Follow the steps below to compete in a contest to obtain the
greatest increase in temperature using a solar oven. You will
submit your results and compete with other schools...Good Luck!
Materials:
1 pizza box from local delivery store (Little Caesars, Domino's,
Pizza Hut, etc.), newspapers, tape, scissors, black construction
paper, clear plastic wrap, aluminum foil
Procedure:
- Make sure the cardboard is folded into its box shape.
- Carefully cut out 3 sides of an 8 1/2" by 11" square
in the lid of the box.
- Gently fold the flap back along the uncut edge to form a
crease.
- Wrap the underside (inside) face of this flap with aluminum
foil. Tape it so that the foil is held firmly but so that there's
not too much tape showing on the foil side of the flap.
- Open the box and place a piece of black construction paper
so it fits the bottom of the box. Tape it by the edges.
- Roll up some newspaper and fit it around the inside edges
of the box. This is insulation. (Materials used to slow the transfer
of heat and make things more energy efficient. Do not confuse
with insOlation.) It should be about 1-11/2" thick. Use
tape or other materials you can think of to hold the newspaper
in place.
- Cut plastic wrap an inch larger than the lid opening on the
box top. Tape it to the underside of the lid opening. Add another
piece of plastic wrap to the top of the lid opening. This creates
a layer of air as insulation that keep sheet in the box. BE SURE
THE PLASTIC WRAP IS TIGHT.
- YOU ARE ALMOST DONE! The oven needs to sit at an angle facing
the sun directly, so you'll need to make a prop. Also, the flap
of the box top needs to be propped open-a dowel, pencil or ruler
work great. This way you can change the amount of sunlight striking
the oven window.
Contest Rules:
- Obtain a 5 inch aluminum pie plate.
- Fill pie plate with 150 ml of water at room temperature and
place inside your solar oven.
- Place your solar oven in the most optimum location outside.
Obtain an initial starting temperature of the water.
- Check the temperature of the water every 10 minutes for 40
minutes and record your results (subtract the starting temperature
so that you are recording only the increase in temperature).
Student Name:Date:
School Name:Longitude:Latitude:
City and State:Country:
Temperature Readings
Total Temperature Change:
Use the button to
your results to the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory.