The first principles of a solar cooker were made in 1767 by Swiss geologist, meteorologist, physicist, mountaineer and Alpine explorer Horace-Bénédict de Saussure. Cooking meals from the sun was mostly developed in the French Foreign Legion, in the 1870s. Today, organizations are promoting worldwide use of solar ovens to help reduce fuel costs and air pollution, and to help slow down deforestation and desertification.

Now you can buy solar ovens or make your own very easily. They are great for learning about the suns power and how to harness it for fun or in an emergency.

Supplies

Gather these supplies:

Pizza Box
Sharp Scissors or box cutters
Hole Punch
Dowel Rod
Ruler
Newspaper
Black construction paper
Tape
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Wrap
Thermometer

Step 1: Measure and Cut

First, measure and cut a 1 inch border around the front and sides on the top lid of the pizza box. Leave the back side attached.

Step 2: Cover With Foil

Next, cover the inside flap that you cut in step one with aluminum foil, tightly wrapping the foil around the flap, and then tape it to the back so that it doesn't fall off.

Step 3: Tape a Layer of Plastic Wrap

Then, tape a double layer of plastic wrap over the window flap you cut in step one. You'll want to cover it on the underside the faces into the box. Leave a 1 inch overlap of plastic wrap around the sides, and tape it down. This will keep bugs, grass, and dirt from getting inside the oven.

Step 4: Roll Up Newspaper Into Tubes

Next, roll up the newspaper into a tube and tape it. For added insulation and help the oven get warmer faster cover each roll with black construction paper. Do this on all 4 newspaper tubes.

Step 5: Line the Pizza Box

Then, line the bottom of the pizza box with more black construction paper, and lay the 4 tubes around the edges to insulate the oven.

Step 6: Punch a Hole

Lastly, use a hole punch to punch a small hole in the upper corner of the foil flap. Insert the dowel rod into the hole.The length of you dowel might need to be cut down depending on the size of pizza box you are using. Place a thermometer inside the oven and you are ready to start as soon as the sun it out.

Step 7: Experiment

Experiment with using the sun's energy to cook in your oven. Angle your oven to best reflect the sun's light on to the foil flap. Place a marshmallow inside the oven on a hot sunny day. Check your thermometer often for rising temperatures and wait. Plan for it to be take a little while depending on the cloud cover or general heat of the day where you are.