Build a DIY Solar Oven!

What can we use instead of a pizza box, aluminum foil, or black construction paper if we can't find them?

If you don't have a pizza box or large shoebox use a shallow cereal or shipping box taped closed, replace the flap foil with a shiny mylar emergency blanket or smooth canned-food foil taped shiny-side out, and substitute black construction paper by coloring plain paper black so the plate still sits on a dark surface inside the box.

My solar oven isn't warming the snack—what might be wrong and how can we fix it?

Make sure the foil on the flap is taped flat and shiny-side out and angled to reflect sunlight, the double layer of clear plastic wrap is sealed over the cut-out window with no gaps, the black construction paper lies flat under the plate, and the box is turned so the foil flap faces the sun and propped securely with a stick.

How should we change the steps for younger children or older kids to make the project safe and challenging?

For preschoolers have an adult handle the ruler and 'cut along the three drawn sides' and the hot-food removal while the child smooths foil, tapes plastic, and decorates, and for older kids let them measure, cut the flap themselves, experiment with flap angles and 30–60 minute times, and add a thermometer to record results.

How can we improve or personalize our solar oven to cook better or make it more fun to share?

Boost performance by adding an extra layer of plastic over the window, insulating the sides with crumpled newspaper under the black paper, attaching extra foil reflectors to the outside flap, decorating the lid before cutting, and testing melted s'mores or warmed cheese to photograph and share on DIY.org.