A solar oven or solar cooker science project demonstrates how sunlight can be harnessed to cook food using renewable energy. This project showcases the principles of heat absorption, reflection, and trapping to achieve sustainable and eco-friendly cooking.

Key Components of the Model:
- Box Structure: A cardboard box or shoebox acts as the oven’s main body, with an opening to capture sunlight.
- Reflector: Aluminum foil or a reflective surface lines the inner surfaces to direct sunlight into the box.
- Black Surface: The base inside the box is painted black to absorb heat effectively.
- Transparent Cover: A glass sheet, plastic wrap, or transparent lid traps heat inside the box.
- Insulation: Materials like foam, newspaper, or cotton insulate the box, preventing heat loss.
- Food Container: A small container or plate holds the food item for cooking or heating.
How It Works(solar oven or solar cooker science project):
- Capturing Sunlight: The reflector directs sunlight into the box. The black base absorbs the light, converting it into heat.
- Heat Trapping: The transparent cover allows sunlight to enter but traps heat inside, creating a greenhouse effect that raises the temperature.
- Cooking Food: As the heat builds up inside the insulated box, the food warms up or cooks slowly. The temperature can reach up to 80–100°C (or higher with optimal design).
- Insulation: The insulating materials around the box minimize heat loss, maintaining the internal temperature.
Applications and Learning:
- Renewable Energy: Demonstrates how solar energy can replace conventional fuel sources.
- Heat Transfer: Explains the principles of reflection, absorption, and insulation.
- Eco-Friendly Cooking: Encourages sustainable practices and reduces reliance on non-renewable resources.
This model not only teaches important scientific concepts but also highlights practical, environment-friendly alternatives to traditional cooking methods.