Design and Test a Solar Oven

In this challenge, design a solar oven and use your design to warm a previously cooked or unperishable food item. (Do not attempt to cook and eat something that would cause harm if eaten while undercooked!)

Significance of Capturing the Sun’s Energy

Here on Earth, we have relied on the sun for nearly all of our energy. The food we eat for nourishment, much of the electricity we use to power our homes, and even the gas that ends up in most cars; nearly all of that energy can be traced back to the sun, either directly or indirectly. And given the amount of sunlight that gets converted to energy, there is still plenty more to spare. In fact, if you covered an area the size of South Africa in solar panels, we would be able to power the entire world! And what’s more, the sun doesn’t just supply the Earth with its energy.

The Sun’s Energy Fueling Space Exploration

Several space agencies have relied on the sun to power many of the objects we’ve sent into space, from rovers on Mars to full spacecraft powered by solar sails! Even the International Space Station relies on a huge array of solar panels to power the experiments that are telling us so much about our world and universe. And as NASA looks to the future, it is clear that solar energy will continue to play a huge role in propelling spacecraft, powering robotics, and preparing food on other worlds!

Prizes

Challenge winners can select from two general admission tickets to Space Center Houston or a virtual chat with a NASA astronaut.

Before you begin, review the steps below.