Activity

Solar Cooking

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Solar Cooking activity also includes:

Who needs a barbecue grill to cook hot dogs when you have the amazing power of the sun at your disposal? Engage young scientists in learning about solar energy with this fun activity that turns a used Pringles can into a solar powered hot dog cooker.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Supplement this activity into a lesson series on solar energy in the upper-elementary and middle school grade levels
  • If available, consider placing a thermometer inside the cookers so students can measure and record the temperature change that occurs
  • Encourage children to make modifications to improve the efficiency of the cookers
Classroom Considerations
  • Depending on the number of available Pringles cans, consider having students work in pairs or small groups creating the solar cookers
  • Send home a note to parents asking for help gathering Pringles cans and other necessary materials
Pros
  • A list of easy-to-follow directions and illustrations are provided for creating the solar cooker
  • Activity involves the use of common, inexpensive materials
Cons
  • None