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How to Bake Cookies Using Solar Energy

You can harness the energy of the sun to bake a batch of cookies. Building a solar oven is an inexpensive and simple way to teach children about solar energy. But while older children can construct a solar oven on their own with only a few basic materials, adult assistance is required for younger children because cutting is involved and the oven gets very hot.

Things You'll Need

Large, empty pizza box
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors or box cutter
Black construction paper
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Non-toxic tape or glue
Cookie mix or ingredients
Bowl
Wooden spoon
Dark-colored baking tray

Instructions

- 1
  Use a ruler to draw a one-inch border around the lid of the pizza box. Cut around three sides, leaving the back attached to create a flap.
- 2
  Fold back the flap and line the inside of the flap with aluminum foil. Secure the foil with non-toxic tape or glue.
- 3
  Cover the hole in the pizza box with plastic wrap, securing it with non-toxic glue or tape. If desired, repeat on the underside of the pizza box's lid. The plastic wrap must be tightly attached.
- 4
  Line the inside of the bottom half of the box with aluminum foil before covering the bottom with black construction paper. The foil and construction paper will attract the heat of the sun.
- 5
  Mix up boxed cookie dough according to manufacturer's directions. Spoon out portions of cookie dough onto a dark-colored baking sheet or tray that will fit inside the bottom of the box.
- 6
  Place the tray into the bottom of the solar oven. Set the oven in a sunny place and use a pencil or ruler to prop open the flap, which should be facing the sun.
- 7
  Watch the cookies bake through the plastic-wrapped window in the oven's lid. Expect to allow at least double the amount of time it takes to bake cookies in a conventional oven to fully cook the dough.

Nature