MAY 16, 2026
Are you new to solar cooking and the Solar Cook-off? Check out the Everyone Can Solar Cook PowerPoint for helpful tips for you and your students.
MEEC is pleased to announce the 13th Annual “Solar Cook-off Challenge!” This event provides students in grades 3-12 the perfect opportunity to utilize their STEM and critical thinking skills working as a team to design, build, and create a solar cooker and winning recipe.
This year, we will be hosting the event at Helendale Community Park in Phelan.
At the Solar Oven challenge, teams will demonstrate the performance of their solar cookers by creating an original dish(es) of food for the challenge. Three awards will be given in each age division for the BEST OVEN DESIGN and TOP RECIPES. Each school may send up to three teams to this year’s competition. Grade Divisions are: 3rd grade, 4-6 grade; 7-9 grade; and 10-12 grade.
Awards are:
Grade 3: $100 for top team
Grades 4-12
Construction: 1st: $250 2nd: $150; 3rd: $75
Recipe: 1st: $200 2nd: $100; 3rd: $50
We are looking forward to a huge event this year! Transportation grants are available to assist with the cost of district transportation to the event for those teams coming for our outlier areas. This is one sizzling hot event that you don’t want your students to miss out on!
Team registration form and transportation grant application must be received by Friday, March 20, 2026. All team construction forms, recipe forms and liability forms must be included with your registration application to be considered for judging.
For more information on this event, please contact MEEC Program Specialist, Samantha Duvall at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717 or email at sduvall@mdaqmd.ca.gov
