STEM S'mores Maker (DIY Solar Oven)

AUGUST 20TH, 2024

S’mores are a classic summer treat, and this stem activity makes them even more fun! With this DIY solar oven, they’ll learn all about the power of the sun. Plus they can enjoy a tasty treat at the end! This kids outdoor activity is sure to be a hit with the girls in your life.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cardboard box (A pizza box is perfect, but any box will work.)
• Aluminum foil
• Clear plastic wrap
• Bamboo stick
• Scissors or (with adult help) a box cutter
• Tape
• Marker or pencil
• Black construction paper
• Ruler
• Graham cracker
• Marshmallow
• Chocolate bar

This book introduces girls to seven scientific disciplines.

How to make your S'mores:

Step 1: Prepare the box by creating a flap that opens up like a pizza box. We used a box cutter to start our cut lines. Please ask a grown up for help with this! Then, finish with scissors.

Step 2: Use the marker and ruler to trace a rectangle on top of the box. Be sure to leave about an inch of space from the edge. This will be the oven door. (Our box was a little bigger, so we left two inches from the edge.)

Step 3: Use the scissors or box cutter (with adult help) to cut the rectangle. Don’t cut it completely out. Leave the top edge uncut.

Step 4: Line the inside of the box with aluminum foil. You can use tape to secure the foil.

Step 5: Line the inside flap of the rectangle you cut with foil. Wrap the foil around the top and secure it with tape.

Step 6: Cover the opening of the lid with clear plastic wrap and use tape to secure it tight on your box. We put tape all the way around it so it would stay tight. This will hold the heat inside the oven. Make sure the foil flap is open so you don’t seal it in!

Outdoor Sports was created to inspire a spirit of adventure.

Step 7: Place a piece of black construction paper on the bottom of the oven.

Step 8: Use a bamboo stick to hold the oven open. Be careful not to pierce the plastic wrap.

Step 9: Now the oven is ready to make s’mores. Gather the food ingredients and place them in the oven on top of a small piece of aluminum. This way you can reuse the black paper over again.

Step 10: Close the lid and prop open the flap with the bamboo stick.

Step 11: After 30 minutes or so your sweet treat will be ready to enjoy. Be careful opening your oven as it may be hot from being in the sun.

This activity can be done at home, or on a family camping trip. Either way, it’s a fun thing to do in the summer, and it encourages some learning at the same time! Enjoy!