Atmospheric Science Data Center; Link to Home Page.

Radiation Budget Activity:
Solar Rotisserie

 Radiation of energy from the sun.

Grade Level: 5-8

National Science Content Standards

Physical Science:
  1. Transfer of Energy
Science and Technology:
  1. Abilities In Technological Design
Science as Inquiry:
  1. Abilities Necessary to Do Scientific Inquiry
  2. Understanding about scientific inquiry

Description of Activity

This will create a simple solar cooker. Time required is approximately 45 minutes.

Materials

  1. Pringles can or other cylindrical container lined with aluminum foil long enough to hold a hot dog
  2. Bamboo skewer
  3. Scissors
  4. oven bag
  5. hot dog
  6. ketchup
  7. mustard
  8. roll

Procedures

  1. Cut a 7 inch slit lengthwise down the can about 1 inch from the top and 1 inch from the bottom.

  2. Make a 1-1/2 inch slit at the top and bottom of each side of the slit so that you have "doors" or "wings" opening the can sideways.

    Image shows where to cut slits in the can.   Image shows how to fold the wings on the can.

  3. Thread skewer through plastic end cap, then through a hot dog and out the can bottom.

  4. Put the "cooker" in an oven cooking bag and close tightly with included tie.

  5. Take cookers outside and place in direct sunlight for at least 2 hours of strong sun.

Results?

Lunch!
Radiation Budget Home | Radiation Budget Lesson Plans | Trading Cards | Education Index | ASDC Home Page | Questions/Feedback