The Florida Solar Energy Center Logo
 
 
 
Home > Education > K-12 > EnergyWhiz Olympics > Solar Energy Cook-off

Solar Energy Cook-off

The 2013 Solar Energy Cook-off was held at the Florida Solar Energy Center, May 4, 2013.

Two photos of students cooking in their solar ovens.The Solar Energy Cook-off is a solar cooker competition sponsored by Bright House Networks for students in grades 4 - 12. Students working in teams of two to six students, design and build solar cookers that are demonstrated at the EnergyWhiz Olympics in early May, at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) in Cocoa.

At the Solar Energy Cook-off, teams demonstrate the performance of their solar cookers by creating an original dish of food for the competition. Three awards are given in each division for the Best Oven Design and Top Solar Chefs. Each school may send up to three teams.

Register, While... It's... Hot...!

The Solar Cook-off is open to all Florida students in grades 4-12. Teams are to be made up of two to six students with at least one teacher/mentor. To pre-register, fill out the online registration form.


Why Get Involved?

Solar cooking is the simplest, safest, most convenient way to cook food without consuming fuels or heating up the kitchen. For millions of people around the world who cook over fires fueled by wood or dung, solar cooking is more than a choice—it is a blessing. For those who lack access to safe drinking water, solar water pasteurization using a solar cooker is a life-saving skill.

Bright House Solar Cook-off LogoThe Solar Energy Cook-off challenges students to use scientific know-how, creative thinking, teamwork and experimentation to design and build solar cookers. A design and cooking event, it is an excellent opportunity to combine the teaching of many scientific and social principles in an atmosphere of fun and excitement.

 

Archive

To view photos, visit our online galleries.

To see past winners, visit the Winners' Circle listed below.

Recipe books can be viewed and printed using the links below.


For More Information

FSEC serves as the school contact and provides technical assistance for this program. For more information, contact Penny Hall at 321-638-1018 or click here.


Resources

View Solar Energy Cook-Off rules (Adobe Acrobat PDF, 33KB).

Solar cooking basics are available online at Solar Cooker International and solar cooker examples are available also.

Solar Matters curriculum units including solar cooker activities are available on the FSEC web site.


Teacher Workshop

A solar cooker workshop for teachers is scheduled for February 9, 2013 at FSEC. Each participating teacher receives a $50 stipend. To register, fill out the online registration form.