How to Make a Solar Oven: Step by Step Guide (2025)

If you want to know how to build a solar oven, you are in the right place.

In this complete guide, we will walk you through step by step how to make your own solar oven. It is a perfect summer STEM activity for kids when the weather heats up.

Whether you are working on a science fair project, an end of year engineering challenge, or just looking for a fun way to cook up something tasty without using electricity, we will show you everything you need to know to harness the power of the sun and create a delicious snack.

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Materials Needed

• Pizza box
• Black paper
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Scissors
• Tape
• S'mores supplies (chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Box

• Fold the Box: Start by folding the edges of your pizza box inward until it closes neatly.
• Create the Flap: Cut three sides of a square in the top lid, leaving the side closest to the hinge uncut. Gently fold the flap upward to create a reflective panel.

Step 2: Line with Aluminum Foil

• Bottom Layer: Line the inside bottom of the box with aluminum foil, pressing it flat and smooth.
• Flap Layer: Cover the underside of the flap with another piece of foil, securing the edges with tape.

Tip: Aluminum foil reflects sunlight into the box, helping concentrate heat on your s'more.

Step 3: Add the Black Paper

• Cut and Place: Cut a piece of black paper to fit the bottom of the box and place it over the foil.

Why? Black surfaces absorb sunlight and convert it into heat, unlike light colors that reflect most of it away.

Step 4: Install the Plastic Wrap

• Cut and Attach: Cut a sheet of plastic wrap slightly larger than the window you created under the flap.
• Seal It Tight: Tape the plastic wrap securely over the opening, making sure it’s as airtight as possible.

Tip: The plastic wrap traps heat inside, just like the windows of a greenhouse.

Step 5: Assemble Your S'more

• Test the Lid: Open and close the flap a few times to make sure everything stays in place.
• Prepare Your Treat: Lay down a small piece of foil in the center of the black paper. Stack your s'more: graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate (with the chocolate on top for faster melting).
• Seal It Up: Close the lid, leaving the flap propped open.

Step 6: Cook Your S'more

• Angle the Flap: Use a popsicle stick, skewer, or other support to hold the flap at an angle so it reflects sunlight directly onto the s'more.
• Let the Sun Work: Place your oven outside in full sunlight. On a warm, sunny day, your s'more should be ready in about 30–60 minutes!

Key Takeaway

When you build a solar oven, you’re doing a lot more than making a snack.

You’re seeing firsthand how the sun’s energy can be captured, concentrated, and put to work. No electricity, no batteries, just a simple understanding of heat and light.

Small experiments like this lay the foundation for big ideas about renewable energy, engineering, and creative problem-solving. (Plus, nothing beats a s'more you cooked with science.)

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How to Bring Hands-On STEM to Your School

At All Things Science, we’re all about making hands-on learning exciting, approachable, and fun.

Whether it’s building solar ovens, launching rockets, or coding your first robot, we believe the best way to spark curiosity is by diving in and trying it for yourself.

If you want to bring more hands-on STEM education to your K–8 school, connect with us. We’ll bring over a dozen engaging STEM programs directly to your campus, led by our expert STEM educators.‍

Learn how to bring All Things Science to your school →