Define what a solar hot box is. Define what a solar collector is. Explain that a solar hot box differs from a solar collector only in the respect that the solar heat is collected and contained in the box is not purposely transferred. The heat from a solar collector is usually transferred from the collector by a heated air or water medium to another location. Students will build their own hot box using the colors and materials they choose.
Students can work in pairs or alone to build their box and conduct the experiment.
Explain that each hot box groups will go outside and complete a temperature experiment to determine the maximum temperature it will reach. Have each group set their experiment up with a thermometer on the inside. At one minute intervals have each group record the temperature of the hot box. Bring the results into the classroom and record the temperatures for each group on the board. Ask the students which hot box achieved the highest temperature the fastest.