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Make a Solar-Powered Hot Dog Cooker
WOW: The Earth receives more energy from the Sun in just one hour than the entire world uses in a whole year!*
Use the energy of the Sun to grill a solar dog.
What you need:
Step-by-Step:
Bon appétit!
*Source: U.S Department of Energy
Make a Solar-Powered Hot Dog Cooker
WOW: The Earth receives more energy from the Sun in just one hour than the entire world uses in a whole year!*
Use the energy of the Sun to grill a solar dog. What you need:
- shoe box
- pencil
- scissor or utility knife
- aluminum foil
- poster board
- piece of clean wire coat hanger
Step-by-Step:
- Select a long, narrow cardboard box, like a shoe box. Draw a downward curve (parabolic) starting at the top of each end of the long sides of the box. Cut out the curve.
- Measure and cut a piece of poster board that will fit into the opening of the box and flush along the edges of the curved sides. Use white craft glue to apply a sheet of aluminum foil to the poster board. The sheet of foil should be slightly bigger than the poster board to allow for folding over to the underside of the poster board. Be sure to keep the foil surface as smooth as possible.
- Attach the foil panel to the curved sides and ends of the box (foil side up!) with tape, beginning at the center and working toward to edges.
- Use two scraps of heavy cardboard to make supports for the skewer and handle. Glue the supports to the sides of the box, centered at the lowest point of the curve. Punch a hole in each support for the skewer. The holes should be positioned so the hot dog is no more than an inch from the foil surface while cooking.
- Ask an adult to cut a piece of clean wire coat hanger long enough to span the width of the box, with a little extra for a handle. Crimp and shape one end of the wire to form a handle for turning the hot dog while it cooks.
- Choose a sunny, cloudless day for your solar cook-out. Grill your hot dog when the sun is at the highest point in the sky, usually the afternoon.
Bon appétit!
*Source: U.S Department of Energy
