======Pizza Box Solar Oven======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
\\
**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
\\


**Alternative titles:** Solar Cooker
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Cut three sides of a square flap on the lid of a pizza box, leaving about two inches from the edges.  
  - Fold the flap back and cover the inside with aluminum foil (shiny side out), taping it securely.  
  - Line the bottom and sides of the pizza box with foil.  
  - Cover the opening in the lid (where the flap was cut) with plastic wrap, taping it tightly to create a sealed window.  
  - Place food on a paper plate inside the foil-lined base of the box.  
  - Close the lid and adjust the foil flap so it reflects sunlight into the box, propping it open with a ruler.  
  - Position the box outside with the flap facing the sun, and allow food to warm or cook over 1 hour or more.



====Links==== 
How to Build a Solar Oven | The Science of Cooking - SciShow Kids: 
{{youtube>nsXhfpE5NCY?}}\\

Solar Oven Science Project - We Are Teachers: 
{{youtube>m4tNG64IDc0?}}\\

📄 Solar Cooker- Griffin Museum of Science + Industry: [[https://www.msichicago.org/science-at-home/hands-on-science/solar-cooker]]\\


====Variations====
  * Test different foods to see which cook fastest (marshmallows, cheese, chocolate, etc.).  
  * Add black construction paper to the base of the box to absorb more heat.  
  * Try adjusting the angle of the foil flap to maximize reflected sunlight.  
  * Compare results on sunny, cloudy, and partly cloudy days.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Solar cookers can get very hot; use oven mitts or tongs to remove food.  
  * Do not leave the cooker unattended in direct sunlight.  
  * Use caution with sharp scissors when cutting the box.  
  * Avoid using foods that spoil quickly if cooking times are long.




====Questions to Consider====
  * How does aluminum foil help increase the cooker’s effectiveness? (It reflects and concentrates sunlight into the box.)  
  * Why is the plastic wrap important? (It traps heat inside like a greenhouse.)  
  * How does adding black paper affect heating? (Black absorbs heat more efficiently than reflective surfaces.)  
  * Why does cooking take longer in a solar cooker than in a regular oven? (The heat is less intense and depends on sunlight conditions.)  
  * How could solar cookers be used in real-world situations? (They provide a sustainable cooking method where electricity or fuel is limited.)