SOLAR TOASTER
TIME REQUIRED: 30 minutes
MATERIALS REQUIRED: Empty oatmeal box, a pair of scissors, some tape, aluminum foil, wire cutters, a wire coat hanger, and a pre-cooked hotdog.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Children will learn about solar power. Afterwards, explain how solar power can be used to heat houses and to make electricity. Ask children to invent creative uses for solar power.
INTRODUCTION: You know solar power can be used for a lot of things, but
did you know that you can cook with it? In this experiment
you'll see how the heat of the sun can actually roast a
hot dog for you to eat.
STEP 1: For this activity, you'll need an empty oatmeal box, a pair of
scissors, some tape, aluminum foil, and punch a hole in the center of the
top and bottom of the box.
STEP 2: First, cut out half of the oatmeal box's side, like you see here. Then, tape the lid back onto the box, and punch a hole in the center of the
top and bottom of the box.
STEP 3: Now line the whole inside of the box with aluminum foil, shiny
side up.
STEP 4: Have an adult cut and straighten out a wire coat hanger. It should
be cut so that its about 2 or 3 inches longer than the oatmeal box. Now
turn the oatmeal box on its side and guide the wire through the holes in
both ends-in one end and out the other. There should be extra wire sticking
out of each end.
STEP 5: OK! You're ready to roast a hot dog! To do it, you just slip
the coat hanger wire back out of one end of the cooker, and slide a hot dog
onto it-just like you would if you were cooking it over a campfire. Then
guide the wire back onto the hole.
STEP 6: Place your solar toaster in the direct sunlight. Make sure the
open side of he toaster is facing the sun. Turn the hot dog occasionallyto roast all sides by turning one of the wire ends. While it's toasting,
try to figure out how the sun is cooking it. Why is the foil used? Before
you know it-your hot dog will be ready to eat! Taste the solar dog. Did
the sun add flavor to it?
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Revised
09/25/2007
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