Jeremy's Solar Oven Using Reused and Recycled Materials

By flipping through a how to solar oven book and stumbled upon my design. Originally it had straight panels to reflect the sun’s rays but I ended up bending mine. I did make additional changes, but in the end it looked good. 

Step 1: What Did I Make?

I built a solar oven out of recycled and used materials. In summary, after I had found my design I decided to look in the recycling bin with my classmates. From there, I was able to scavenge a desk drawer. My original plan was to make it all of of wood. However, seeing that I couldn't bend wood, I needed to compromise. In the end I used an old book carrier made from black fabric and cardboard. This was very easy to bend. After that it was simple to attach aluminum, wiring, and a ramen bowl.

Step 2: How Does It Work?

Because of the ramp-like shaped panels, my solar oven can point sun rays in a precise area of use. Basically, the rays bounce of the aluminum foil and hit the object that needs to be cooked. The most important thing for the solar oven to function is that the sun’s rays need to hit the top of the panels. Otherwise, it will not be very effective.

Step 3: How Did I Build This?

In summary, after I had found my design I decided to look in the recycling bin with my classmates. From there, I was able to scavenge a desk drawer. My original plan was to make it all of of wood. However, seeing that I couldn't bend wood, I needed to compromise. In the end I used an old book carrier made from black fabric and cardboard. This was very easy to bend. After that it was simple to attach aluminum, wiring, and a ramen bowl.

In these steps, I will be telling you the actions I took to build my solar oven. Along with that, I will be providing pictures to make it more interesting. 

Step 4: Collecting

Collect wooden drawer from recycling bin. While your at it, collect ramen bowl from recycling bin.

Step 5: Altering

Screw the front off of the drawer to make it level.

Step 6: Cutting

Cut black fabric box into 4 panels (cut at each corner).

Step 7: Bending

Bend each panel into a ramp-like shape.

Step 8: Wiring

Thread wiring through all panels to connect and keep stable.

Step 9: More Cutting!

Cut aluminum foil into rectangular pieces and attach to panels.

Step 10: Gluing

Glue Aluminum to fabric panels.

Step 11: Painting

Paint ramen bowl black to attract heat.

Step 12: Final Touches

Use the desk drawer as a holder for the oven.

Step 13: Your Done!

All finished! Now it's time to test your solar oven!

Step 14: Where Did I Build This?

I  attend a school called Paulo Freire Freedom School, it's a public charter. There are only have 75 students! The school name was based off of a man named Paulo Freire, he was quite radical at the time. Our school follows some of his visions. 

This was a school project so it was primarily done at school.  Almost all of my recycled materials came from the bin outside of our school! I did all of my work in science class. This was only my project, meaning that I worked alone. However, I did get a little advice from my awesome science teacher: Chris. 

Step 15: What Did I Learn?

Before I built my solar oven I never really thought about using recycled materials. I only wanted to make it look cool and make a project that resembled  craftsmanship. It was a real challenge to use all reused and recycled materials. How does this connect to my life? I never thought about using these kinds of materials. It never crossed my mind. About halfway through my project I realized I could do both craftsmanship and use environmental friendly materials at the same time. Now whenever I want to build something like this, even on my own time, I know to choose my materials wisely and carefully. I’m very proud of my design, it resembles that of craftsmanship and effort. If I were to change any part of my project I would use a glass bowl to speed the heating process. Although my solar oven worked, I believe that it would be even more efficient to use glass. 

I hope you've enjoyed my Instructable! Good luck on you're very own solar oven!