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Using the
Sun's Energy to Make a Tasty Treat
The energy
from the sun is what heats our earth. This energy, solar energy, can be
used to heat and light our homes. In the past we have depended on fossil
fuels such as coal and
oil for our power needs. We cannot depend on fossil fuels for energy forever,
as we are using up the fossil fuel resources we need to look at other ways
to create energy. Solar energy is one renewable energy source that we can
use.
Sunlight contains
some rays that we can use, and others that we can't use. The rays that
we cannot use are ultraviolet rays; the ones that we can use are infrared
rays. The ultraviolet rays are what causes your skin to darken, or tan
on these hot summer days. If you get too much ultraviolet rays you will
get a sunburn. The infrared rays can be used to create warmth, and on hot
summer days they can even be used to cook food. We will use this solar
energy to create a delicious snack!
SUPPLIES
marshmallows
chocolate
squares
muffin
tin
foil
and paper baking cups
WHAT TO
DO
Line
1/2 of the muffin tin with foil baking cups.
Line
1/2 of the muffin tin with paper baking cups.
Place
1 marshmallow in each cup and 1 chocolate square on top of each marshmallow.
Place
your solar warming muffin in direct sunlight.
Turn
the solar warming muffin to face the sun as it crosses the sky.
Watch
the ingredients.
When
the chocolate melts over the marshmallow then your treat is ready.
Which
treats were ready first, the treats in the foil cups or the treats in the
paper cups?
Why
do you think that some treats were ready before the others?
Book for purchase
from Barnes & Noble
Done in
the Sun: Solar Projects for Children
by Hillerman,
Anne
An introduction
to the sun as a renewable energy source, demonstrating through simple experiments
and craft projects how the sun's light and heat can be used to help us
in our everyday lives.