Build a solar cooker

What can we use instead of aluminum foil, black construction paper, or plastic wrap if we can't find them?

If you don't have aluminum foil for the reflector you can tape on a shiny emergency blanket sheet or a clean reflective baking pan, substitute black paint or a dark towel for the black construction paper on the bottom, and use a clear oven bag or a tightly sealed large zip-top bag in place of the plastic wrap window.

My solar cooker isn't getting warm or the marshmallows aren't melting—what should I check and fix?

Make sure the foil is taped smoothly with the shiny side facing out and the back foil facing in, the flap is tilted to reflect direct sunlight onto the black paper, the plastic wrap window is sealed tightly with tape to trap heat, and the crumpled newspaper or towel insulation fills the edges so no air leaks cool the box.

How can I adapt this project for different ages so it's safe and fun?

For younger children have an adult pre-cut the box and attach foil and plastic while the child stuffs newspaper and watches, for elementary kids let them do the cutting and taping with supervision and check snacks every 10–20 minutes, and for teens add tasks like angle measurements and temperature logging with a cooking thermometer.

What are some ways to improve or personalize the solar cooker after we build it?

To enhance the cooker add a cooking thermometer on the black paper to record temperatures, create a double-layer plastic window for better insulation, decorate the outside of the box, and experiment with adjusting the foil flap angle to maximize sunlight and speed up melting.