Summer Science Experiments | Solar Oven Smores

We absolutely love summertime. We love the warm weather. We love the extra family time. We love the opportunities for simple summer science experiments. We have been super busy lately trying out some simple science ideas. This week, we tried our hand at a classic science demonstration and made solar oven smores.

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Solar Oven Smores| Simple Summer Science

Setting up the Experiment

Materials:

Pizza Box
2 Clear Sheet Protectors
Black Construction Paper
Tape (Clear & Duct)
Utility Blade
Thermometer
BBQ Skewer
Glue
Tin Foil
Ruler
Pen

Marshmallows
Chocolate
Graham Crackers
*Adult Supervision

Set Up:

We set this is experiment up while we were having our summer science fun day full of simple science experiments. It was fairly simple to set up and needed just a little prep ahead of time on my end. I gathered the materials and set them on a tray so we would have everything ready when we were ready to this demonstration. I want to warn you, however, that putting the chocolate out too early might not be the best idea. (not that we would know why that would happen).

How to Make Solar Oven Smores

The first step in making your solar oven is to measure a square two inches from the sides on the top of the pizza box and cut three sides with the straight edge.

Next, line the box with tin foil, and add black construction paper in the bottom with the tape.

Next, separate the plastic covers and cover the opening in the top of the pizza box. Tape the sides so that the plastic is as tight as you can get it. Finally, add attach the skewer to the side of the box with tape to prop up the lid.

Now you are ready to load your oven up for your marshmallows and smores just like you would if you were making them in the oven in the house.

Set your timer and see just how long it takes to make your s’mores. You can turn this into an experiment by testing the variations of the where you put the oven and other fun changes.

I will tell you that our s’mores never got brown. We were really confused. However, when I was writing this up, I took a look at the handy printable summer guide from my partners at Steve Spangler Science and noticed something VERY Interesting about the engineering and design of the oven. I challenge you to find the difference, too. We can’t wait to add this one small addition and test our solar oven again.

We did about five experiments that day, and we can’t wait to tell you all about them. We got all the ideas from our partners at Steve Spangler Science Club.

Want to know how this science experiment works and what we missed in the steps?

Print this Free Solar Oven Science Experiment Guide

This post comes with a free printable to help you share the love of science with others.

Our friends at Spangler Science have been nice enough to give us this awesome simple printable. It is perfect for summer camp, an afternoon experiment or to save for a rainy day. Best of all, when you download it, you let me know that you want to know about any new science experiments I might share!

Download Your Free Guide

1. 1. Download the guide. You’ll get the printable, plus join my weekly newsletter! Click Here to Download and Subscribe
  2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal.
  3. Place it on your refrigerator.

Do you have a favorite Summer Science Experiment? I would love to know! Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. I can’t wait to hear your ideas.

TIME FOR STEM SATURDAY BLOG HOP!

STEM Activities for kids

Still wanting more STEM activity ideas? Luckily you can always head over to last week’s post and check out more great science resources! Each week, we will share ideas in one or more of the areas of STEM to give you more ideas to get you ready to explore learning in an exciting way!