S'more Power! Engineering a Solar Oven

For the Solar Oven Structure:

• Cardboard Box: A pizza box with a lid that closes securely is a common and easy option. Other cardboard boxes (e.g., small appliance boxes) can also be used.
• Aluminum Foil: To line the inside of the box and the flap to reflect sunlight.
• Clear Plastic Wrap or a Clear Plastic Bag: To create a transparent "window" to trap heat inside the oven.
• Black Construction Paper or Black Paint: To line the bottom of the inside of the box to absorb heat.
• Newspaper or Other Insulation Material: To place around the inside of the box to help trap heat (optional but recommended for better results).
• Tape: Clear tape, duct tape, or masking tape to secure the foil and plastic wrap.
• Scissors or Box Cutter: For cutting the cardboard and other materials (adult supervision required for box cutters).
• Ruler or Straight Edge: To help with measuring and cutting straight lines.
• Stick or Prop: A ruler, wooden skewer, pencil, or similar object to prop open the reflective flap at an angle.
• Glue Stick (optional): To help adhere the aluminum foil and black paper to the cardboard.

For Testing (S'mores!):

• Graham Crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate Bars (thin squares work best)
• Aluminum Foil or a Small Dark Plate/Pie Tin: To place the s'mores on inside the oven.

Optional Materials (for experimentation or more advanced designs):

• Thermometer: To measure the temperature inside the solar oven.
• Different Colors of Paper: To test which absorbs heat best.
• Different Types of Reflective Materials: To compare reflectivity.
• Additional Layers of Plastic Wrap: To increase insulation.