Students across the High Desert are invited to put their creativity, problem-solving skills, and renewable-energy knowledge to the test at the 13th Annual MEEC Solar Oven Cook-Off Challenge, returning on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Helendale Community Park. Hosted by the Mojave Environmental Education Consortium (MEEC), this hands-on STEM event brings together teams of students in grades 3 through 12 for a full day of innovation, collaboration, and solar-powered cooking.

The Solar Oven Cook-Off challenges student teams of three to six participants to design and build a fully functional solar cooker using only the power of the sun. Once constructed, teams demonstrate their cooker’s performance by preparing an original dish on site, showcasing how engineering design, renewable energy principles, and creativity come together in real-world applications. Schools from throughout the Mojave Desert may enter up to three teams each, making this a highly collaborative and region-wide competition.

To ensure fair and age-appropriate competition, the event is divided into four grade divisions: Grade 3, Grades 4–6, Grades 7–9, and Grades 10–12. Younger students focus on foundational solar-cooking concepts, while older teams are challenged with more advanced design specifications, temperature requirements, and cooking techniques. All solar cookers must be portable, powered exclusively by sunlight, and constructed entirely by students, reinforcing the educational focus of the event.

Judging takes place in two main categories—Design and Recipe—with teams earning points for construction quality, functionality, creativity, and their ability to explain how their cooker works. Recipes are judged on taste, presentation, creativity, nutrition, and how well the dish pairs with the cooker’s capabilities. Awards and cash prizes are given in each age division, including top honors for both recipe and construction, encouraging excellence across multiple disciplines.

The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with lunch and snacks provided for all registered participants. Transportation grants are available to help schools attend, making the competition accessible to students throughout the High Desert. Family members and friends are welcome to observe and cheer on teams, though competition areas remain limited to participants to ensure safety and fairness.

With its blend of science, sustainability, and creativity, the MEEC Solar Oven Cook-Off continues to inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators, and environmental leaders. Educators are encouraged to register early, as the event is expected to draw strong participation once again. Complete event details, rules, and registration forms can be found at meeconline.com, and questions may be directed to MEEC staff ahead of the competition.