Students at William Floyd High School recently turned science lessons into hands-on discovery by building and testing solar ovens. The innovative activity, led by teachers Christopher Ribaudo, Nicole Vitale, and Dana Harbers, introduced Earth and Space Science students to renewable energy concepts in a memorable and practical way.
Using simple household materials such as cardboard boxes, tin foil, plastic wrap, and black construction paper, the students designed ovens capable of capturing and concentrating solar energy. The project’s objective was clear: demonstrate how solar ovens function by absorbing and reflecting sunlight to generate heat. Students worked in small groups, encouraging collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity while modifying their ovens for maximum efficiency.
Once construction was complete, the classes headed outdoors for testing. During the first trial, students inserted thermometers inside their ovens to record temperature changes before and after exposure to direct sunlight. This allowed them to track real-time data and see the effectiveness of their designs. For the second round, students placed s’mores inside their creations. Excitement grew as they watched chocolate and marshmallows soften and melt, confirming that their ovens were not just theoretical models but functioning devices.
The school community also highlighted the role of local support in making the project possible. Mama Lisa Restaurant in Mastic generously donated 50 small pizza boxes, which served as the foundation for many of the student-built ovens. Teachers expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting how it reinforced the connection between classroom learning and the broader community.
Ms. Harbers praised her students’ efforts, saying, “Earth and Space Science students show off their solar ovens after a successful test run!” Another teacher added, “Students in Mr. Ribaudo’s and Ms. Vitale’s class testing out their solar ovens outside.”
For William Floyd students, renewable energy education came with sweet results.