces of foil. Close the lid of the pizza box.
(Describer) André folds the box and tucks the top into the bottom.
Use a ruler and crayon, or marker, to draw a square, leaving about one inch around all four edges.
(Describer) André draws a square edge.
If your pizza box allows it, decorate the top of the box to really make it your own.
(Describer) André draws a sun with a smiley face.
Carefully use the scissors to cut along the square, but only cut the three sides that open with the lid.
(Describer) André cuts three sides around the sun.
Fold the uncut side to create a flap that stands up.
(Describer) André opens the flap.
Now cut a piece of clear, colorless plastic wrap slightly larger than the flap you just cut. Open the box, and tape or glue the plastic wrap over the opening on the inside of the lid. Make sure the plastic wrap is tight and secure.
(Describer) André uses tape. He closes the box, then opens the flap, revealing the plastic wrap.
Use tape or glue and the black construction paper to cover the bottom of the inside of the box.
(Describer) André glues black construction paper and presses it into the box bottom. He closes the box and opens the flap.
You're now ready to test your solar oven and cook a s'more. Find a sunny spot outdoors that receives a lot of direct sunlight. Place your s'more on a small plate on the black construction paper, and close the lid. Open the foil-covered flap in the lid, and angle it toward the sun. Use a ruler or a stick and some tape to prop open the flap if needed. Check on your s'more every 10 to 15 minutes. When the marshmallow and chocolate are soft and gooey, your s'more is ready.
(Describer) Marshmallows and chocolate melt.
Refer to the additional documents for tips on troubleshooting.
Now Playing As: English with English captions (change)
In this episode, students learn how to build a solar oven. Follow the instructions step-by-step. Part of the "Bite-Size Science With André and Lexi" series.
Media Details
Runtime: 2 minutes 30 seconds
- Topic: Education, Science
- Subtopic: General Education, Science Experiments, Science Methods
- Grade/Interest Level: 4 - 8
- Release Year: 2023
- Producer/Distributor: Ohio Broadcast Educational Media Commission
- Series: Bite-Size Science
- Writer: Christine Lowe
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