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You Are: Home > Activities > Cool things to make and do > Hotdog cooker

Materials

• A long narrow cardboard box
• Aluminium foil
• Cardboard
• Scissors or utility knife (adult use only)
• Sticky tape
• Glue
• Metal skewer or coat hanger

What to do

1. On the long side of the cardboard box draw an even and centred curve from one end to the other. Draw the same curve on the opposite side of the box, making sure that the curves are exact.
2. Cut out the curve with scissors or ask an adult to cut with a utility knife.
3. Measure and cut a piece of cardboard that will fit flush against the opening to the box. Attach this with tape, beginning at the centre and working towards the edges.
4. Cover the curve with glue and stick on the aluminium foil (shiny side out). Start in the middle and smooth toward the edges. Try not to wrinkle or fold the foil, keeping the surface as smooth as possible.
5. Tape two pieces of cardboard to each side as supports. Cut a slit down the middle of each cardboard support, stopping about 3cm from the reflective surface.
6. Thread a hotdog onto a metal skewer or clean, straightened coat hanger and place across the solar cooker.
7. Place your solar cooker out in the sun. Sunlight hits the reflective surface and focuses on the hotdog held in the centre. Before you know it - lunch is ready!

*Check that the hotdog is properly cooked before eating.