Pizza Solar Oven

The world's resources are quickly depleting, and soon we will run out of the precious fossil fuels controlling nations across the globe. However, there is a solution to the exponentially growing problem of resource scarcity - renewable energy. Renewable energy is often categorized as "clean energy" as it produces no negative side effects to the environment or atmosphere. Technology that utilize these forms of clean energy are quickly being developed, but one specific tool is preparing to make it's mark on the global stage of energy production - solar ovens.

Solar ovens concentrate the sun's UV rays to a focal point which then quickly heats up that specific area. The three conditions that determine the efficiency of a solar oven is it's concentration, absorption, and retention capabilities. Each of these components enable the solar oven to be feasible in the first place, and the more it concentrates, absorbs, and retains, the more energy will be produced by these solar ovens.

As a citizen of this world, it's our duty to contribute to finding a solution to the growing issues in society. Whether it be resource scarcity, social justice issues, the environment, or starvation, it's our responsibility to fix the problems that we have created. The solar oven we, and many others, are building is one means to repair current complications, but it is one that may make a huge impact in the near future.

Use a ruler to measure 1 inch from each edge of the box. Mark the inch points and cut an appropriate size square out, leaving one side uncut to reveal a square opening. Make sure the square itself isn't too small, but isn't too big either.

Cut out an appropriate sized aluminum square that matches the size of the flap. Cover the flap with the aluminum square facing the inside of the box. Make sure none of the foil is covered by other objects (such as tape). Ensure that it is secure and won't fall off while in use.

Open up the pizza box and insert BLACK construction paper throughout the base of the box. Make sure all surface areas are covered and there are no exposed sections. Add black rolls of paper to the sides of the box to ensure that heat remains insulated.

**BLACK PAPER IS NOT REQUIRED, BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS IT COLLECTS AND ABSORBS HEAT MORE EFFICIENTLY

Take plastic wrap and cover the square opening on the box. Do NOT cover the flap with saran wrap - only the opening.

Make sure that it's tightly wrapped on and covers as much surface area as possible. Cover any openings to prevent heat from escaping.

Now your experimental solar oven is complete and you can take it outside for a trial run. Keep in mind, the sun is at it's strongest from 12:00PM to 3:00PM. Make sure the aluminum flap is facing the sun so as much UV rays can be collected to convert into heat energy.

Put a thermometer INSIDE the box where the food would go. Keep track of how high the temperature increases.
**KEEP IN MIND - COOKING TEMPERATURE IS AT LEAST 150 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT

If needed, fix any components of your solar oven to match the minimum requirements needed for cooking. Before you actually take it out and use it, look up what you're going to cook and make sure that your oven can reach that temperature.

Now your solar oven is complete. You've finished everything you needed to do and you can finally take it out for a spin. Bring some friends along (or even have a potluck if they have their own solar ovens) to enjoy the delicious food your solar oven will produce. Be proud that your oven is not only efficient, but environmentally friendly.