Science Standard 3.2
Recognize that the sun is a star that gives off light, heat, and other kinds of energy.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes
1. Students will learn that the sun's solar energy provides heat that can be used to cook food.
To the teacher: Please note that where you live may make a difference in how well this experiment will work. More northern regions may need a warm late spring, early summer day and a longer time for this experiment to work while more southern regions will be able to use any warm, sunny day.
Project
Your project is to design a solar cooker that will start to melt a piece of chocolate. Use a student journal page to plan, build and record the result of your solar cooker.
Materials:
Small pieces of chocolate, scrap materials like boxes, plastic containers or jars, colored paper, aluminum foil. Children should brainstorm other appropriate materials.
Procedure
1. Plan and design you solar cooker. Draw what it will look like and the materials you will need.
2. Build your solar cooker.
3. Put the chocolate inside the cooker and find a sunny location to place the cooker.
4. Observe the chocolate, looking for it to melt. Keep track of the appearance of your chocolate and the amount of time it takes to melt.
5. Record your observations.
6. Compare your results with other student results.
See the linked page, Science Journal: Solar Cooker, an assignment sheet for student use as they complete this experiment.
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Last Updated 05/08/03
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