Step-by-Step Instructions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 1: cut off one side of your cardboard box.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 2: line the inside of your box with aluminum foil.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 3: cut two pieces of plastic wrap large enough to cover the opening of your box.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 4: tape one piece of plastic wrap to the top side of the opening and leave some extra plastic overhang on each side so you can seal it later.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 5: Repeat step four with another piece of plastic wrap on top but seal it on the other sides.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNote: if you have trouble getting it to stick, wipe down any moisture from around where you want to tape and try again with new tape.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 6: cover the box’s exterior by wrapping it with aluminum foil.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 7: find a spot in full sun and adjust the plastic wrap to focus sunlight into your oven.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow It Works<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe sun’s rays come through the plastic wrap and heat the air inside the box. The aluminum foil reflects this heat around, creating a greenhouse effect. This trapped heat can get quite hot, and that’s what cooks our food inside of the solar oven!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testing the solar oven<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNow that you’ve built your solar oven, it’s time to put it to the test! S’mores is one of the most fun things to cook in a solar oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you need is graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Assemble the s’mores and place them on foil inside your solar oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure you position the oven to get as much direct sunlight as possible. Leave them in for about 10 minutes or until everything is melted and gooey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also cook hot dogs in your solar oven. Place a couple of hot dogs on a skewer (or use tongs if you don’t have one), then put them on a piece of foil inside the oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, make sure they’re positioned for optimum sun exposure. Cook for about 30 minutes or until they’re heated through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that cooking times will vary depending on how hot your solar oven gets and how much sunlight there is. It may take some trial and error to determine what works best for you, but that’s part of the fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips on how to position the oven for maximum sun exposure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGetting as much direct sunlight as possible is the key to using a solar oven. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Find an open space: Look for an open area without trees or obstructions blocking the sun.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Face south: Position your solar oven to face south (in the northern hemisphere) or north (in the southern hemisphere).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maintain angle: Angle your solar panel at about 45 degrees from horizontal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Moving throughout the day: Move it periodically throughout sunny hours so it remains facing directly where the sun is currently located.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n