“Sunny-side Up”- Project Solar Oven
THE CHALLENGE:
After a recent catastrophic event, millions of people are without power and won't be getting it anytime soon. Your classmates have teamed up to create inexpensive solar ovens to be delivered to disaster victims. Your goal is to learn all about the different types of solar ovens and build one that can reach a temperature to safely cook an egg (or melt a smore). Shipping hundreds of ovens across the country can get expensive. An efficient solution will include the ability of the oven to fold up to save space during shipment. Your thoughtfulness and empathy towards this cause should be commended. Good luck with your project.
Essential Questions:
· How does a solar oven work?
· How can you make a solar oven that will reach a temperature to safely cook an egg (or melt a smore)?
· How can you make your solar oven space-saving for transport?
Objectives:
· Students will research how a solar oven works.
· Students will make a solar oven.
· Student will make their solar oven space-saving for easy transportation.
Suggested Materials:
· Cardboard or cardboard box
· Box knife or scissors (Use with Care)
· Aluminum foil
· Clear tape
· Plastic wrap (a heavy-duty or freezer zip lock bag will also work)
· Black construction paper
· Newspapers
· Ruler or wooden spoon
· Thermometer
· Glue
· Scissors
· Paper
· Tape
· Insulation (optional)
· Oven mitt
· Dish or pan
· Egg (or just determine the temperature an egg would cook at)
*PART 1: (2 points)
THE BIG QUESTION #1: What do you think needs to be included in designing a solar oven which can cook an egg and folds up as a space-saving feature?
THE BIG QUESTION #2: How can you make it space-saving?
In designing a solar oven that can cook an egg and folds up as a space-saving feature, some important considerations would be the size and shape of the oven. It should be large enough to fit an egg or a dish to cook the egg in, while also compact enough to fold up and be easily transported. The materials used should also be lightweight and easily collapsible.
To make it space-saving, the solar oven could be designed to be foldable or collapsible. This could be achieved by using hinges, clasps, or other mechanisms to allow the oven to be folded or collapsed into a smaller size for transportation. Additionally, the design could incorporate compartments or nesting components that fit inside each other to save space. The use of lightweight materials would also help reduce the overall size and weight of the oven.
*PART 2: (2 points)
Research with a graphic organizer
Consider the following areas: solar ovens, heating ability, and space-saving.
Solar Ovens:
Types of Energy Transfers:
Space-Saving:
Solar Ovens:
- Box solar oven
- Panel solar oven
- Parabolic solar oven
Types of Energy Transfers:
- Radiation: Sunlight is absorbed by the oven's black surfaces, which convert it into heat energy.
- Conduction: The heat energy is transferred from the black surfaces to the cooking vessel or food inside the oven.
Space-Saving:
- Foldable design: The oven can be folded or collapsed into a smaller size for transportation, using hinges or clasps.
- Nested components: The oven may have compartments or parts that fit inside each other to save space when not in use.
- Lightweight materials: Using lightweight materials like cardboard or aluminum can reduce the overall size and weight of the oven.
- Compact shape: The oven can be designed to have a compact shape, such as a rectangular box, to minimize space usage.
*PART 3: (4 points)
An Initial Sketch:
Create an initial annotated sketch of what your solar oven will look like. Focus on the specific features you will include in order for it to be space-saving and efficient enough to cook an egg. Be creative. Take some risks.
Unfortunately, as a text-based AI, I cannot create visual content. However, I can describe an initial annotated sketch for a solar oven that is space-saving and efficient enough to cook an egg.
The solar oven can be a rectangular box shape with a hinged lid that folds down to cover the cooking chamber. The lid can be insulated with materials like aluminum foil or insulating foam to retain heat. Inside the cooking chamber, there can be a black surface made of construction paper or painted cardboard to absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy. A clear plastic or glass panel can be placed on top of the black surface to trap the heat and allow sunlight to enter.
To make it space-saving, the sides of the oven can have collapsible panels or sections that fold inward, reducing the overall size when not in use. The panels can be secured with clasps or Velcro to keep them in place during transportation. The bottom of the oven can have a nesting compartment where the cooking vessel or food can be stored, maximizing space usage. The oven's materials should be lightweight to minimize weight and make it easier to transport.
Additionally, the oven can have handles or straps for easy carrying, and a thermometer can be attached to monitor the temperature inside the oven while cooking the egg. Overall, the design should prioritize compactness, ease of use, and efficiency in harnessing solar energy for cooking.
*PART 4: (4 points)
BRAINSTORM:
1. How will you be sure your temperature will get high enough to cook an egg?
2. What is your final idea in preparation for building the prototype?
1. To ensure that the solar oven reaches a high enough temperature to cook an egg, we can implement several strategies. Firstly, we can increase the efficiency of heat transfer by using reflective materials, such as aluminum foil, to line the inside of the oven. This will help to direct more sunlight onto the black cooking surface, maximizing heat absorption. Additionally, we can insulate the oven using materials like newspapers or insulation to trap the heat inside and prevent heat loss. The size and shape of the oven can also be optimized to capture more sunlight and concentrate it on the cooking area.
2. The final idea in preparation for building the prototype would be to gather all the necessary materials and tools for construction. This includes obtaining cardboard or a cardboard box as the main structure, aluminum foil, clear tape, plastic wrap or a zip lock bag for creating a transparent cover, black construction paper, and a thermometer. Additionally, we should prepare scissors or a box knife for cutting the materials, glue or tape for securing them, and a ruler or wooden spoon for measuring or shaping components. With all the materials gathered, we can proceed to build the prototype of the solar oven according to the initial annotated sketch, making any necessary adjustments or improvements along the way.
can u do the brainstorming part to?
Sure! Here is a brainstorming session for designing a solar oven that can cook an egg:
1. Insulation: Using insulation materials like foam or reflective layers can help trap heat and increase the oven's temperature.
2. Black surface: Having a black surface inside the oven will absorb more sunlight and convert it into heat energy.
3. Reflective surfaces: Consider adding reflective surfaces, like aluminum foil, to direct more sunlight towards the cooking chamber.
4. Ventilation: Incorporate vents or adjustable flaps to regulate airflow and prevent overheating.
5. Adjustable angle: Design the oven with an adjustable angle feature to maximize sun exposure throughout the day.
6. Compact folding: Explore different folding mechanisms to make the oven compact and easy to transport.
7. Lightweight materials: Choose lightweight and durable materials that are suitable for outdoor use and can withstand heat.
8. Temperature monitoring: Include a built-in thermometer or temperature gauge to monitor the internal temperature.
9. Stability: Ensure the oven is stable and secure, even when set at different angles or on uneven surfaces.
10. Easy to assemble: Make sure the design is user-friendly and can be easily assembled and disassembled, without requiring complex tools.
This brainstorming session can help generate ideas and options for designing a solar oven that can cook an egg efficiently and be space-saving for easy transportation.
*PART 5: (6 points)
Create Your Prototype
Create it! Begin building your solar oven.
Highlight what’s working and fix what’s failing, what needs to be changed?: