Solar energy is the most renewable form of energy. Wouldn't it be amazing to teach kids about the renewable nature of solar power, harnessing energy, and sustainability all in one activity, by majorly using the heat from the sun and some simple materials? The solar cooker activity does exactly that! This cooker directly uses the heat energy from the sun to heat or cook simple food items. Now, let's see how this cooker is made!
Jump to Instructions
Time Needed:
45 mins
Materials Required:
Shoe box with a lid
Scissors
Pen/Pencil & ruler
Cello tape
Hot glue gun
Black chart/paper
Aluminium foil
Plastic cover(transparent)
Concept(s) Taught:
Renewable Energy | Conservation of Energy
Skill(s) Focussed:
Critical Thinking | Creativity | Teamwork
Aligned Profession(s):
Environmental Engineer | Environmental Educators
Instruction Video:
Special Instructions for Teachers:
Renewable Energy & Environment
Discuss the different sources of clean energy such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Also, teach them the environmental impact of using renewable energy vs. non-renewable energy.
Working of Solar Cooker/Oven
Explain the principle (conversion of light energy to heat energy) and the working of the solar cooker/oven. Let the students list down the function/use of each material used in the making of the solar cooker. Example questions:
Why do we use black paper?
What is the purpose of transparent film?
What does the aluminium/tin foil do?
How can we maximise the conversion of sunlight to heat energy?
Points to Remember
Some important points to have in mind before making this cooker/oven:
This cooker/oven can get really hot at times. It is important to be careful about that
We cannot make use of this cooker/oven to cook anything complex
Have fun making and share the works of your students with the hashtag #projectprayogshala to get featured!