4th grade as Environmental Engineers

Fourth grade has been studying about alternative energy sources both in their Science class and in STEAM.  We have learned about a village in Africa that relies on fire for cooking and has recently been introduced to solar ovens.  We have tested insulators and experimented with different materials to hold heat and conductors transfer energy.  The students have determined the best materials for both jobs and through lots of planning have created their very own solar ovens.  We had to wait for a sunny day to begin cooking.  Then the big day -- cooking smores!  What a treat for all of our hard work!