Objectives: Participants will:
1. research and translate solar energy concepts.
2. apply these concepts successfully to a
laboratory problem solving activity.
3. design, experiment with and test potential
solutions to the problem.
4. construct a heating device which uses direct,
radiant solar energy as the sole
energy source.
5. observe and compare the ability of other
participants to apply their knowledge in a
learning environment.
6. collect, record, and compare quantitative data.
7. relate this activity to full‑scale
practical applications in society.
8. experience both formal and informal methods of
evaluation
9. cooperate in a peer group problem solving
endeavor.
10. cook food for each member of the team.
Content Objective: To
cook an egg for each team member during the time allotted using only direct,
radiant solar energy.
Introduction:
The ability of persons to
understand and apply the principles of solar energy can have a substantial
effect upon the financial well‑being of persons, their families, the
environment, and the nation. We soon will be facing a serious energy crisis as
fuels, which have taken millions of years to form, are depleted. Utilization of
renewable energy sources will conserve these valuable fossil fuel reserves
which are essential feed stocks for the medical, agricultural, polymer, and
other sectors of our industrialized technological society.
This activity is intended to
provide participants with an enjoyable, valuable learning experience while
capitalizing on the interactive nature of individuals and groups.
Materials:
Materials
required in designing and constructing a solar food cooking device are to be
provided by the participants, purchased, or acquired or borrowed from
laboratory stock. Incorporating previously used (recycled) materials is very
strongly encouraged.
Procedure:
1. Establish the number of participants in
your group. One to three people constitute a
participating
"group." Record your group name and participants' names on the
team
registration list.
2. Review resource materials concerning
the topic of solar energy and its
applications to cooking
food.
3. Relating the concepts of the above research, apply your
knowledge in the design and
construction of a solar
powered food cooking device. Sketches, experiments and
material selection to
determine the best, most efficient design are VERY highly
encouraged.
4. The use of recycled or "found" materials is
highly encouraged.
5. You are NOT permitted to spend any more than $10.00 for
materials to build your
device.
6. You may select any materials for your design that you feel
appropriate as long as
they
do not violate the guidelines or rules for the event.
7. You must
establish and maintain a materials and cost list. This is to be part of
your final group presentation on the day of the event.
8. The device your
team designs and constructs is to use 0 direct, radiant solar
energy as an energy source. No indirect solar resources will be
permitted.
9.
Construct your device, test it thoroughly, arid bring it, on time, to the
designated site
on the date specified.
RULES
1. On the day of the event, take your device to the designated
site.
2. Place your device, as you desire, in the designated area. DO NOT PREHEAT
YOUR DEVICE!
3. You, your team members or your device must NOT infringe upon
other team's
solar space! Solar space
infringement will result in your disqualification.
4. Each participating team will receive a
thermometer, temperature record sheet,
graph
paper and (when requested) any volume of room temperature water. One
large,
uncooked egg at room temperature will be provided for each member of the
team
along with paper plates, salt, pepper and forks for "enjoying" the
efforts of
your
labor.
5. Using your device and direct, radiant solar energy, cook
the egg(s) during the
allotted activity time
(approximately 60 minutes). Record temperature at five (5)
minute intervals.
6. You may move, align or adjust the device as you deem necessary
during the
event.
7. When you have cooked and eaten the
eggs) or the activity time has expired, graph
the temperature readings you
have recorded.
NOTES:
1. Design, Quality of Construction and
Thermal Performance will each be evaluated
by the
judge.
2. You may cook the egg(s) using any method you deem best. The
egg(s) may be
removed
from or left in the shell during the cooking operation. Boiling, poaching,
baking
or frying are all acceptable. (You will have to determine which method is
best.)
3. Devices which are preheated prior to the event will be
disqualified! Heating by
sources other than direct,
radiant solar energy will also eliminate the participant.
Designs must be considered
"practical," and socially acceptable. Fun and fair
play are essential!
CONCLUDING ACTIVITIES
1. Each team will give a presentation to the class concerning
design strategies,
construction
materials, materials cost and temperatures attained.
2. The judge will review the temperatures and times recorded
for the various
participating
teams.
3. Prizes, beyond your wildest dreams, will be awarded to the
top teams.
"C.E.S. SUNY‑Oswego"