We are continuing to celebrate Earth Day with a very special Science at Play segment. Did you know we can use the power of the sun to cook some tasty treats? Today, we are going to make a solar pizza oven out of a lot of simple materials you probably already have at home. This activity is not only a great fit for Earth Day because it is using the power of the sun, but it also is great for the environment. Many of the materials involved are recycled or upcycled- meaning they are getting a second use instead of being thrown away and it allows you to heat up small items without needing to burn any fuel or use any electricity to do so.
Watch the full Science At Play segment below to see all of the materials you need and how putting them all together makes a solar oven.
Materials to Collect
- Cardboard Box (a pizza box tends to work best since it has a lid)
- Scissors
- Plastic Wrap
- Tin Foil
- Black paper
- Tasty Treats
If you try any of these experiments, we want to see them. Share your pictures and videos with us by using the #ScienceAtPlay and tagging @CTScienceCenter.
Nick Villagra is a STEM Educator at the Connecticut Science Center, responsible for developing and delivering science experiences, including classroom lab programs, stage shows, and vacation camps. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Swarthmore College. and has been a speaker at the New England Museum Association conference. Always looking to put a unique stamp on the Science Center’s offerings, Nick enjoys incorporating custom-designed 3D printed materials for students to interact with.
Andrew Fotta is a STEM educator at the Connecticut Science Center. He has currently holds a CT teaching certification for grades K-6, and has spent time in the classroom in nearly all grades, and taught middle school science. In addition to teaching classes for the Science Center, Andrew is also part of a team of educators currently creating new programs aligned with the new Next Generation Science Standards for grades PreK-9. Andrew is an avid photographer, who enjoys blending science and art in his work.
