Our pupils recently put their science and design skills to the test by creating their own solar ovens from pizza boxes. 

Using foil, cling film and black card, pupils designed and built ovens that could capture and retain heat from the sun. They created a window in the lid, covered it with cling film to help trap the warm air inside, lined the box with foil to reflect the sunlight and used black card to absorb the heat. A simple support arm was then added to hold the lid open at the best angle. 

The activity gave pupils a practical way to explore renewable energy, heat transfer, absorption and reflection, while also developing their problem-solving and design skills. 

Once the ovens were complete and decorated, it was time for the all-important test! Marshmallows, chocolate and biscuits were added to make s’mores, before the ovens were placed outside in the sunshine to warm up. 

The experiment was a great way to bring science to life — and enjoying the warm s’mores at the end was definitely an added bonus!