Making a Solar Oven
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Provided by: U.S. Department of Energy|Published on: April 27, 2021
Lesson PlansScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This activity from the US Department of Energy teaches students about solar ovens and provides instructions on building a simple solar cooker.
- The resource is a downloadable PDF with detailed instructions.
Subjects: Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
Authors: U.S. Department of Energy
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students will be engaged in building a solar oven that actually works.
- Students of different learning types will be engaged in this hands-on activity.
Additional Prerequisites
- There is a list of materials needed for students to construct the ovens, but students could easily substitute with other materials.
- You could provide context for the activity with this resource about greenhouse gas emissions and this one about climate solutions.
Differentiation
- Social studies classes could use this resource to discuss solutions for communities experiencing power outages or in areas without electricity.
- A discussion about renewable energy and the use of solar in different parts of the world would be a logical follow-up to this activity.
- Have students carry out modifications to the provided design and challenge them to optimize their cookers.
- Similar resources to consider include this video about reusing materials to make a solar oven and these resources about "daylighting" homes and buildings and passive home design.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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