Sun, Science and S’mores – Students Harness Solar Power to Make Snacks

Students at Premm Learning Center recently conducted an experiment to learn about solar power while also creating a popular summertime snack – s’mores. This activity taught students how the sun creates heat in the form of solar energy, as well as the steps to put a snack together, which is an activity of daily living.

Each class developed a hypothesis, followed steps in a scientific process, and then formed a conclusion based on the results of their experiments.

Every class transformed a pizza box into a simple solar oven by lining it with black construction paper and foil. After placing graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate in their new ovens, they covered the food with plastic wrap; propped the lid open with a small wooden dowel; and left it outside in direct sunlight.

The aluminum foil and black construction paper reflected and conducted the sun’s heat, which the plastic wrap trapped within the box. In under an hour, this heat melted the chocolate and softened the marshmallows.

Said Mary Fusco, the special education teacher at Premm who spearheaded this schoolwide experiment, “Everyone learned about the principles of light and heat and the scientific process. The results were delicious sun-baked s’mores.” All pizza boxes were generously donated by The Pizzeria of Bayport.